Welcome to my blog about Integrating Technology to the Teaching Practice

Final assignment

In this blog I describe the role that technology has had in my teaching context, the impact that some technology devices might have if ever applied in the context, the way technology could affect the different roles in the classroom as well as a reflection why teachers should consider to include technology in our lessons.

My Teaching Background

I work in the language school department of the University of Guanajuato; in spite that we are part of the university and we follow the core program, there is an abscence of budget and attentio compared to other departments of the university.

Historical Perspectives

The school started in 2002 with the following materials:

During these years the school adapted more technology:

Technology is a tool that cannot be ignored by many teachers and even academics; for instance, since 1991, Ur assures that technology and supplementing materials in order to adapt them to the neccesities of a particular group and to offer richer options (p. 189). Moreover, Harmer (2015) also highlights the importance of technology since it helps us to explain language meaning and construction and boots the engagement of students in activities (p. 134).

Technology in Mexico:

Technology resources have been renewed and increased more gradually.
There is a difference in terms of budget among institutions (private vs public schools, PNIEB program).
There is a lack of attention in attempting to improve the quality of education.
There is a lack of knowledge and responsability by the people who have access to these resources.

Actual Perspectives

To discuss the pros and cons of several technology tools I decided to interview all the teachers from the place where I work. First I described the appliance and then I asked them the pros and cons they found in the following block:

Pros / Cons:

– Great as a complement or non presential activities

-Attractive and Innovative

– No internet, lack of practicability

– Can’t substitute evaluations

Pros / Cons:

– Real and authentic material

– Exposure to different accents

– No budget

– Lack of an accurate objective

Pros / Cons:

– A complement for activities out of class.

– A way to communicate with teachers.

– No clear objectives/justification

– Just to emphatisize

Pros / Cons:

– Great way of applying the 4 skills.

– Authentic Material

– Too advanced material

– Very few resources

Pros / Cons:

– Authentic and Challenging Material

– Includes different topics that match with syllabus and engage students

– Challenging activities, need to adapt for the levels

– Some teachers ignore how to use it.

Futuristic Perspective

Harmer (2015) recognizes the following roles in a language lesson:

Role of Teacher

Controller – They are in charge of the class and exemplify the teacher-centered classroom.
Organizer – Prepare the students to do the activities, give instructions, grouping, set deadlines.
Assesor – Offer, correct and give feedback.
Prompter – Encourage, offer and suggest help to accomplish the activity.
Participant – Join the activity to be part of the dynamic.
Resource – Offer guidance for students to where to look for information.
Tutor – Point the students in the directions they have not thought.
Observer – Look at the students performance to give feedback mainly in conversation activities.

How will the teacher role be affected by the inmmersion of blended learning?

Roles that will increase its importance	Roles that will decrease its relevance
1. Organizer	1. Observer
2. Assessor	2. Participant
3. Prompter	3. Controller
4. Resource
5. Tutor

Conclusion

Why should teachers include technology in their classroom?

Learners’ exposure to technology has affected their learning styles.
Blended learning programs are emerging gradually.
Authentic material is required over textbooks.
There are more teachers who are willing to adapt and learn to use it.