Reading

Over the years the advancement of technology has significantly shifted the face of the traditional classroom. Numerous programs such as “Bring Your Own Device” have been implemented to encourage the exploration of different outlets within the classroom. Now more than ever students have access to a multitude of applications and resources which aim to expand and strengthen knowledge and understanding of various subjects. The expansion has led to a questioning of traditional methods of teaching prompting change within the contemporary classroom in order to satisfy the needs of all. The rapid influx of technology has altered the pace and method in which individuals learn, process and retain information. As a result educators must be willing to shift traditional practices and ways of thinking in order to offer the most for their students.

"The Ontario curriculum focuses on developing the knowledge and skills that will enable students to become effective readers. An effective reader is one who not only grasps the ideas communicated in a text but is able to apply them in new contexts. To do this, the reader must be able to think clearly, creatively, and critically about the ideas and information encountered in texts in order to understand, analyse, and absorb them and to recognize their relevance in other contexts” (11). Reading is the most valuable skill an individual can learn and practice as a student as it affects their entire academic career.  Reading expands an individual’s knowledge and sense of self for it allows the exploration of numerous thoughts and ideas. When individuals lack the fundamental skills of reading they are deprived of the opportunity to grow and succeed. Over the years the transformation of technology has allowed individuals access to numerous resources to improve skills they may lack.

The internet has transformed into the most reliable outlet for individuals to gather information as it gives users the freedom to explore and find deeper meaning behind what interests them most. The article “Video Games in the Classroom” written by Drs. Emmanuel Duplà and Shervin Shirmohammal addresses and highlights the necessity of incorporating innovative teaching strategies for demonstrating information within the contemporary classroom. Studies have proven that the inclusion of video games and computer stimulators offer students interesting and informative context for learning prompting individuals to become active learners due to the high tech graphics sounds and motions. Through play participants realize that their actions create a reaction allowing their level of interest to increase. The idea of introducing electronic video games stimulators in the classroom is addressed in the Ted Talk Video produced by Jonathan Best. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKpo5SeZWns

The speaker argues that through the integration of video game elements educators prompt their students to become better, active learners. The speaker suggests that in order to benefit the contemporary learner educators must be willing to enhance and modify what was once the accepted way of teaching. These stimulators work to engage learners as they have the opportunity to interact with individuals from all around the world to achieve a similar goal. Studies have proven that an individual’s likelihood to succeed academically is heavily based on their ability to connect emotionally and mentally with what is being taught. When educators allow these resources to be introduced into their classroom they prompt and support their students to succeed.

The exploration of numerous digital outlets has been extremely interesting and beneficial for my own personal development as a future educator. I concur that the modern classroom is in need for a tune up however I do not believe that we should abandon all past practices. Education has grown monumentally throughout the centuries and it is important that current and future educators realize how far it has come.  If we completely disregard the growth of our education system we deprive future students the resources and opportunity to thrive.  Although technology provides users with several benefits many individuals struggle to learn and adapt past ways of learning. Will learners that are unable to understand this new wave of learning be deprived of an education? Although I agree that technology is an integral part of contemporary society as an educator we must be willing to take into consideration the needs and struggles of all individuals. Educators must create a balanced learning environment for their students to gain the most out of their education career.

https://sites.psu.edu/technologyineducation