Generative Technology & Technology Integration in Education

The generative technology makes use of a number if not all of the principles of technology integration. However, I will just list five ways:
1) engaging students by allowing them and in a since making them take on an active role in thier learning. Through their podcast, students are required to actually think about and plan what they want to say and publish it in a professional manner.
2) assists students with special needs by utilizing a variety of the multiple intelligences. Some students may not be as versed in writing, so perhaps speaking is a better way for to convey knowledge. Others students may be shy or afraid of public speaking so while they may take a minimal role in actually speaking on the podcast, perhaps those students are able to do the behind the scenes planning such as writing scripts or figuring out the electronic side of publishing the podcast. Conversely, blogs allows those better at writing to express themselves and also allows for a wider audience.
3) students definitely realize they are apart of the bigger picture because they become aware that their audience goes beyond their teachers and peers within their school, but now encompasses anyone with access to the internet.
4) life-long learning and exploring new concepts is done by allowing children to learn how to create a podcast and the many (and proper) uses for a podcast. Although we live in a society where children have increasing access to technology, not all children will have the same or quality access to technology, so classroom podcasts allow children to experience what some may not experience otherwise.
5) capturing the imagination and making learning interesting by allowing children to escape from typical and traditional school lesson in which the teacher instructs and a worksheet or other mundane activity follows. Using activities such as blogs and podcasts, students are allowed to think about and use other forms of technology, instruction, and learning to achieve the same goals. Also, children are more likely to retain knowledge, be engaged in learning, and be inspired to continue learning because new and different activities represent instructional outlets for students.

These forms of technology allow teachers to take a backseat when it comes to student learning. This is not to say that teachers are allowed to be laxed in instruction, but they are able to allow the students to take an active and leading role in learning. Generative technology allows teachers to act as more of "guide on the side" and a facilitator. Also, generatiave technology allows takes into account multiple intelligences by allowing teachers to assess students in a variety of ways rather than the traditional testing. In this manner, student learning is not stifled as it has been in the past, and assessment is more complete, thereby capturing more of what the student has learned and what the student is capable of.

These generative technology forms can be used in the classroom to allow students a broader range for collecting data and bringing the outside world into the classroom. Parents and teachers can have more efficient contact. It is also easier for teachers to connect with other teachers and professionals to increase instructional strategies and professional development which in theory will only encourage student achievement. I could definitely see using the podcasts in my classroom as a means for keeping in contact with parents and other professionals across the country and internationally. I think generative technology will begin to work better than and replace a lot of traditional professional development and other seminars by allowing people to network in connect from a variety of places and at a variety of times. Blogs would be helpful in keeping a running conversation with the parents of my students without having face to face contact. In this manner, if physical contact is for some reason impossible, then parents, teachers, and professionals have another way of keeping in touch and accomplishing virtually the same goals as traditional parent-teacher conferences or other seminars and meetings.