Technology.
It's pervasive! I feel like I'm constantly on a computer. Don't get me wrong--I love computers because they make the kind of work that I do in the MA-TESL program easier (and possible, in many cases). I have also grown to appreciate how they enhance my ESL class.
As a 21st century teacher, I think it's part of my responsibility to make sure that my students are technologically literate. They don't have to be super-savvy, but they do need to be able to do the basics (e.g., Word, email, Learning Management Systems). At an IEP, we are preparing students linguistically for the university, but in order to apply these language skills to university coursework, they will more likely than not need to use technology effectively.
CALL class has been enlightening for me so far. I've often shied away from technology because I myself am not so savvy, but that's no excuse not to take advantage of the wealth of resources offered in CALL.
My favorite line from the reading was "...teachers should select a technology palette and use the technology they are familiar with for the presentations" (DuBravac, 2013, p. 55). Technology palette strikes me as a nice metaphor, not to mention a creative noun-noun combination. What kinds of technology suit your taste? It helps me think about how I won't like all the technology available, but some of it will pair really well with my teaching context and personal preference.
Maybe our class diigo is like a technology tasting!
Maybe not.
No comments:
Post a Comment