The science of today is the technology

of tomorrow Edward Teller

LEARNING WITH
TECHNOLOGY

DIANNA RAMLOGAN
Rotec/University of New
Brunswick
Learning with Technology

UWI ROYTEC/University of
New Brunswick
PROGRAMME: BACHELOR OF

EDUCATION (ELEMENTARY STUDIES)

NAME: DIANNA RAMLOGAN

COURSE TITLE: LEARNING WITH

TECHNOLOGY

LECTURER: ANNOUSHKA ISHMAEL

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RAMLOGAN
Learning with Technology

Introduction
Technology within the classroom is an important element of education. It provides

students with the various skills needed to progress in this fast growing technological advanced

world we live in. Valleyline Government Early childhood centre is the name of my school. It is

located in the heart of Barrackpore and consists of four Teachers and Fifty students ranging

between the ages of three to four.

The Technology available at our centre is quite minimal; however, we try our best to

accommodate our students with what is available. To ensure that students are also given

opportunities to explore and utilize this centre effectively, resources are also sourced using other

mediums.

This paper will highlight the importance of technology within the classroom and how it

has impacted the lives of both the students and me. It also gives a brief account of how

technology is used and the benefits it provides for students holistically.

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Learning with Technology

Teaching philosophy statement

and reflection on Technology
integration
Teaching philosophy statement:

What are your expectations for your students individually and as a class?

My teaching philosophy and expectations are focused on striving to impart

knowledge and provide limitless guidance for all children. In order to achieve success, I

will provide continuous technological support, such as offering additional assistance to

children who require it. Most importantly, I will give my students the inspiration and self-

reliance needed for them to believe that they can succeed, since it is indeed the key to

creating successful learners. Success starts in the classroom and creating a safe and

comfortable learning environment is also an important step that will be fostered to

encourage constructive learning in all domains.

My ultimate objective, however, is to build cohesion in the classroom so that a

positive rapport is developed between the teacher and students. My approach towards

accomplishing this includes constructing a culturally responsive classroom that

incorporates 21st-century technology, where the foundation is built and improved with

open communication. I believe that my students have incredible potential, hence the fact

that I am certain they will become holistic learners and realise the many possibilities they

can accomplish.

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Learning with Technology

What is your role in helping your students meet or exceed your expectations both

epistemologically, theoretically and practically (teaching strategies)?

My role in helping my students meet or exceed my expectations involves a

proactive approach. It first focuses on developing positive relations with students to

ensure that they are comfortable and understand what is expected through proper

communication and the inclusion of technology.

Introducing and formulating a classroom that enables students to progress is also

important, the implementation of various strategies and even a classroom management

plan should hence be developed. This will be done by encouraging a student centred

learning approach through technology integration and interaction both at home and in

school. When effective technology integration occurs classrooms can be modified resulting

in encouraged student-centred project-based learning.

Attwell and Battle (1999) examined the relationship between having a home

computer and school performance, for a sample of approximately 64,300 students in the

United States. Their findings suggest that students, who have access to a computer at

home for educational purposes, have improved scores in reading and maths

John Dewy (1998) confer that students learn best by doing. Involving students

in the practical aspect of technology is hence an important element of teaching as it can

provide them with the necessary skills needed to progress. Allowing students the

opportunity to interact with technology and learn from it gives them the experience and

knowledge needed through a hand on approach. Kuliks (1994) meta-analysis study

revealed that, on average, students who used ICT-based instruction scored higher than
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Learning with Technology

students without computers. The students also learned more in a short period and

enjoyed learning when it involved technology

Incorporating the use of the TIP Model will also provide me with the guidance

needed to assess the resources that is going to be utilised to plan and execute technology

lessons within the classroom. The utilization of the National Educational Technology

Standards (NETS) will also be used as a guide to assist in outlining the expected skills an

attitude of students. Through the use of both of these plans, incorporating technology

within the classroom can be effective and efficient while achieving the necessary goals.

My role within the classroom can hence be characterised as holistically

integrative and progressive. Through the incorporation of these strategies within the

classroom the use of technology has been seamless and enables students with the

necessary tools to progress successfully.

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Learning with Technology

Which factors in your classroom most impact your students learning?

Many factors in my classroom impact on students learning due to the simple fact that

learning can be complex at times. One of the key factors thus far that has been the

availability of technology. Students are always willing to learn due to their interest in use of

technology. This is however, sometimes an issue as students are usually limited due to not

having access to a computer or even internet. Students however, are unable to fully extend

their abilities and skills due to this impediment. One key factor that is used within the

classroom to assist in controlling this issue is by bringing the technology into the classroom

so that students can get access at school. Students are also given computer time on their

breaks to facilitate their technological needs and also to practice their skills.

A lack of parental support is also another issue within the classroom. This issue is due to

parents lack of knowledge about the importance of the use of technology and the numerous

benefits it has. Some parents believe that technology is not as effective as a teacher teaching

students in the classroom. In order to control this issue, workshops can be set up to educate

parents about the benefits of technology and the need for it in society.

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How do you know that the learning outcomes/objectives were achieved? What

assessment methods do you use?

Assessment tools and methods of various forms and nature are used in my classroom to

ensure that learning outcomes/objectives are holistically achieved. They are suitably used

in many different contexts and are aimed at improving assessment practices. The use of

various forms of assessment tool are utilised to also meet the need of students with

different leaning styles.

Tests

portfolios

Rubrics

Conference notes

Students works

Observation notes.

Presentations

Projects

Reflections

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Reflection on Technology Integration:

After considering your current practice, think about the role of technology integration. (25mks)

How would you and/or your students use the technology?

