reflection #15

 The Rise of Technology

“Before you become too entranced with gorgeous gadgets and mesmerizing video displays, let me remind you that information is not knowledge, knowledge is not wisdom, and wisdom is not foresight. Each grows out of the other, and we need them all.”
― Arthur C. Clarke

Looking back in our past, we have a traditional concept of learning and education. It was more like of lecturing, reading books, taking notes back-to-back and completing assignments in the form of answering questions or writing essays. Therefore, it would be impossible if the presence of a teacher, books, and chalkboards are missing: learning and teaching would not be existing. But nowadays, it's a whole different point of view. Students of today can progress at his/her own because teachers have used the full advantage of manipulating a computer. computer then became an essential part of being an aid in teaching.

It is indeed to be remembered that owning and manipulating a particular technology is not a reliance of knowledge and wisdom. As teachers, we are reminded that this technology is just a tool to use the full potential of technology.

Teachers in the past have a hard time teaching complex things. In an article written by Lynn Schrum of Education World, "It is certainly not enough to tell educators that they need to use the boxes and wires that have invaded their schools simply because they are expensive or because students need to know how to use the latest widget. If it's clear that technological tools will help them achieve that goal, educators will use those tools. In a technology-rich classroom, students don't "learn" technology. Technology merely provides the tools to be used for authentic learning. It is a means, not an end. Technology provides educators with the opportunity to move from simply streamlining the way things have always been done to really imagining things they would like to do."

Then moreover to this,  considering technology as a tool in teaching, there are some Factors in deciding on which technology is to use. One is Practicality, this put into consideration if the equipment or hardware or the already prepared lesson material/ software is available. and If not, the possible cost in acquiring the equipment or producing the lesson in audio or visual form is taken unto account. Secondly, the appropriateness in relation to the learners. It should be considered and reviewed if the material to be used would be just for entertainment, amusement or for learning. The main goal is that through technology, students will learn. Suitability comes third and Objective-matching  comes fourth. Most important of all if the medium helps in achieving the learning objective(s).

Finally, teachers must educate themselves on how to best use those tools to enhance teaching and learning.

It is an exciting time to be teaching, and we must seize this moment to challenge ourselves, our students, our administrators, and policymakers throughout the country to help all teachers make the best use of the technology tools available to them.