Technology Benefits All

I read a few of the different articles that popped up in my feed this week but I am choosing to focus on one entitled “Why Integrating Technology In The Classroom Can Better Connect Parents, Teachers, And Students”.  The title drew me in because it is important to remember that a strong connection between teachers, students, and their parents really has an impact on the success of the student.  Teachers can only do so much for the students in class; we need the support and reinforcement on the home front, as well.

One of my favorite lines from the article reads, “Technology cannot solve every challenge in education, but smart technological solutions improve communications, strengthen collaboration, and deliver results.”  Yes! We are all about technology and all it can do for us but we need to remember, it is not going to solve every problem in education. Yes, we should utilize it to its fullest potential but we need to remember how to communicate and function without it.  

The article points out how we can use technology to gather immediate data and provide fast enrichment and remediation if needed.  This is definitely a big plus and takes a lot of the guesswork out of things for teachers.  Technology can also provide immediate feedback for parents as well, to keep them in the loop as to how their child is doing in school.

I personally really enjoy using messaging with parents on a group platform. It keeps everyone updated on the latest news and activities in my classroom and I have heard so many times from the parents how much they appreciate it as well.

Why Integrating Technology In The Classroom Can Better Connect Parents, Teachers, And Students

Does the Word ‘Teacher’ Still Describe What Educators Do in the Classroom?

An article that popped up on my alerts this week really sparked my attention.  It is entitled Does the Word ‘Teacher’ Still Describe What Educators Do in the Classroom?  Just the title alone got me thinking about how many roles the teacher does, in fact, play in the classroom.  Lately, I have heard the term “classroom facilitator” be used a lot when it comes to teachers.  Yes, we teach our students but we are also facilitating while they explore with technology or other resources, in a way teaching themselves. 

            The article mentions an author by the name of Heidi Williams who states, “teaching practice has changed and the expectations put on teachers are vast, noting that they are expected to pre-assess to gauge where students are beginning from, learn multiple technology tools, differentiate their instruction, finding out students’ interests and habits, personalize their instruction and ensure continued growth (Abamu 2017).” I obviously know the demands that a teacher faces because I am a teacher.  It is challenging because when your class, you have to find a way to teach every student in that class and meet each of them at whatever level they are on.

            I started to reflect on how we have to alter our teaching methods and strategies to meet out ELL students.  When we have them use all of this wonderful technology and resources that we are learning about, part of our job is in fact facilitating and monitoring their usage and progress.  There is no doubt in my mind that as time goes on and we have more exposure to different tools, our roles as teachers will continue to change.

Does the Word ‘Teacher’ Still Describe What Educators Do in the Classroom?