I am now reading the skeptics argument in, Rethinking Education in the Age of Technology. In my previous post I wrote about the enthusiast argument and I’m finding that I am certainly an enthusiast! I appreciate that this reform in education and integration of technology will be a bumpy, challenging road, but it is one that must happen. That said; both the skeptic and the enthusiastic make wonderful arguments that really get you thinking! One of the first arguments mentioned is that teachers will lack the training to change their instruction. In my opinion, teachers’ instruction should be every changing just like the world and the students. However, schools should be providing professional development to help them incorporate these 21st century skills with fidelity. We should not be expected to use all of our own time searching for the latest and greatest technology to use in the classroom because some teachers will and others won’t. We have recently taken two technology surveys in the district I work. The surveys will be used to determine what our teachers need. Based on the results we will be given options for professional development. The test included questions about blogging, student created websites, effective ways to search, etc... I think this is wonderful! I also suggested that we should have some professional development center around digital citizenship and shared the commonsense.org website.
They state that schools have developed three strategies to address technology without changing the traditional ways of teaching and learning. One, don’t allow technology because there are too many risks. These people are not looking at the possible potential new technologies could have in the classroom. Two, co-opt, using programs such as Fast Math and Plato to reinforce objectives through automaticity and fluency. Third, marginalize technologies; teachers implement the integration of technology as much or as little as they would like. They believe that because of the demands driven by the need for high scores on standardized test will deter teachers from using technology and steer them more towards drill practice. This book was published in 2009, prior to the CCSS. I feel that the CCSS are moving us toward more real world teaching/application and farther away from skill practice. This is a positive move in which technology is essential. I think teachers are beginning to realize that and are hesitantly learning more and more about technology.
An obvious argument brought up is expense – expense for the computers, maintenance, security measures, etc… The “Bring Your Own Device” idea will work well in the district I am in, but what about students that can’t afford a device. There are grants available which would alleviate this problem narrowly. I do wonder how much money district may be able to put towards computers if they no longer purchase text books. They also mention classroom management problems that occur because there are so few computers in each classroom. If each child has their own device, I believe that management problems will drastically decrease because the most or all students will be engaged.
Skeptics say that technology can not teach the "rules" of everyday life: share everything, play fair, wash your hands before you eat, clean up your mess, etc... My instant reaction when reading the text was to agree. I was challenged to think about this a bit more and realized that technology can play a huge part in teaching manners. When looking on Pinterest I found many videos and sites where the children can make their own etiquette books. It is also essential to teach the students that the everyday person-to-person etiquette applies when using technology and directly teach technology etiquette. It is important the children develop the guidelines themselves as it will enourage their investment in the etiquette.
Another arguement presented is that teachers no longer hold "Authority of Teaching" – I have heard many teachers feel that they don’t have as much control in the classroom when technology is being used, whether it is because they don’t know what the students are viewing or because they (the teachers) aren’t confident in what they are doing. The skeptics that the teachers were traditionally the experts of knowledge in the classroom. Teachers controlled the information that was supplied to the students. As the “keeper” of the knowledge the children looked up to us and respected us for all the information we had to share. The students can go on the computer and can find a “knowledge explosion.” I think many veteran teachers have a difficult time allowing the children to be on the computer much of the time because they feel that they are not doing their job. They feel the need to be in front of the room or the only ones “teaching” the students information. Many teachers need to adjust to being the facilitator of the learning and doing less work, while the students do more. Professional development in the area of technology will be greatly beneficial. I have shared resources (including Symbaloo and Kidblog) with my colleagues. They had no idea these resources existed, nor did I prior to this class. The more we are exposed to new technologies and are shown examples of the uses within the classroom teachers will begin to learn that it does not take any authority away. We are empowering the children to learn!
Skeptics say that technology can not teach the "rules" of everyday life: share everything, play fair, wash your hands before you eat, clean up your mess, etc... My instant reaction when reading the text was to agree. I was challenged to think about this a bit more and realized that technology can play a huge part in teaching manners. When looking on Pinterest I found many videos and sites where the children can make their own etiquette books. It is also essential to teach the students that the everyday person-to-person etiquette applies when using technology and directly teach technology etiquette. It is important the children develop the guidelines themselves as it will enourage their investment in the etiquette.
Another arguement presented is that teachers no longer hold "Authority of Teaching" – I have heard many teachers feel that they don’t have as much control in the classroom when technology is being used, whether it is because they don’t know what the students are viewing or because they (the teachers) aren’t confident in what they are doing. The skeptics that the teachers were traditionally the experts of knowledge in the classroom. Teachers controlled the information that was supplied to the students. As the “keeper” of the knowledge the children looked up to us and respected us for all the information we had to share. The students can go on the computer and can find a “knowledge explosion.” I think many veteran teachers have a difficult time allowing the children to be on the computer much of the time because they feel that they are not doing their job. They feel the need to be in front of the room or the only ones “teaching” the students information. Many teachers need to adjust to being the facilitator of the learning and doing less work, while the students do more. Professional development in the area of technology will be greatly beneficial. I have shared resources (including Symbaloo and Kidblog) with my colleagues. They had no idea these resources existed, nor did I prior to this class. The more we are exposed to new technologies and are shown examples of the uses within the classroom teachers will begin to learn that it does not take any authority away. We are empowering the children to learn!
1 comments:
Alicia-This books seems very interesting and informative. I like how it presents different perspectives regarding the use of technology in the classroom, and I can certainly see both sides of it. If teachers are expected to use this new technology, however, professional development should be provided. I agree with you that we should not be expected to use all of our prep time learning about and searching for this new technology all on our own. I do not think we should totally ignore using technology in the classroom. Yes there are risks, and yes there will be anxiety, but that is why instruction should be offered to teachers. We need to learn how to use technology appropriately and effectively, especially so it does not all go to waste.
You mention "Authority of Teaching" and how many teachers feel a lack of control when technology is being used. I must confess; I am one of these types of teachers. I love being in control of my classroom and feel that when my students are using technology, they will take advantage of the freedom. Also, I think because I am not entirely confident using the technology myself, I am afraid to use it because I know I won't be able to help my students. This is something I need to work on. You've raised some great points that have truly forced me to reflect on my own teaching.
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