Digital Blog Post #A, Ch. 1

     Technology in the world today is ever-growing. There are some teachers that still have yet to accept this fact and still try and keep technology out of their classrooms unless necessary. However, there are still teachers out there that are embracing the fact that technology is growing and are implementing it in their classrooms. In chapter one of Transforming Learning with Technologies, 2nd Edition, there are many concepts that are explored on how educators can implement technology into classrooms and as learning tools. One concept that I found to be quite interesting and one that I, as a future educator, hope to use in my classroom is the concept of a technology-based textbook. This struck me as interesting because the idea is centered on using multiple internet sources and being able to compile them into digital folders and classroom websites that the students can access. This could expand the students knowledge of a particular subject because they won't be bound to a single textbook source, but an endless amount of teacher-approved sources on the subject as well. Also, it will help build the students knowledge of how to use technology in the process.
     Another concept that I found interesting is the use of smart phones in the classroom. There is a lot of dispute in this area of technology. Many teachers feel that smartphones (i.e. iPhones and other smartphones) are nothing but a disturbance in the classroom. Texting, gaming, and IMing can all occur while students are in class and have their smartphones. This however, does not always have to be a bad thing. Teachers could use smartphones as a chance for quick communication and other options as well with their students. Students can also interact quickly with their teachers if need be. This would not only help the teachers stay in touch with the students, it can help the students take more responsibility and be more hands on with their school work. The video below goes into more detail about this area.

One final concept in the textbook that I found quite interesting and useful is TPACK, which is technological pedagogical content knowledge. This is the combination of content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and technological knowledge. The use of this concept in the classroom requires a full understanding of all three subject areas. This concept is part of a broader range of concepts known as 21st century skills. These are necessary since we live in the 21st century and since there is no sign of technology in this century slowing down. It is only speeding up. Teachers need to be able to master the TPACK method in order to teach their classrooms at the fullest potential that they can reach. 

Hyperlink Retrieved from http://www.tpack.org

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Video Retrieved from 10 Obvious and Useful Ways to Use a Smart Phone in the Classroom. Topical Commentary #8 [Motion picture]. (2013). United States: Youtube