Prezi

Here is the link to my Prezi for Week 4!

http://prezi.com/3qumwzitwac2/integrating-technology/

Enjoy!!

Web 2.0 and Mobile Learning

Web 2.0 is an interactive platform in which users can manipulate, create, share, participate, and put information on the web.  The control of Web 2.0 is in the hands of the users, as opposed to just the creators.  Blogs, wikis, podcasts, social networking, and many more are all included in Web 2.0.  Mobile learning is learning that happens on mobile devices such as iPods, iPads, smart phones, and any other mobile device that is capable of providing the user with learning opportunities.  Mobile applications are downloaded to these devices to help facilitate the learning.

The impact of incorporating Web 2.0 and mobile learning into education is great and will continue to be great.  No longer is learning sitting at a desk, in a classroom, taking notes, reading text books, and listening to the teacher lecture.  It's creating, developing, and sharing information via forms other than pencil-paper.  There is so much information available at our fingertips.  Learning that happens on the web and on mobile devices is more interactive and attention grabbing.  It prepares students for the outside world that, most likely, will include the use of many mobile devices and other forms of technology.  Students are now able to collaborate with others over the web.  They can interact a number of ways with students in their class, their teachers, other classes, and even people across the world.  There are endless Web 2.0 tools that are available and appropriate for all grade levels and ages.  

While there impact of Web 2.0 and mobile learning has been great, that does not go without saying that there are also challenges that arise.  One of the biggest challenges I have seen first hand with incorporating Web 2.0 or mobile learning into my classroom is the variances in user familiarity and fluency.  Some of my students have personal computers and access to many different mobile devices available to use at home and some of my students have none.  That often leads to difficulty when doing activities in the classroom when some students require a lot of support with technology and some require none.  Another challenge is technical problems that may arise and teacher knowledge.  I have witnessed when the internet crashes or kicks students off programs with no explanation other than too many users at once.  Also, if technical problems arise and the teacher is unaware of how to solve those issues, it may cause a big break in the learning that is supposed to be happening.

While there are both benefits and challenges to using mobile learning and apps in the classroom, I don't think that their use is going anywhere.  I have tried to embrace the use of these things in my classroom and have seen some really great things happen.  I will continue to learn and grow and become more skilled at using apps and technology so that I can teach my students and introduce them to some really great learning styles that are different than the traditional approaches.   I do not think things like BYOD will ever be fully incorporated, as the difficulties of it are too great.  Not all students have access to their own devices and schools often do not have the money to provide those things to all students.  I do not think the use of Web 2.0 and mobile learning is going any where, so why not become a more fluent user myself?
  

Reasons for Integrating Technology into Teaching and Learning

     As a teacher in the 21st century, it is my job to keep up to date on the latest and greatest ways to teach my students.  In the digital world in which we live, it is important to use the technology we have, literally, at our fingertips.  There are a number of reasons we should integrate technology into our teaching and our students' learning, which include: helping students become productive citizens, facilitate learning, productivity, and motivation in the classroom, and to help teachers become more productive.
     One reason teachers teach is to help prepare students for what is to come later in life.  Aiding in helping students become productive members of society should be a goal of teachers.  To help students prepare for the future it is important that we use technology as part of daily lessons to do this.  Everyday interactions with others involve technology.  From email, to phone calls, to skype we are constantly using technology to communicate with others.  Day to day activities require the use of technology as well.  Simple things like driving a car and using an ATM are ways we use technology day to day.  Most occupations require the use of technology.  We want our students to succeed and giving them technology basics early on is helping to set them off in the right direction.  Starting early, in the classroom setting, to help students become more technologically literate is important to help them be successful in the future.
     It is also important to integrate technology into teaching because there are many ways that technology can help teachers become more productive.  Using technology to help with student records and plans is an efficient way to stay organized and keep information private and easily accessible.  It is very convenient to have computer access to that type of information.  Also, there is a wealth of information that you can use to help with lessons.  Many times I have had a subject to teach, looked at the curriculum, and then gone into the cyber world to find more technological savvy ways to teach a lesson.  Also, with it being so accessible, it is not as difficult to come up with lessons and ideas.  It is important to incorporate technology standards into your lessons, as they will help prepare students for the technology world in which we live.  I try to make sure I use some sort of technology in each of my lessons and hit standards when doing so.
     In my opinion, the most important reason to integrate technology into the classroom is that it can facilitate learning, productivity, and motivation in the classroom.  I have experienced this first-hand in my classroom.  As soon as I bring out the laptops or the ipad, students immediately have more focus and are more attentive.  Using technology is a great way to capture the attention of all of the diverse learners that come with a classroom.  Because technology is such an important part of society, students may find it's use relevant.  I have found when lessons are relevant, students are more motivated to learn.  There are so many different tools of technology that can be incorporated into the classroom and each can be tailored to individual learners and can meet them at their individual levels.  That way students can be challenged, but also feel confident when they are able to complete tasks on their level.  Being successful is such a great motivator.  Technology assignments can provide that for students and make them feel good about their learning, especially if it is something new and innovative.