We cannot deny the fact that finding time to integrate technology in our teaching requires tedious effort. Throughout the day’s lesson, we teachers find ourselves pulled in so many directions. Yet, technology is already assimilated in nearly everything we do and even our students do too: facebook, tweeter, Instagram among others that are being enjoyed by youth as well as adults. So how can we educators find an sublime equilibrium for learning about and eventually integrating technology in our classroom? It embarks with an open heart, focus and followed by a good strategic design – a well-defined symmetry.
Technology is perhaps the most vital tool that is expected for future’s literacy. A universal language spoken by the entire world, our students will surely encounter the toughest job markets in generations to come. I am not saying that gone are the days of manual labor and jobs that require humans and skills, but they are decreasing as automation, robotic maneuvers and outsourcing continue to expand.
You may say that there are downfalls of technology as far as our students are concerned. Like it simply distracts their attention to bigger things and ideas, diminishes their social skills (which I think is ironic) and holds lesser value than other significant areas of their lives—but as educators, we need to divert that disoriented knowledge and expose them to the importance of technology and other digital tools. We need to teach students to ask questions effectively and analytically and promote to them (especially that I am an English teacher) along with digital and information literacy skill sets, the love for reading across all formats—even paperless ones. So that, they will learn to discern and synthesize with other media or using media.
Integrating technology doesn’t have to consume our lives as teachers of the future, but either we are using power point presentations, prezi or other apps, let usa find time to explore more what the world of internet can offer to us to aid us in teaching. Just focus on the underlying learning objectives that you want them to learn or attain, then find digital tools to enhance those skills.
As teachers, we cannot let ourselves down as well as our students. We need to adapt to the increasing demand of education at present. Let us maximize the easiest, most accessible tool we are faced on. Find applications and digital tools that can promote and strengthen variety of skill sets for our students, not just one or two. There are myriads of options to choose from. For the beginners, find first what you are comfortable with, then look for others, expanding your choices. It may frustrate you at first, but who cares! As long as you are determined to do it, then no one can stop you.Also, understand that it’s okay to ask your students –they know a lot.
The crucial point of our teaching is a consistent vision and mission that we can mold our students to individuals who ought to make our country proud and economically great once again. So before thinking that technology is a hindrance and a menace, focus on finding harmony between teaching and technology. Always remember, we are preparing our students for their future, not ours. If we teachers won’t do that, who else will?
By: Vilma S. Fernando | Master Teacher I Bataan National High School | Balanga City, Bataan
