Developing Information Literacy and Technology Skills in Students
First, thanks to our experts, the MAET Bridge program, and my group members for putting the Webinar together.
The conversation started with discussing the implications of using technology in the classroom. Our experts noted these implications, but decided that there were many more advantages of using technology in the classroom. They explained that technology breaks down the walls of the classroom, taking learning world-wide by being able to bring real-time information and sharing. We discusses the facets of TPACK while the experts shared what they think about before using a new technology in class. The experts shared that they start with a backwards design model and ask themselves, “What do I want students to be able to do? What is the purpose of the technology?” In order to find new tech tools, administrators and technology coordinators need to model new technologies for teachers. Then, teachers can decide the affordances and constraints of that technology in their own classroom. Finally, teachers should not be afraid to fail. They should ask questions and try new tools without worrying that it might not work the first time.
We also discussed the importance of teaching digital skills to students. Teachers should model ways to be productive digital citizens. Since technology is so readily available in our students’ lives, they need to know how to use technology to their advantage in school. Experts noted that if students know how to correctly use technology, technology can become a great tool to differentiate and individualize learning.
The process of making our first Webinar was fun and challenging. At times, it was stressful to listen to an expert’s response while thinking about if we needed to reorder the questions and adding in questions from the backchannel. Luckily, my group and I worked well together. Zak and Lindsey worked the backchannels and kept Zach and me on track. We spoke as a group on a Google Doc so Zach and I were on the same page when we changed the conversation. I’m glad I had a group to facilitate my first Webinar! Our experts were fantastic. They gave detailed responses and examples. They were passionate about educational technology and shared great advice for those wanting to learn more.
The conversation started with discussing the implications of using technology in the classroom. Our experts noted these implications, but decided that there were many more advantages of using technology in the classroom. They explained that technology breaks down the walls of the classroom, taking learning world-wide by being able to bring real-time information and sharing. We discusses the facets of TPACK while the experts shared what they think about before using a new technology in class. The experts shared that they start with a backwards design model and ask themselves, “What do I want students to be able to do? What is the purpose of the technology?” In order to find new tech tools, administrators and technology coordinators need to model new technologies for teachers. Then, teachers can decide the affordances and constraints of that technology in their own classroom. Finally, teachers should not be afraid to fail. They should ask questions and try new tools without worrying that it might not work the first time.
We also discussed the importance of teaching digital skills to students. Teachers should model ways to be productive digital citizens. Since technology is so readily available in our students’ lives, they need to know how to use technology to their advantage in school. Experts noted that if students know how to correctly use technology, technology can become a great tool to differentiate and individualize learning.
The process of making our first Webinar was fun and challenging. At times, it was stressful to listen to an expert’s response while thinking about if we needed to reorder the questions and adding in questions from the backchannel. Luckily, my group and I worked well together. Zak and Lindsey worked the backchannels and kept Zach and me on track. We spoke as a group on a Google Doc so Zach and I were on the same page when we changed the conversation. I’m glad I had a group to facilitate my first Webinar! Our experts were fantastic. They gave detailed responses and examples. They were passionate about educational technology and shared great advice for those wanting to learn more.