Integrating technology is indeed a magnificent addition to the classroom. It offers

opportunities to increase students interest and teaches valuable professional skills while creating

a fulfilled learning environment that is encouraging. With reference to the inclusion and

utilization of technology within the classroom, I must admit that it is done holistically. Various

programs are used within the classroom to help students progress in all domains of learning. This

is not just done as activities but also as assessment and even introductory activities such as

writing blogs as narratives, tweeting homework and utilizing web quests for research.

I have also been able to use technology as a topic for writing assignments, using web pages

for an online bulletin board and grading system. Emails are also used to communicate with

parents as well as multimedia presentations for workshops. I have also included technology in

my activities by supplementing my lessons with video clips, podcast, and even interactive

websites so that students are well engaged and able to take control over their own learning.

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Learning with Technology

What values, if any will technology add to your classroom?

Technology is indeed an important component in all classrooms today and can hence be

noted as holistically essential in all domains of learning. Technology is becoming more

predominant and is undoubtedly seen as a valuable asset in my classroom. By embracing and

integrating technology in my classroom, lessons, and activities, I believe that it has made

learning fun and interesting. Lessons in my classroom challenge what is deemed as the chalk

and talk method to more appealing activities by utilizing virtual lessons and other

technological program and devices.

Technology helps prepare my students for a technologically advanced future that is

fast pace and continuously evolving digitally. These 21st-century expertises are indeed

crucial in order to enable students to be successful in the current epoch we live in.

Technology has also been able to help my students retain information better, due to its hands-

on approach to learning and innovative method to teaching. Todays technology has also

enabled many of my students to learn at their own pace. For instance almost all the apps

available allow for individualized instruction. Students can learn according to their abilities

and needs as technology provides this advantage and prepares students for the evolving

world we live in.

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Learning with Technology

What barriers exist (if any)?

There are many factors that impede the use of technology in teaching. These barriers

include a lack of technology and internet connection both at home and school. Technology is

also costly hence, for some students and families it may be difficult to access. Lack of

financial resources as well to provide students with updated resources is an additional

impediment as technology changes by the day. I have definitely observed these issues within

the school setting and as a committed teacher, I am trying my best to break these barriers and

give these students the opportunity they need to progress. Although these barriers are present,

I strongly believe that as teachers there are ways in which we can work around them and

encourage students holistically.

How might your role change from your current practice?

Roles in the classroom vary at times and I believe that when technology is involved it can be

changed as an educator to a learner. Students, in general, are so amazingly talented when it

comes to using technology I think at times they can be categorized as the teacher with reference

to introducing new programs, tips, and even skills. Other roles include instructional designer,

which includes the designing of the classroom for integrated technology. In my opinion, teachers

can also be classified as trainers, especially since we are always training and assisting students to

manipulate and use technology accurately. Improving my practice is also another role that I

believe is important, by being able to work collaboratively with my peers is indeed essential.

Collaborator refers to a variety of activities that as teachers we undertake to work with our

colleagues to improve instruction ( Kozama and Schank 1998).

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Learning with Technology

Giving advice, suggestions, and assistance to students is also another role that is constantly

undertaken within my classroom this can also classify us as facilitators. The monitoring of

students technological performance throughout their day to day involvement with technology

also gives us the role of a mentor and assessment specialist. Being a committed teacher, any

assistance that I can give to my students is readily done in order to achieve optimum progress.

Currently, I have been able to holistically assume these various roles within the classroom

through the implementation of technology and its advancements.

How might your students role change from their current roles?

The role of students has been altered with the integration and inclusion of technology in the

classroom. These roles include that of a self-learner, collaborative team member or and a

manager of knowledge.

My Students, in general, has been able to utilize and select their own form and use of

technology which in my view classifies them as self-learners for instance Many students in

the classroom were able to figure out the intricacies of difficult video games with no

professional teaching or assistance from anyone.

Group work and collaboratively working together as well has provided my students with the

knowledge and experience to be incredible team members through active collaboration. The

role of leaders as well takes its position as a supporter of project base learning and has also

provided my students with the tools needed to become knowledgeable leaders. This is

evident through the adoption of technologies and its ability to rapidly source new knowledge

for the benefit of my students.

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Learning with Technology

Conclusion
Technology is an important element of any classroom. It is an important tool that is

utilised to improve and shape the environment and learning of students. What is important to

note however is the significance of both a hand on approach as well as the ability to use

technology effectively to shape our learning? It is also important as teachers that we

facilitate students holistically by encouraging them to utilise digital technology to

supplement their learning in all domains. Technology can hence be seen as a vital tool for

success in the 21st century that can positively assist all students and encourage them to be

futuristic learners.

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Learning with Technology

References.

Attwell, P.; Battle, J. (1999). Home Computers and School Performance. The Information

Society. No. 15, pp. 1-10.

Dewey, J. (1998). Democracy and education: an introduction to the philosophy of education.

Lexington, KY: CreateSpace.

Kozma, R. & Schank, P. (1998). Connecting with the twenty-first century: Technology in

support of educational reform. In C. Dede (Ed.), Technology and learning. Washington , DC :

American Society for Curriculum Development

Kulik,J. A. (1994). Meta-analysis Study of Findings on Computer-based Instruction. In: e.

(l).

Roblyer, M. D. (2006). Integrating educational technology. Boston, MA: Pearson Custom Pub.

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Learning with Technology

Appendix
The use of technology in my classroom:

A student, utilising the use of a headset and stereo

to listen to rhymes and songs during centre time.

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Learning with Technology

A student using the computer to listen to a podcast that

was created for a science lesson.

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Learning with Technology

Children looking at

an instructional

video of how to

make a collage?

Children looking at

a Save the

environment movie

on the projector.

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Learning with Technology

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RAMLOGAN