Assignment Item 3

"How can I best model the effective use of educational technology for my students and my teaching colleagues?" 

To successfully model the effective use of educational technology for my students and teaching colleagues, it is imperative that I know how to use the programs I’m choosing thoroughly. Throughout the subject I have been introduced to many new technologies that I have previously not engaged with, I can honestly assess my abilities as still imperfect though, and, while it would be suitable to share ideas with colleagues about these new additions to my teaching resources, I would be remiss to use them in classes until I am much more proficient. My knowledge of the kinds of technologies available to bring value to my classroom has increased but I still need more practice in their use, which is something I will continue to do in preparation for my upcoming practicum placement as well as my future career.

The ethics of technology use also have a significant role in the classroom. Ensuring students are using their equipment as intended and that they are scrupulous digital citizens who are aware of the impact their actions online can have on their peers, their future choices, and their teachers needs to be taught explicitly rather than left to students’ own disposition. I believe there will be challenges in maintaining boundaries such as; when the teaching day begins and ends when using collaborative software, students may come to expect a prompt response at any time of the day or week. While this would be highly beneficial to students who are stuck on coursework or assignments they are working on outside of school hours, it begins to impact the teachers work life balance.

Consideration needs to be given too, to the students and colleagues who struggle to learn new technologies, this can be challenging to some and the constructivist approach is highly valuable in helping people with the acquisition of new skills associated with learning new technologies. It is important to remember that students may not be proficient users of all kinds of technology platforms, indeed any, if they simply do not have access to suitable devices and adequate connectivity. Colleagues who are technologically reluctant may appreciate sharing of resources that have been successfully incorporated if they are able to see the benefit to their own teaching or perhaps a time saving component, sharing of resources and ideas can also make collaboration and communication with colleagues more efficient.

Above all in using educational technology effectively, it must bring meaningful enrichment to the lesson and ensure that the lesson outcomes are able to be met in innovative ways. Perfunctory inclusions to show how savvy I can make my lessons may result in much planning and teaching of a technology platform for minimal benefit to students and their learning of the topic content is at risk of becoming the secondary element of the lesson. Only if the technology is suitable should it be included, entertainment and engagement by students should be a consideration but these aspects alone do not make a technology more appropriate than analogue alternatives.