I have to conform to the company policies so using some emerging technology is challenging.
We are always being alerted by our company of new technologies that we should look in to. They are always scheduling updates and making sure we know how to use it. To be honest I have a 12 year old who can figure his way through any piece of elctronic. If I do not understand something I ask him.
Its difficult to stay up to date with new technology, but i truthfully use new outlets and other educators to discuss and see if there is a relevance to our teaching with new technology.
One of the best ways i find is to talk to the students and find out what they are using.software and devices. their opinion means alot for buy in to new technologies. It is not all wonderful as it creator may think! some are better than others.and if it does not work right
you lost them.
I also agree and allowing students to use the technology available will further reinforce what they are learning.
As an instructor and person who is immersed in technology, I read blogs such as gizmodo, techcrunch and wired. I watch Bloomberg West on the latest digital business trends. A challenge in technology is disruptionl; New technologies that may render your previous platform obsolete. When we are teaching tech, using an out-of-date platform makes the entire content and concepts also seem out of date, which they may not be. So it is important for student confidence in the content that it be distributed on relevant media platforms.
I try to do as much research as possible on my own. Some of he technologies out there may not even by available at my institution. Occassionally I may even empower one of my students as they may pick it up even faster thatn I do and I allow that student to be a resourse
I'm blessed...my institution is wedded to staying "up" on technology and invests in the hardware, software and instructor training to make it work. I simply have to make myself available for the resources.
Keeping up with technology is a constant activity. Trying to get a hold of the newest devices and using them is the best way to truly learn them but, it's not always practical.
I like a variety of resources. Ted Talks are entertaining but sometimes a bit too general or do not address a specific student topic. For those types of gaps in my curriculum I seek out specific websites, blogs and instructionals to engage the students .
The school system has tablets for the students and has trained us quickly on their functions. Always looking for ways to implement into the lessons.
It is difficult to keep up with technology and students of the millennial generation learn it faster and quicker than older generations. Sometimes it is good to have the students themselves teach you. This can help you keep up and also is a very effective teaching technique. That can work, at least up to a point. It is also important to be aware of the latest technology and the uses of the technology so that you are not left behind. When you can find ways to incorporate things they already use and understand into the classroom, you will be able to connect with students of the 21st century much more successfully.
I agree unlimited ways to keep new information flowing on subjects we teach.
I teach Finance & Economics online as well on ground and staying abreast of emerging technologies is very crucial to my career. Technology, as we know it, has a very rapidly changing lifespan. I keep myself updated mostly by reading about it and wherever possible by doing trial runs on demo products. It is interesting and challenging and very much a part of my career building path, because if I don't keep up with it I will soon find myself lost in an ever changing world of technology.
Julia,
Your post made me laugh because I too am guilty of assigning a video-based project only to find my students lost! I think we just assume high school is preparing this new generation of learners and that is not always the case. Basic computer literacy is often overlooked in the high school curriculum and such basics as managing email and opening and converting file types is not always addressed. Most career colleges have an information literacy or introduction to computers course- I suggest faculty voice their concerns to their Chair or Dean and request advanced usage of audio and video in presentations be addressed;it is a great skill to possess, even if only used for personal reasons after graduation.
Wishing you continued success in the classroom.
Theresa Schmitt
For me, it's easy to stay abreast of emerging technologies because they surround me. I use social media and a variety of programs on a daily basis in my personal life. My challenge is remembering that not everyone (my students) may not be as interested in technology as I am. For example, one of my assignments was for them to demonstrate their knowledge of a topic by creating a video which included music, video, and photos. I told them they could use MovieMaker, ReelTime, iMovie, or whichever program they wanted. I then instructed them to upload to YouTube, Vimeo, or other site of their choice. Ooops! I didn't realize I was speaking Greek to them. Many of my students had difficulty simply putting the information in PowerPoint, with no audio.
I am fortunately involved in an educational and a professional situation which allows me to keep my hand in established industrial technology while seeing and experiencing what new tech and applications are coming up the road. The biggest consideration that any educator must keep in mind is Time. Time, like money, is spent and wasted. It is also saved and invested. Balance your use of time as an investment. Don't be distracted by the "bright, shiny ball" of technology and applications which may entertain you but may well also steer you from your discipline. Focus. Work hard and then play. You'll be giving yourself the time you need to be great!
I do the same thing, every chance I get i'm on the computer looking for new ideas.
Keeping up can be a daunting task because of how much information is available. You are right about forcing yourself to learn and not letting the fear of the program prevent you from understanding it.
At my institution we have a cyber library and require students to do research and write papers based on their research done on the cyber library, which gives them access to a multitude of literary works, articles, newspapers and magazines, therefore broadening their ability to maneuver through a cyber environment. Additionally, I also purchase new technology as it is introduced to stay in sync with todays learners, so that at all times I know how to use these new forms of technology that students are bringing into the classroom environment.
