Reflection on the Impact of Technology on Education, Work and Society

Benefits of the Course

The course, Understanding the Impact of Technology, on Education, Work and Society

provided me another opportunity to receive practical training about utilizing

technology to do different things and to do things differently. Throughout the

course, I was challenged to use blogs, wikis and podcasts which was rewarding.

Prior to this course, I had never subscribed to professional blogs nor was I able

to create my own blog. Blogging is a very exciting publishing tool that can be used

as a teaching tool in various ways. It should be noted that, “when overseeing

student blogs, the teacher’s role becomes that of connector, not just evaluator”

(Richardson, 2009). On the other hand, creating a wiki with my fellow colleagues in

groups enlightened my perspective on how to coordinate group work in an online

environment. The implementation of critical 21st century skills such as, time

management, collaboration, compromise, communication and applying critical

thinking, research and computer application skills were made clearer. Therefore, my

perspective on how to use wikis can provide endless opportunities for students to

utilize their creative energies while making memorable moments of working in groups

and presenting their products to a wide audience.


This course has also enabled me to reflect on my professional and personal

development. While studying about the impact of technology on society and other

best practices to improve my teaching methods, the opportunity is as intellectually

stimulating as it is personally rewarding. Therefore I agree with Kottler who

states, “when you begin to acquire and value the habits of personal reflection,

your professional life will be enriched” (2005). By reading various research

articles about education help to broaden my horizon about how to implement

authentic strategies that are applicable within the 21st century classroom.


Through the instrumentality of this course, I was also able to interact with my

students to create a podcast which was conducted through an interview. One

potential benefit of using podcast is that students can apply research skills,

critical thinking skills and finally present the data to their audience which

expands the channel for others to comment on their findings through writing which

continues beyond the traditional way of learning; using paper and pen. My

confidence to utilize technology has improved because of the numerous practical

experiences that I encountered. It is evident that our students are evolving and

changing everyday. Therefore, “if we as teachers are closed minded, we will not be

able to keep up with today’s learner” (Prensky, 2005).


Strategies to Expand Knowledge of Technology

As an educator, I can expand my knowledge of technology integration by setting high

expectations for myself knowing that in the future, I will be more prepared to

train 21st century learners whose learning will demand more than the traditional

methods of learning that I was accustomed to. The students we teach now come into

our classrooms with not only a different way of learning because of the digital

world they are growing up in, but they also enter our classrooms with a great

knowledge of how to use advanced technologies to get information for themselves

(Laureate, 2008). It will also be incumbent on me to practice as much of the skills

that I learn in the course so that I can keep abreast with the trends and best

practices of technology. Additionally, by studying with my colleagues who share a

myriad of experiences about their use of technology in the classroom, provides

additional ideas that I can add to my reservoir of strategies for integrating

technology in the classroom with the aim of increasing student learning. Another

key strategy for expanding my knowledge of technology integration is by visiting

educational blogs and websites that provide practical ways for educators and the

wider school community to adapt to the changes that exist in the global world. The

insights gained from exploring other institutions’ curriculum and standards will

benefit my students and colleagues who can be encouraged to realign their

perspective on the benefits of technology in the academic setting and also for

lifelong learning.

Long-term Goals

The two long term goals that I have developed with the aim of transforming my

classroom environment into a place where technology is integrated to meet

instructional goals and increase student achievement are:

1. Possessing high expectations for applying computing skills – I would like to be

consistent with visiting educational blogging sites to actively participate in

areas of concern that specifically address the impact of technology on education

and the society. I will also increase my podcast library with content that can be

beneficial to my personal and professional development for the sole purpose of my

students’ achievement.


2. Researching, documenting and implementing- I will try to incorporate 21st

century skills in my activities even though I am not able to use technology to

teach my students on a daily basis in my current job. I will also try to keep a

record of ways to use technology to do different things so I can suggest these

ideas to the teachers I assist.


With the ever changing society, all facets of our lives will experience changes and

the role of the teacher is no exception. The role of the teacher will need some

adjustment in order for them to better understand the society. If teacher can

understand the society then they will be better able to guide individuals to take

their place in the society. As educators reflect on their role to meet the changing

needs of society, they ought to remain, flexible, open-minded, optimistic and

resolute.


References

Kottler, Jeffrey A. et. al. (2005). On being a teacher: the human dimension. ( 3rd ed.). Corwin Press: California.

Laureate Education, Inc. 2008. [DVD]. Understanding the impact of technology on education, work, and society, “The changing role of the classroom teacher- part 2”. Baltimore, MD.

Prensky, M. (2005). Listen to the natives. Educational Leadership, 63(4), 8–13.
Database: Academic Search Premier Database. Accession Number: 19270008

Richardson, W. (2006). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for
classrooms (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.