Marla+Surette

I recently read in a middle grades science textbook a definition of technology that has focused my understanding of technology’s purpose. The textbook defined technology as the ‘practical application of science’. The word practical has really made all the difference for me. If educators are not practical in their application of technology to teaching and learning, then one must ask is the technology utilized enhancing or detracting from the teaching and learning taking place. Technology for the sake of technology is not enough!

As an online venue to augment our classroom learning, the opportunity for in-depth exploration of historical time periods is amazing. As a community of learners, we are able to share our research with others and extend our own learning from others’ research. I find this benefit to far outweigh the learning curve involved with figuring out how to build a Wiki. One textbook cannot possibly provide all the information that is available at our fingertips these days. As educators we should remember that students can actively participate in the learning process and a Wiki is a wonderfully, extensive way to support learning.

I was amazed at the breadth of information that Susan, Cindi, and David were able to compile for the Colonial period and I am excited to see what my classmates will produce as they embark on this journey of creating a Wiki page for their assigned time period. I can honestly state that I have a deeper knowledge of education for the Common School period of America and truly appreciate all the resources and support that Sally and Sonya provided to our project.

Technology, it is often said, can be a blessing and a burden. It is such a phenomenal tool that can enhance the learning process. Yet, it can bring out evil thoughts that one would never have thought they possessed. I am so grateful to Kelly for her time in tutoring me on the use of widgets and codes within a Wiki. My head is spinning as I am already thinking of practical uses for Wikis in my life: to enhance the organization and sharing of professional learning, videos of teachers and students for analysis and evaluation, data for instructional planning, research of best practices. . . and so on. The possibilities are quite thought-provoking.