Reflection 8

Using technology in the classroom is a great resource for teachers. There are some things that teachers just can’t visually show their students when teaching a lesson. By using the technology that is available today, teachers are able to show students more visual explanations to help them comprehend the material better. This is especially true when it comes to topics of space. You cannot take a field trip into space. But with all of the technology today you as a teacher can show video clips and pictures taken in space.
There is a wide variety of technology available for teachers to use as resources in a classroom. The internet, which is becoming a widely used and more trusted source now than in years past is a great way for students to deepen their comprehension of the material. There are also DVD’s, databases, simulations, and virtual field trips. There are many more, but too many to list. The idea of virtual field trips is an interesting concept. The students still get to experience learning in a different form, but they do not have to leave the school to do so. This saves on a lot of stress of the teacher or teachers taking the students on the field trip. Teachers could create the feeling of a relaxed environment. Depending on how the virtual field trip would be viewed, teachers could have students sit on the rug in the classroom and relax while viewing the virtual field trip. As with any field trip, the teacher should view the virtual field trip first, to make sure that it is suitable and appropriate for students to view. This along with making sure that it follows along with what you want them to deepen their comprehension skills on.
The amount of technology that you as a classroom teacher use will also depend on how much technology your school or your classroom have access to. Lesson plans based on using technology in the classroom should not be created until you determine what resources you have and what the school can afford. You as a teacher may have to find alternate means of implementing technology into your classroom. As with anything else you as a teacher use, you should view whatever form of technology you are going to use to make sure that it covers appropriate material and that the information is accurate and up to date.