Technology has transformed life as we know it over the years. As a result, technology has also transformed the classroom. Traditional chalkboards have been replaced with digital whiteboards, and many classrooms have tablets available for student use.
Luckily, you will graduate from the McKay School with plenty of experience and knowledge about how to integrate technology into the classroom. In the McKay School, you will take Instructional Psychology & Technology (IP&T) classes.
IP&T is a branch of study concerned with understanding the ideas, principles, and theories related to improving instruction.
If you are an ECE, SPED, or EL ED major, you will take some, if not all, of the 3 IP&T classes offered to future educators in the McKay School. These classes are one credit each.
IP&T 371: Integrating K-12 Educational Technology 1
In this class you will learn ideas and skills for integrating technology effectively into your teaching in areas of internet communication, multimedia development, mobile learning, and Web 2.0 tools for teaching. The class curriculum includes learning how educational technologies can enhance teaching, professional work and communication, and personal professional development. You also develop the ability to design technology-enhanced activities and resources. In addition, you will learn about different resources you can use to assist in learning how to integrate technologies in the future.
IP&T 372: Integrating K-12 Educational Technology 2
This class is where you will develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to effectively integrate technology into real-world classroom and school settings. This class helps you develop positive attitudes toward technology in education and the expertise necessary to integrate technology into teaching and learning. You learn how to appropriately and legally use educational resources by understanding and abiding by copyright and open licensing requirements.
IP&T 373: Teaching in K-12 Online and Blended Learning Contexts
In this class, you will explore foundational concepts related to online/blended learning and will learn to plan, develop, and facilitate learning in these environments. You will learn how personalized learning software is used in K-12 education. You will also learn how to effectively combine in-person and online teaching, the difference between blended instruction and technology integration, what personalized learning is, and learn to identify the benefits and limitations of different modes of interaction within a blended environment.
It's pretty clear that technology is here to stay, and it is not a question of whether teachers integrate technology into their classrooms, but how to do it best. These classes will prepare us so that when we are teachers, we can reap the benefits that technology can bring to our teaching and to our students' learning!
To learn more about IP&T, feel free to make an appointment to meet with one of the ambassadors or stop by the IP&T office in room 150 of the McKay School!