Technology in the classroom can take many forms and has evolved over time. When incorporating technology in the classroom the learners as well as the instructor have to change their thinking and mindset surrounding the classroom experience. Technology at its smallest form doesn’t typically involve much practice or initial training such as bringing a laptop to class or watching a video. When you start introducing more software like online discussion boards incorporating videos, or sharing platforms, or clicker devices, it can be difficult to initially use these, and more training and instruction may be necessary to fully grasp it. Technology in the classroom has many benefits including reaching students that may not have access otherwise, incorporating real-life applications, building future skills, and allowing more innovation. The drawbacks of course are that technology isn’t always reliable, access isn’t always possible for students, and the amount of professional development involved in learning the applications can be cumbersome. Technology is not going anywhere and to reach learners best we need to incorporate it in the classroom.
Application:During an intro class, I could have the students meet at a computer lab or bring their own laptops in order to demonstrate how to sign up for classes while letting them have the opportunity to do it themselves at the same time. This would allow them to be hands-on and ask questions throughout the demonstration. If they had issues, they could also refer to the people surrounding them and learn more on their own rather than me explaining it all to them. Since I would most likely be at least some of their advisor, this would help me not have so many emails with questions, and provide students the tools to sign up for classes on their own when it came time in the future.
Assessment: Red Light…Green Light (Ralf, 2015)As I would be the advisor for most of the students, I would know if they had registered for classes and therefore the assessment would be in if they completed it or not. There could be ways to make sure they are understanding the demonstration by doing red light green light. They would each have a green and red paper, cup, or marker even that they could have on their table throughout the demonstrations. After each step, I could look around and see if they understood the subject and are ready to move on or if they needed more time and had questions. This would allow me to know at what pace to explain the process and also to see if the students are following and if they are even paying attention.