Evaluating Instructional Technology Resources for 21st Century Teaching
Learning in the 21st century has significantly changed, thanks to the advancements in technology. In the earlier days, learning was all about involving a teacher standing in front of a classroom giving instructions, asking questions, and actively involving the students. Students also needed to make an effort to attend all classes to understand what has been taught in class. Therefore, learning was tedious for both students and teachers. In modern-day learning, learning has been made easy by technology as students can use technology to interact with their teachers. Through the use of instructional software, WebQuest, and Instructional apps learning has been enhanced through improved accessibility and reliability.
Instructional Software
Instructional software refers to a type of computer program that is specifically designed to deliver various tasks and support of different functions for learning purposes. Essentially, the software consists of several capabilities and techniques that help them to perform different tasks simultaneously. The special feature is known as like features of the software.
Evaluation
Before the utilization of instruction software, the tutor needs to access the software early enough to assess its functionality. Checking the software in advance assist in reducing the possible abnormalities that may be experienced in the future when teaching.
Instructional Website
The instructional website refers to a website that is used to educate students at different levels. As cited by Collins and Halverson (2018), the sites provide detailed resources and materials that educators use to teach learners. Additionally, the websites help students and teachers to locate reliable sources about a particular requirement or topic. Before the recommendation of the site, teachers should explore the website to ensure its authority, integrity, and appropriateness.
Evaluation
After using the instructional website, the educator needs to check on the authenticity of the information by exploring the site from which the learners are obtaining information. Further, cross-checking on the resources allows the teacher to identify some of the faulty materials and misconceptions provided for the students to avoid delivering the wrong information.
WebQuest
A WebQuest offers a wide array of opportunities to students and educators to participate in an inquiry format lesson. WebQuest can be developed using different programs such as word processing documents including links to websites. WebQuest is widely used in the modern learning environment even though its origin dates back in 1995. Through this technique of learning, teachers can engage their students during the learning process. Additionally, WebQuest allows schools to provide a chance for students to develop critical thinking skills.
Evaluation
To evaluate the progress and success of this technique, the tutor can analyze the way in which leaners are collecting information from various sources. Assessing this technique will help to tell the development and the challenges that the learners are experiencing. Moreover, the quality of information provided by the students’ feedback will help to assess whether they are able to understand the online search on learning materials.
Instructional Gap
In the contemporary learning environment, there are numerous application software that facilitate learning process. The applications are known as instructional apps which help both the students and the teacher in the learning process (Kuhlthau, Maniotes, & Caspari, 2015). One of these apps is iPad instructional app which is an adaptable teaching aid that puts the teacher in charge of all the other devices in the class. Due to the increased benefits of these apps, most learning institutions are installing mobile learning applications for their students.
Evaluation
Evaluating the progress and success of these applications is fast and easy since they offer a platform for engagement between teachers and students. The educator can trace the attainment of each student by examining their performance from their level of operation to the manner in which they are responding. The students can also check on the effectiveness of each student on the utilization of the app.
Reflection
The use of this 21st century learning through the use of technology is providing the best results for students and tutors. For teachers, it has become quite easy and fast to provide assignments and commands to students outside the classroom environment. Additionally, they can access the task performed by students easily and conveniently. Communication between students and teachers has also been improved by modern technology through instructional websites, WebQuest, instructional software, and instructional applications. Communication in learning is fast and uninterrupted by lateness and noise or absenteeism.
Ultimately, adopting technology in the learning sector becomes one of the primary goals in schools. Technology has improved learning in terms of accessibility, accuracy, and technology-wise. Teachers are now able to assess the success of each student and the school with little effort.
References
Collins, A., & Halverson, R. (2018). Rethinking education in the age of technology: The digital revolution and schooling in America. Teachers College Press.
Kuhlthau, C. C., Maniotes, L. K., & Caspari, A. K. (2015). Guided inquiry: Learning in the 21st century: Learning in the 21st century. ABC-CLIO.