Travel Research QuestionHow does technology impact student learning in the classroom?
Assumptions1. Teachers have technology training to implement digital resources.
2. All teachers have a computer. 3. Classrooms have, at a minimum, a projector to display their computer monitor. 4. Schools have the network to support wireless connections for teachers and students. 5. Students have access to reliable internet connections at home. 6. Students are able to use cell phones or mobile devices at school and home. 7. If mobile devices are not available, schools have computer labs for students to use. |
Reflection
Technology is such an integral part of our daily lives, one may think a cell phone is another appendage growing from our hand. Knowing how important technology is in my teaching and in the lives of American youth today, I decided to develop my research question around it.
"How does technology impact student learning in the classroom?" This research question was designed with the hope of bringing back more wonderful ideas to our American classrooms. I was looking to discover new tips and tools to unlocking student success with digital resources.
My research began with simple observations. Upon entering a classroom, I would take inventory of the available resources. I found that all of the schools I visited, in Celandia, had projectors or a display which could be connected to a computer. The teachers all had their own personal laptops that they were able to connect to the display. I also discovered that there was a wireless network at each school. I however did not see many students with a cell phone or mobile device. Upon further exploration I did find one school with a lab equipped with fifteen donated computers.
In order to learn more about my observations, I began to interview teachers, students and staff. The students reported that they were indeed allowed to use their cell phones in class, if they brought them. Students did not typically bring their devices to class in fear of getting robbed on the way to school. The commute to school could include the public bus or a walk. These two options could be dangerous, especially if they are attending an evening class which may not end until after 10:00 p.m. Other staff reported that even if the students brought their own device, the wireless network may not be able to support them.
Fortunately, I was able to get input from several other Brazilian teachers on their philosophy of technology impacting student learning. The overwhelming consensus was that technology can positively impact students success only if it is used in a purposeful, engaging manner. Teachers feel as though technology is such and integral part of students lives, outside of the classroom, that it should also be included in the classroom. Teachers can include real life examples in their lessons as they incorporate digital literacy. Students need to know how to do more than take selfies and post to social media. The classroom would be a great place to learn about internet safety, research skills and tools to help them in their education.
One area of greatest concern to Brazilian teachers was not the lack of resources or weak internet network, it was the lack of teacher technology training. Teachers desire to learn more about the resources available to them and their students and want to take training to successfully integrate these tools into their lessons.
The schools that I visited did not have policies regarding the use of technologies, similar to an AUP. They do however have federal policy that controls technology usage. Students are not required to take technology classes however they usually learn by themselves or they enroll in private classes to learn Office and how to navigate the Internet.
A resource that many teachers did use with their students was the app called, "WhatsApp". Teachers use this app to text important information to their students such as assignments, dates or details on upcoming events. Students also text teachers with their questions or comments. It was a wonderful method of communication using the resources available. I believe "WhatsApp" would be a tool similar to "Remind 101" many of the teachers in my school use.
Upon reflecting on this amazing opportunity, I have discovered that American and Brazilian teachers have a lot in common. We are all teachers that have a passion so deep for education that we will spend countless hours in training and researching best practices. Technology and resources do not define us. Quality education can still occur without all of the conveniences of technology.
The inequality of resources between classrooms is frustrating. I have many projects that could connect classrooms however without the resources, these projects need to be intensely modified. It is my hope that one day soon, all students will have the devices and the network at school so we can work side by side with them.
I am extremely grateful for all of the wonderful friends I have met. We are working on projects to connect our students in the fall. I am also working to create a teacher technology training website so that teachers looking to incorporate digital resources in their classrooms have the support they need. This was the area that the Brazilian teachers identified as one of their greatest needs.
"How does technology impact student learning in the classroom?" This research question was designed with the hope of bringing back more wonderful ideas to our American classrooms. I was looking to discover new tips and tools to unlocking student success with digital resources.
My research began with simple observations. Upon entering a classroom, I would take inventory of the available resources. I found that all of the schools I visited, in Celandia, had projectors or a display which could be connected to a computer. The teachers all had their own personal laptops that they were able to connect to the display. I also discovered that there was a wireless network at each school. I however did not see many students with a cell phone or mobile device. Upon further exploration I did find one school with a lab equipped with fifteen donated computers.
In order to learn more about my observations, I began to interview teachers, students and staff. The students reported that they were indeed allowed to use their cell phones in class, if they brought them. Students did not typically bring their devices to class in fear of getting robbed on the way to school. The commute to school could include the public bus or a walk. These two options could be dangerous, especially if they are attending an evening class which may not end until after 10:00 p.m. Other staff reported that even if the students brought their own device, the wireless network may not be able to support them.
Fortunately, I was able to get input from several other Brazilian teachers on their philosophy of technology impacting student learning. The overwhelming consensus was that technology can positively impact students success only if it is used in a purposeful, engaging manner. Teachers feel as though technology is such and integral part of students lives, outside of the classroom, that it should also be included in the classroom. Teachers can include real life examples in their lessons as they incorporate digital literacy. Students need to know how to do more than take selfies and post to social media. The classroom would be a great place to learn about internet safety, research skills and tools to help them in their education.
One area of greatest concern to Brazilian teachers was not the lack of resources or weak internet network, it was the lack of teacher technology training. Teachers desire to learn more about the resources available to them and their students and want to take training to successfully integrate these tools into their lessons.
The schools that I visited did not have policies regarding the use of technologies, similar to an AUP. They do however have federal policy that controls technology usage. Students are not required to take technology classes however they usually learn by themselves or they enroll in private classes to learn Office and how to navigate the Internet.
A resource that many teachers did use with their students was the app called, "WhatsApp". Teachers use this app to text important information to their students such as assignments, dates or details on upcoming events. Students also text teachers with their questions or comments. It was a wonderful method of communication using the resources available. I believe "WhatsApp" would be a tool similar to "Remind 101" many of the teachers in my school use.
Upon reflecting on this amazing opportunity, I have discovered that American and Brazilian teachers have a lot in common. We are all teachers that have a passion so deep for education that we will spend countless hours in training and researching best practices. Technology and resources do not define us. Quality education can still occur without all of the conveniences of technology.
The inequality of resources between classrooms is frustrating. I have many projects that could connect classrooms however without the resources, these projects need to be intensely modified. It is my hope that one day soon, all students will have the devices and the network at school so we can work side by side with them.
I am extremely grateful for all of the wonderful friends I have met. We are working on projects to connect our students in the fall. I am also working to create a teacher technology training website so that teachers looking to incorporate digital resources in their classrooms have the support they need. This was the area that the Brazilian teachers identified as one of their greatest needs.
Lingering Questions
1. How do schools get the resources (mobile devices, strong network) they need to successfully implement technology in their lessons?
2. How can students have a safe way to travel to school and feel safe while they are there?
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2. How can students have a safe way to travel to school and feel safe while they are there?
Click here for link to blog: http://lcaswell.weebly.com/travelblog
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