Hello all,
Please see the link to my Pod’s Project bellow…
Author: erinfahey9
Considering my development as both a learner and teacher has allowed me to understand learning as a process. Learning is changing and as educators, we must adapt to support development. As digital technologies take over the world and digital literacy becomes second nature it is important to use digital resources in the classroom.
Vanughann et al. (2013) explain how learning outcomes can be improved with the cohesion of face-to-face and online learning. Although this transition can have “significant administrative advantages,” educators must be dedicated to improving learning. The overload of layering both methods could overwhelm students. Similarly, Regan & Jesse (2019) recognize the benefit of Personalized Learning Networks (PLNs) but caution about many practical issues surrounding privacy and consent. Both articles acknowledge the advantage of incorporating technology networks but bring up concerns surrounding implementation. Technology has the ability to strengthen critical thinking skills, challenge students, and make learning fun but educators must be trained and aware of risks to protect privacy and aid learning outcomes.
Stommel (2018) encourages educators to critically examine the learning tools in the context of longevity. It’s not about learning how to use specific tools that have an expiration date but rather how to critically examining tools. She talks about the paradigm of students as machines and the reality of grading. The goal of assessment should be learning not assessing the learning. People have different life experiences so they should not have the same outcome.
Each one of these articles discusses the relatively new ground of diversifying learning through technology. While each article has its own niche topic that is of focus, there are many similarities in the conclusions. These articles have allowed me to come to the following conclusions…
*Including digital tools in the classroom must be focused on improving student learning outcomes and not the appearance of being “forward-thinking”
*Teachers must have the proper training to implement digital tools in a meaningful and safe way
*Learning is an individual process and PLNs have the potential to make room in the classroom for individuality