Digital Blog Post #L- Chapter 12

In this chapter, I learned about different technological tools such as digital pens and notepads. A digital pen records words that somebody has written or spoken so they can be accessed on a computer. A digital notepad allows users to write and draw, then convert those images to digital text. I believe these two tools could be very beneficial to a teacher when trying to manage notes. I also believe that a digital pen would be very beneficial to students who like to keep their notes both written and typed. The video below displays people using digital pens and notepads for the first time.

This chapter also introduced the idea of BYOD, which stands for Bring Your Own Device. Many schools allow this policy, where students are allowed to have a device at school and use it, with teacher permission, to better their learning. Many people dislike the idea of BYOD because they feel that a device would cause a distraction in a students learning experience. I agree that a device could very easily distract a student in class, however I believe that it could equally aid a student in his or her learning. I believe that students should be allowed to bring their own devices to school, but only use those devices when the teacher gives permission to the class. An article entitled BYOD pros and cons: Spend less on devices, more on support, gives examples of many pros and cons of using BYOD in schools.


I also learned that there is a national Digital Learning Day, which first took place on February 1, 2012. On this day, may classrooms celebrated the use of technology. I think dedicating a day to recognize how far our technology has come and what great benefits it brings would be a great idea. This day could be seen as a "fun day" in classrooms, where students incorporate technology in their learning a little more than usual. For example, the class can use an online game called Kahoot. This game can require the entire class to participate in answering questions in a fun and completive way, while also staying focused on the academic material being taught in the classroom.


Chapter 12 brings many helpful ideas to better teaching. I'm very interested in the digital pen and notepad that was introduced in this chapter, as well as the concept of BYOD. BYOD did better my learning as a high school student, and I believe that, as long as the device is used during appropriate times with the permission of the teacher, it could better other student's learning as well. I learned that there is a Digital Learning Day, which is a great opportunity to incorporate fun technological ideas in classroom learning.


Resources:


B. (2015, March 28). People Use An Electronic Smartpen For The First Time. Retrieved November 27, 2016.
Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

R., Sheldon. (2013, March). BYOD pros and cons: Spend less on devices, more on support. Retrieved November 27, 2016.