Teaching In The 21st Century: Create, Collaborate and Communicate --Vision of Technology

Vision of Technology

Technology changes so quickly that the way it is used in your classroom must change too in order to meet the needs of the 21st Century learner. Today, an educator’s job is to guide students to create, collaborate and communicate in ways we haven’t before. That doesn’t come without some debate while teaching 5 and 6 year olds.  Many kindergarten educators see technology as a way to add value to their teaching and view it as an opportunity to take the first steps to prepare young students for 21st Century learning. Yet, there are others who feel technology is best left outside of the early childhood classroom. Opponents believe young children are already exposed to too much screen time and the classroom is a place for socialization and play-based learning without the use of electronics.

While thinking about my own classroom, I do believe there is room for technology to support learner-centered and play based curriculums all while preparing students for growing up in the ever changing tech savvy world.  To make this happen, students must be able to have technology at their reach, not locked in a cart or computer lab.  When walking into a classroom that uses technology, equipment such as computers, iPads, cameras and headphones should be readily available for students to use just like other tools in the classroom.  You would never find books and markers locked up in a classroom.  In a 21st Century classroom, I don’t believe technology should be locked up either. Technology should be something you can feel, touch, experience and explore.  It shouldn’t be something that you are afraid to break or need to whisper around.

Computers, iPads and Smart Boards are not going to replace valuable modeling from teachers, but it can add value and enhance what you’ve already taught. It can also improve student achievement.  When used correctly, integrated technology can be an active learning tool that encourages engagement, creativity and social learning.  Using technology in an early childhood classroom doesn’t have to be working alone on a website or iPad.  After teaching a lesson on nouns, students can review what you’ve taught while working in groups and use an iPad to take pictures of nouns in the school or classroom.   Pictures can be uploaded to programs like Skitch, labeled and then shared.  Well planned lessons intentionally integrate skills from across curriculum areas.

Technology provides an opportunity to connect with other classrooms locally or globally. Groups of students who would not otherwise be able to connect without technology are now able to collaborate on projects and ideas.  It’s a way to draw reluctant students in and engage them. In the past, my students have enjoyed connecting with other elementary classes by writing letters.  It is my hope to start using Skype to begin working on a digital learning project with classes near and far. It is a way to connect with other educators who share a similar vision.

Technology is also one way that allows a teacher to differentiate instruction. In today’s classroom, a teacher is responsible for many different adaptations and modifications. Technology can help bridge the gap.  In my classroom, students use DreamBox Math.  It’s an interactive program that adapts to each student’s specific skills and targets practice accordingly.  All of my students are able to use DreamBox at the same time, from my enrichment math students to my intervention students.  Each child is getting the instruction and practice that they need.   Some students are working on a preschool math level and others are working on the second grade math curriculum. They all think they are working on the same thing.  I would like to continue to use technology in other ways as a means to meet the needs of diverse learners. Of course, it’s important to consider children who have limited or no access to technology.  Technology used in the classroom should be accessible to all students. Some students with special needs or motor issues will need modifications.

One of my favorite uses of technology is to collaborate and communicate with parents. My classroom blog is an extension of our classroom.  It is an opportunity for parents to get a glimpse into our day and see parts of our classroom community that can’t be described in a newsletter. Photos and videos give parents a better idea of what happens inside of our classroom.  Parents are an important partner in their child's education.  After reading our blog for a few weeks, I have the parents of my students write me a letter of their Hopes and Dreams for their child during the school year.  A Hopes and Dreams letter is an idea that comes from the Responsive Classroom approach to teaching.

To make this all happen there has to be a certain amount of time set aside for professional learning, along with time to share and explore.  In an ideal world, school districts would offer staff development that was available anywhere and anytime.  Teachers would have access to a media specialist or tech integrator to help find the most effective way to integrate technology into the curriculum.  A well thought out support policy would be in place. Yet, we don’t work and live in an ideal world, although it may be close at times. As with anything new, diving in all at once can be completely overwhelming and often the quality of work suffers.  Taking small steps forward in the quest to integrate new technology may be the best way.  As technology changes over time, you will always be stepping forward and learning as a professional. The possibilities are endless and always changing.  How will you guide your students to create, collaborate and communicate?

Works Cited

"21st-Century Learner." Rss. Web. 07 Dec. 2014. <http://www.nea.org/home/46989.htm>.

"How Can Technology Be Beneficial in a Kindergarten Class?" Everyday Life. Web. 07 Dec. 2014. <http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/can-technology-beneficial-kindergarten-class-6647.html>.

"ISTE Standards for Teachers." ISTE Standards for Teachers. Web. 05 Dec. 2014. <http://www.iste.org/standards/standards-for-teachers>.