Reflection upon the inclusion of technology in the lesson

 It´s surprising how long teachers have gone in terms of technology. If we go back to the previous century, it would be unthinkable to imagine the lessons as they are nowadays. Technological development around the world changed our lives significantly, including the school context. Our purpose from now on is to adapt and mold ourselves as much as we can. For the students this will be easier because they are digital natives, however, teachers´ roles should be redefined.

My words for teachers that want to include technology in their lessons is that this path will not be easy, neither from one day to another, but it is worth it. The universe of changes and improvements we can make through technology is unlimited and the benefits they bring to the classroom are a lot.

 First of all, the motivation of the students. They are used to technology and they love spending time on computers, cellphones, etc., so teachers should take advantage of this in order to enhance the learning process. Second, the connection between students from other schools or even from other parts of the world. By using technology, we have this advantage, we can connect with people from all over the world whenever we can. So, this can be so beneficial for students and teachers since their works and project can be shared with a wide community and exchanges with other cultures can be made. Last but not least, teaching through technology has lots of benefits in terms of time. To bring example, working with live worksheets can give students instant feedback and the teacher wouldn’t have to correct every single work.

In the following picture, you will find part of an adapted lesson plan. The original lesson plan was designed following the TPCK model. Deciding first of all the content knowledge that will be included, then the pedagogical knowledge and finally, the technological knowledge. The modified activities are based on the SAMR model. In this particular sequence, I included the steps AUGMENTATION and REDEFINITION. The interesting thing about this last step is that without the inclusion of technology, it would be unimaginable to create a discussion between students from different schools.

 

I think that the main purpose of teachers from now on is to create a space in the classroom which allowed the enhancement of the learning process through the inclusion of technology. We need to think beyond the already known and break barriers. This is, in my opinion, the new role of teachers. A role for which we need to be prepared.