As for my JRN 108 class, this would be a prime example of a professor incorporating technology everyday in order to teach the material. First of all, everything was on slides, which really, what isn't in a lecture hall? So it seems that giving the information on a powerpoint slide is almost a given nowadays, especially in a lecture class. Yet, my teacher also used youtube clips. She would provide examples of different elements of media she discussed with us. Youtube is becoming more and more used in the classroom to help clarify some points teachers are trying to make. My professor also used I-clickers. To me, this is a genius idea! It was a way for her to assess our learning, to see if we actually were paying attention. The program was that she would put a question on the screed, with multiple choice answers. Us as studetnts, with our handy clickers, would simply press the answer we though was correct, and it would be recorded in the system. To me this is a great idea because it doesnt use as much paper, it is more organized, and it is a faster way to see how the class is holding up. It was also used as a tool to take attendance, which is another great way to go about it.
I really feel JRN 108 used technology in a real beneficial way. I thought the youtube videos were a great way to clarify any confusion through actual examples. Although with youtube, you really have to be careful. There are a lot of videos on there that are very useless. There are also a lot that are incorrect. As a teacher, it needs to be looked over very careful to make sure any information on the video is correct. Especially now that more parodies and joke videos are being made. The last thing students need is to see a video that is incorrect. I really feel children may take more from the videos, because even though the same information may be presented, it makes it much more exciting for the kids. With that, I feel that my JRN professor chose videos that were very beneficial. They all presented the correct information, and it made me actually pay attention more. I also felt this class was beneficial through the Iclickers. Again, I think these are an amzing idea. We were able to see within seconds what other students said and how it compared to our answers. It showed who understood and who didn't. It also provided for further discussion. We were able to discuss why some people thought the way they did. And why a majority of people were confused and put the wrong answer, and things of that nature.
Overall, I had a beneficial experience with technology in the classroom. Yet, I know that it could also be harmful if not used correctly. I think technology should be important and incorporated in the classroom, but I really feel teachers need to use it wisely. Showing a video that provides images that contradict the text for example could confuse children. And if teachers don't look at it that way, they may not realize so they won't clarify. Also, relying too much on technology may be harmful. For example computers and calculators. Although these are really useful tools, they need to be used wisely. I feel children should know how to do math problems in their head or on paper. A calculator shouldn't be something that is needed, although it makes computing faster. Same for computers. Children should be able to write an essay with paper and pencil. I think these traditional techniques will always be used, so children should still have to do them. With that, I feel the right technology programs and devices should be used for children, so they keep up with society and furhter their knowledge, yet it should be used at the right times and at the right length of time.
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