Reflect on the idea that tests are the only objective assessments of student learning.
Objective testing is the most efficient and easily marked type of assessment. On the other hand, using objective testing is time consuming, gives no credit for partial information, encourages guessing, directs the student to select information instead of creating it, and encourages “teaching toward a test.” Since there are many alternative assessment techniques, then I believe that educators should use a variety of all of the types available to them. Learning is a team effort between the educator and the learner so I believe that the learner MUST be involved in the learning process in an active instead of passive manner. In order to encourage the more creative thinking and to foster higher levels of thinking, subjective testing can be used. Open-ended questions and projects can achieve this for the learning process.
There is no set definition of what a technology infused classroom looks like because it is an ever evolving place, but I will attempt to describe a few of my own ideas on this topic. Some of the most important aspects of a technology infused classroom are the number of computers available to students and intense professional development provided for the teacher. There should be a number of computers within easy reach of students. These computers should have an office suite, a graphical mapping tool, a web browser, and multimedia production software. In a technology infused classroom you should not see drill and practice software. The classroom will have a classroom printer, scanner, digital camera, document camera, white board, iPods, and other technological devices. These electronic devices will be used on a daily basis by the teacher and students so that the equipment will become common place with the students instead of being a distraction as some may see it as being. The teacher has a laptop connected to a data projector and an interactive white board. When an observer enters the classroom he/she will see student teams working on projects with each student having a well-defined role. The teacher will be using good classroom management strategies to focus student attention on learning goals.
As a classroom teacher, I plan on having a technology infused classroom by seeking out and attending all of the technology training that I can access. I will also accept what technology is made available to me in my school district and use it as much as possible with my students. I am currently working on my master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in technology. The knowledge that I am gaining through graduate school will enhance the creation of my technology infused classroom. As a school district, I believe we should be seeking out all possible federal grants and other resources that will allow us to provide a technological environment for the students.
Training students to be productive citizens today includes technology in every aspect of education. Technology has to be viewed as a necessity and not as a reward. Making technology available to all students is the first step in achieving the goal of creating a technology infused classroom.
