Using Technology in Teaching and Learning

I’ve been thinking about the use of technology quite a lot lately especially during the run-up to inspection at the college and since most classrooms I use now have interactive white board technology in them. I asked myself how I should be using technology and why? I have come to the conclusion that part of me thinks I must use technology because it’s there and I have been told during observations that a ‘good grade’ comes from incorporating ILT. The other part of me believes that I should be using technology to enhance what I already do and not to make it the only teaching and learning method in my sessions. Reece and Walker (2003,p180) state there are two reasons for using technology in teaching and learning, the first is whether we design our teaching around the capabilities of the technology or secondly that we as teachers decide what is best practice in teaching and investigate how technology can enhance it further. Learners definitely expect to use some aspect of ICT during a session and when there is a computer in the classroom the first thing they do is log on in anticipation of a computer based activity. In order to meet the needs of my learners I am hoping to enhance my own ILT awareness and abilities and to develop resources that are interactive, interesting and useful.
Reece, I. & Walker, S. (2003) Teaching , Training and Learning : A Practical Guide, 5th Edition, Sunderland, Business Education