Becoming a 21st Century Teacher

Social media, the internet, computers, and other technologies affect the lives of each student in and out of school. Teachers are moving more towards technology based learning tools and students are becoming more engaged. The new Generation that is between the ages of 8 and 18 are being called the iGeneration. These students have grown up using the internet, computers, and other digital media. It only now makes sense to start incorporating these technologies in the classroom. There are many ways to incorporate the use of technologies in schools, not only involving internet research.

Technology-Based Library
These libraries have changed the way students and teachers are able to access useful information. Technology-based libraries contain a vast amount of curriculum and instructional resources that are available easily and efficiently. In addition, teachers and students are able to "bookmark" and manage their information once it has been found. Technology-based libraries also allow teachers to create a structure for how the students will use information to promote critical thinking.

Technology-Based Textbooks
Technology-based textbooks allow teachers to produce a classroom pre packed set of lessons and  reading materials. Technology textbook materials are also available for every subject and primary sources of study. Teachers are also able to publish their own materials for the students in the classroom to review and discuss.

Technology-Based Teaching Tool
Using technology as a teaching tool allows teachers to individualize instruction and extend the time teachers spend with their students. Technology teaching tools also allows the teacher to cater to the different learning styles of the students. Intelligent tutoring is also available for speech-to-text, text-to-speech, hand writing recognition, and other assistive programs.

There are many extremely useful ways that technology can increase the efficiency of lessons in the classrooms. Since there are many options in how to include technology in a class, teachers can decide which programs work best for their class and teaching styles.

As a future teacher, one of the tech tools I'm excited to incorporate into my classroom are tablets. Tables are super portable and have educational apps in every subject area. Students are able to work on reading and writing skills, math skills, science information, and other important subjects in game format. Tablets also come in a wide range of prices making it possible to have more tablets rather than one laptop for the same price. Students are also able to access the internet and school approved websites and are not able to perform texting. Students also get excited about being able to use tablets to research and work on skills easily.

After reading through the chapter on becoming a 21st century teacher I was amazed at how much I learned about how technology can be useful for education. The chapter goes in depth to explaining the generation of students that are being taught and how they can be taught more efficiently. My eyes have been opened to all the possibilities and to how much of a positive effect technology can have on my classroom if I explore all the available options. Not only can students use resources such as internet, websites, apps, and intelligent tutoring at school but also at home or at public libraries. I would also like to focus on the strategies the textbook gives on learning new technologies. As a 21st century teacher, it is also important to model all the ways technology can be used in positive ways to learn and have fun learning. There are so many programs and websites to cater to all learning style that all students can get involved and get excited about learning. Im excited about what I have learned in this chapter and can't wait to see how technology can enhance my future classroom.

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2014). Becoming a 21st Century Teacher. Transforming Learning With New Technologies ( 2nd ed., ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.