Holly Hutson
Business Education
Technology use
in Education
Technology has become the way of the world. The vast majority of the population uses various technological devices in their everyday lives whether it’s a computer, cell phone, or television; people are always connected. This is no different in the business industry. Businesses now, more than ever, are using technology on a whole new level with video conferencing, email, apps for business, social media, professional presentations, etc. As a business educator, I feel the necessity to incorporate this technology into my instruction. Today’s students are surrounded by technology and can relate to instruction that uses technology to deliver content. This also allows students to gain the necessary skills to use technology responsibly and with ease in their future. Some ways I plan to incorporate technology in my classroom include:
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Multimedia presentations: Content can be delivered through the use of multimedia presentations. There are a variety of programs for professional presentations including Microsoft PowerPoint, Prezi, and Powtoon. Students will also be using a variety of these resources in order to deliver multimedia presentations to the class. This will give my students an opportunity to become familiar with presentation software/programs and strengthen their presentation skills.
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Supplement to lessons: Technology will be used as a supplement within my instructional lesson plans. Lessons can include items such as video clips, online searches or examples, photographs, webpages, online games, etc.
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Email exchange: Email has become the most prevalent source of daily communication exchange. It’s important to me that my students understand how to draft a well-written email and use email responsibly and effectively. Students will create a professional email address and use email for some of their written assignments throughout my course.
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Online grading system: Many high school business education departments are using websites such as Schoology to deliver assignments, content, information, and have students submit their work. This allows students to become familiar with online forums and take responsibility of their own learning. This also allows the instructor to grade and submit feedback online where parents and students can easily access information quickly.
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Various online tools: There are a variety of online apps or tools that can be used in the classroom. I plan to incorporate these available internet resources into daily instruction. For example, I can use Kahoot.com to do a review game in the classroom; Polleverywhere.com to have students respond to warm-up or ticket-out-the-door assignments; Weebly.com to have students create a webpage for an assignment or to enhance their presentations; and blogs to have students write or journal on various topics and learn proper social media etiquette.
Technology has truly changed classroom instruction and gives educators an immense amount of opportunities to engage students in instruction and encourage participation. My hope is to have a BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) classroom and use every resource I/my students have available to incorporate technology into instruction and structured practice. I believe students learn best when instruction is current and students can relate learning to their own interests. The use of technology in the classroom is a great way to relate to this generation of students.
