"If students do not learn the way we teach, we must teach the way they learn." -Margaret Mead
In this TED talk Jesse Woolley-Wilson discusses using technology in classrooms for the purpose of what she calls "Blended Learning". Blended Learning is when traditional teaching methods are mixed with technology to create a personalized education experience for each student. Today, with ever increasing class sizes, broader student backgrounds, and a generation with very specific learning needs teachers have a lot on their plate. This is where technology comes in. Adaptive technology is able to monitor the way that the student learns, preform diagnostics to identify trouble spots, and alter the next lesson provided for the student. By using software in this way each student is able to get a personalized education that fits their specific needs. Education is not a one-size-fits-all situation, and through certain technologies we are able to make these alterations.
After watching this video I had a lot of mixed feelings. Part of me was excited that this kind of technology was available for students and teachers. As a future teacher it would make my job a lot easier, especially with increasing class sizes. This kind of software promotes differentiated learning, as well as teaching the students independence. However, I still had my concerns. This type of teaching could be dangerous if overused or not monitored carefully. If this was to be implemented I personally would want to oversee everything that each student was doing, making sure it was at their grade level, as well as track the progress data to see if there was a noticeable difference. Another potential danger to this is overuse of independent learning. Group work is integral to learning, as it is an essential life skill. In some ways this particular software can be viewed as a double edged sword. That being said, adaptive software will still have a place in my classroom. I believe that if used carefully it can be very beneficial. Once I have an idea of my students strengths and weaknesses I will feel comfortable allowing them to work independently on topics that they may be struggling with. Collaborative activities with technology will also certainly have a place in my classroom, but in terms on specific independent, or diagnostic work this is a great option. By doing so we can use technology to increase learning, not just replace tradition learning is key to revolutionizing learning today.
After watching this video I had a lot of mixed feelings. Part of me was excited that this kind of technology was available for students and teachers. As a future teacher it would make my job a lot easier, especially with increasing class sizes. This kind of software promotes differentiated learning, as well as teaching the students independence. However, I still had my concerns. This type of teaching could be dangerous if overused or not monitored carefully. If this was to be implemented I personally would want to oversee everything that each student was doing, making sure it was at their grade level, as well as track the progress data to see if there was a noticeable difference. Another potential danger to this is overuse of independent learning. Group work is integral to learning, as it is an essential life skill. In some ways this particular software can be viewed as a double edged sword. That being said, adaptive software will still have a place in my classroom. I believe that if used carefully it can be very beneficial. Once I have an idea of my students strengths and weaknesses I will feel comfortable allowing them to work independently on topics that they may be struggling with. Collaborative activities with technology will also certainly have a place in my classroom, but in terms on specific independent, or diagnostic work this is a great option. By doing so we can use technology to increase learning, not just replace tradition learning is key to revolutionizing learning today.