Pedagogy Before Technology-April Cervantes

  

Pedagogy Before Technology

April-Renee H. Cervantes

The student’s from Generation Z have a different view of what technology is. When covering historical fiction in my children’s literature class I came across the subject of how history is different for each generation. According to Marist Mindest, for the entering college class of 2023,  “it has always been illegal to drive while holding a hand held cell phone while driving in New York state”(The First Marist Mindset List Is Released 2019). In my millennial memory, I grew up seeing my parents using their cell phones while driving and did not see any laws coming into effect for banning cellphone use until I was in high school. The article lists how Gen Z grew up with normalcy to modern technology which differs from how previous generations gradually saw technology as they grew older. I personally feel the millennials got to witness the implementation and beginning stages of technology and its usefulness to everyday life. 

Because this generation grew up with technology all around them it completely reframes its use in the classroom. The availability of computers, interactive flat panels amongst other technology are normal to them, whereas when the millennials were in school they had to go to a computer lab, teachers taught with overhead projectors which required using transparencies, and eventually seeing eiki projectors with screens. Now, technology has students experiencing more steps in bloom's taxonomy through quick access to technology at the touch of a button. In a video from common sense media, when talking about Bloom’s taxonomy it mentions, “In thinking how technology affects this model consider Bloom's digital taxonomy. This updated version aims to expand the skills associated with each level as technology becomes a more ingrained and essential part of learning,” (Bloom's digital taxonomy). This updated version includes verbs for each part of bloom’s taxonomy but are fit to include technology in the higher-order thinking process. 

In today’s classroom, I believe technology is both a tool for learning and the foundation upon which we build learning because a lot of learning happens through applications on the ipads and mobile learning devices because most programs have personalized lessons such as IXL and iReady amongst others. At the same time, it is the foundation for teaching because learning is fun and technology catches their attention with the many different videos, games, interactive recording, review of skills and more on many different applications available to them. Bloom’s digital taxonomy uses verbs for the key terms that are technology focused such as for the creating step, the verbs are, “producing, programming, filming, video blogging, wiki-ing, publishing, videocasting, podcasting” (Churches, Bloom's Digital Taxonomy 2008). These are important verbs because they are specific to the use of technology for learning. I think students learn through technology, but it is also essential in the classroom in order to teach them with their interests in mind. 

Librarians which serve as instructional partners to classroom teachers assist in collaborating on lessons outside the classroom as a different way of learning using the skills and expertise the librarian has. Therefore, including educational technology for a teacher preparing to be a librarian will set them up for a more positive experience to where they will be able to help classroom teachers by including technology to extend the lessons outside of the classroom. Kathy Schrock’s webpage of Bloomin’ Apps is a truly helpful tool for anyone in education wanting to implement technology into teaching. For example, she shows how Tumblr can be used for blogging for the understanding part of the revised bloom's taxonomy (Schrock, Bloomin' Apps 2022). The page is organized to show apps according to Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy. As a teacher training to be a librarian, I think it is crucial to become familiar with apps that support Bloom's revised taxonomy as it ties into everything I’ve been learning in preparation for my certification. Bloom’s is an integral part of research based models that form the basis for my job as an instructional partner and information specialist. Integral because technology is a huge component of learning for our 21st century learners and having a strong background of knowledge for the many different technologies out there will help me better support my students. 

The technological landscape in schools is one that varies throughout our nation. In the past 10 years I’ve been a teacher I have seen more access to technology both at school and at home. Our school provides each student with a mobile learning device, which can be used at school and at home. During the pandemic our district provided buses equipped with wifi in nearby neighborhoods in order for students to be able to attend virtual, hybrid or remotely. Beyond providing access to technology devices, I believe the change in technological landscape for instance personalized learning plans, use of analysis and interpretation of data to better approach instruction has a more direct purpose for students. For example, in the article of Career and Technical Education: Software Options, using technology to better prepare student for future employment opportunities was an innovation space I enjoyed reading because they mention, “A CTE space needs to prepare students for an uncertain future with jobs that have not even been conceived of yet” (Software Options 2019). Teaching students  to use software for jobs that will require everything technology is evolving into will benefit the Gen Z students. This does not affect teachers; it only helps garner an array of skills that will help the 21st century learners to be well-rounded and use their repertoire of skills. It only makes them a better teacher for students and staff in this fast-changing field of technology-driven education. 

Sources

Bloom’s digital taxonomy. Common Sense Education. (n.d.). https://www.commonsense.org/education/videos/blooms-digital-taxonomy 

Churches, A. (2008, May 26). Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy. Andrew Churches. 

Clarity Innovations. (2019). Software Options. K-12 Blueprint. https://www.k12blueprint.com/sites/default/files/Software-Options_0.pdf 

The First Marist Mindset List Is Released. Marist Institution. (2019, August 21). https://www.marist.edu/w/marist-news-the-first-marist-mindset-list-is-released 

Schrock, K. (2022, October 20). Bloomin’ Apps. Kathy Schrock’s Guide to Everything. https://www.schrockguide.net/bloomin-apps.html