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Introduction
Technology is all around us today, shaping how we live, work, and learn. "Anyone who spends time with today's students appreciates the impact digital media has on the lives of our younger generations" (Wilson et al., 2017, p. 1). When it comes to the education field, students have access to various technologies that can enhance their learning experience. However, access to technology does not automatically lead to effective use. Educators are responsible for teaching students not just how to use technology but how to use it in meaningful ways that promote deep learning. Incorporating technology does not mean teachers should not get rid of all their teaching methods and use computers. They need to find the right combination of technology and regular teaching to make lessons more engaging. Students are the leaders of tomorrow. Teachers must help them learn how to use technology wisely. If technology is integrated effectively into the classroom, it can be a powerful tool to help students be prepared with the necessary skills needed for the near future.
Digital Media
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Digital media is increasingly being integrated into education at all levels. It has transformed the way students learn and engage with academic content. From e-books and online courses to virtual simulations and educational apps, digital media provides dynamic and engaging content accommodating diverse learning styles. For students, multimedia is attention-getting and attention-holding. However, more is needed to promote learning because learning requires more than just getting the students' attention. "The use of multimedia boosts motivation and learning, and in many studies, has proven to increase learning, especially when the student is involved in creating multimedia products to demonstrate their learning." (Wilson et al., 2017). Combining digital and traditional approaches allows for a more comprehensive and effective learning experience. While digital media provides multimedia resources and online collaboration, traditional teaching methods offer essential aspects such as face-to-face interaction, personal feedback, and the development of critical thinking skills. Knowing how to integrate digital media into the lessons is essential for educators to optimize the benefits of both approaches and create meaningful lessons that resonate with students in the modern learning landscape. This information is essential because technology will likely continue transforming education.
Technology vs Teachers
The rise of technology, especially computers and artificial intelligence, has led some to speculate that teachers may become obsolete one day. In the ongoing debate over technology versus teachers in education, it is evident that while technology has become an integral part of the learning process, it cannot completely replace the role of teachers.
Wilson, Alaniz, & Sikora (2017, p.10) state:
While students may appear to be more technologically adept, they lack the experience and the perspective that a teacher can offer. Familiarity with today's tools and mediums is important, but educators should prioritize key principles that are embodied within these standards such as creativity, communication, and critical thinking-and show students how these timeless principles can be applied to any kind of media or technology.
Technology offers vast resources, personalized learning tools, and interactive platforms, enhancing the educational experience. However, teachers provide guidance, motivation, and emotional support that help students absorb information and understand concepts more deeply. Teachers still play a critical role in education that machines cannot fully replicate. After reading this week's material, I see the importance of recognizing the mutual relationship between technology and teachers, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach in educational practices. Understanding this balance reinforces the belief that educators must harness technology as a tool rather than viewing it as a potential substitute for their crucial role in fostering critical thinking and socio-emotional development.
How Does Technology Impact Learning?
As stated in the reading, even before multimedia technology became widely available, research in the education field started exploring how multimedia could enhance instruction (Wilson et al., 2017). Technology has fundamentally changed how we teach and learn in the 21st century. As the quote states, "If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a multimedia lesson must speak volumes to twenty-first-century learners" (Wilson et al., 2017, p. 23). Today's students, having grown up surrounded by technology, learn better through multimedia tools like videos, animations, and interactive games rather than traditional textual materials alone. Undoubtedly, the rise of technology has significantly impacted learning and education. "43% of teachers have incorporated online games in their classrooms, and in one study, students allowed to use gaming software scored 91.5% on a standardized assessment versus an average score of 79.1% for those students who did not use digital games" (Wilson et al., 2017). With the internet and the increased use of devices like computers and smartphones, online learning has emerged as a powerful new educational tool. Wilson, Alaniz, and Sikora (2017) state, "In many research studies, the pivotal 'achievement' factor is not the type of technology, but rather the actual use of the tools" (p.16). Platforms like online courses, videos, and digital tutoring expand access to more education resources for students. Teachers have reached a stage where integrating digital media into their classrooms is critical if they want their students to succeed academically and in life beyond school. Overall, technology has dramatically expanded educational opportunities and transformed how learning can happen.
Evaluation
I found this week's reading to be incredibly fascinating. It proved that technology and good teaching techniques should go hand in hand. The reading provided a broad overview of digital media and its importance, but I would like to learn more about the effectiveness of digital media, especially for younger students. Teachers need to be updated on any new technology integrations. As a future educator, I need to stay informed on best practices for leveraging digital media to motivate and support student learning. I need to learn more about how teachers can best utilize technology as a tool rather than viewing it as a competition. Last, I must research best practices in integrating technology into different educational settings and the evidence-based strategies that yield positive learning outcomes. Technology indeed came to stay, but it will not replace teachers. On the other hand, teachers need to learn how to incorporate technology into their teachings to create meaningful learning experiences for the students.
Additional Resources
References
Wilson, D., Alaniz, K., & Sikora, J. (2017). Digital Media in Today's Classrooms: The Potential for Meaningful Teaching, Learning, and Assessment.
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