Friday, December 3, 2010
Technology: To Use Or Not To Use?
In response to the question. I do not think teachers have the luxury anymore to choose. The vision for most schools nowadays is technology integration. Catering to the diverse learning styles of our students is the key. As a teacher the students we teach daily are accustomed to using technology daily at home. They spend several hours at home on their PSP, Nintendo DS, iPods, cells phones, My Space etc. etc. Administrators want to know that teachers are using technology in the classroom. Some schools will have more devices that others. But I guess what ever you have available you are expected to use, and I must say use creatively.
In reaction to Dr. McLeod's question , I would say that us teachers do not have a choice. Do we? Any good teacher would want to go with what is best for the children they teach. I would think that incorporating digital technologies in to my daily instruction would be the appropriate thing to do. Any particular classroom is comprised of students with diverse needs and a variety of learning styles. These styles need to be catered for in order for learning to take place, and if using technology is the answer to this , then I am going to use it. If I do not know much, then I am going to get myself equipped. The students we teach daily are completely "wired" (as one person said), outside of school. So if keeping them "wired" in the classroom is what it takes to keep them engaged, and learning. Then, that what I am going to do.
Development does not have school attached to it( my opinion). If there is a teacher that is willing to step out of the box, and get things done. Then s/he should do it. As you know it will not be easy on the part of the teacher, but if that particular teacher can justify why such as technology is needed, and how it can facilitate learning, administrators will support. It all goes down to proposal writing. Use empirical evidence to show why this development is for the benefit of students, and thus school.
One of my favorite statement is that "Learning is not static, its dynamic." I am sure all teachers share this view. So we as teachers need to continually upgrade ourselves. My opening video sums up how some of us feel at the start of venturing into something new, and how we feel are actually doing it. Sometimes it turns out better than we think.
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Strangely, I found the same video and placed it mine. Should I say that gret minds think alike:). Anyway, You strike a good point when you said, " any good teacher would want to go with what is best for the children they teach." We know technology is a good thing so why would we not want to give our students something that will fostering learning. Isn't that what teachers are here for and to do.
ReplyDeleteAs you said too, that learning is not STATIC, its dynamic and I do share that view for real. Some of us are too much in a box and we need to step out of that box in order for us and those whom we serve can go further. Great post!!!
I'm sure we can all agree that for us to more forward as 21st century teachers we have to be able to adopt to change and be able to diversify our lesson with technology usage. I just keep having the problem where groups like the Horizon report and other organizations paint this picture that there are are this emerging technologies out there that should be incorporated in the classroom when we good and well know that not only cant school districts afford them because of budget constraints, but administrators are not open to the ideas. (social network in the classroom in an ongoing hot topic) Nevertheless, with support, teachers should not hesitate to use what is available to their advantage and prepare students for the 21st century.
ReplyDeleteGood Read Though....
I like this statement, "development does not have school attached to it( my opinion). If there is a teacher that is willing to step out of the box, and get things done. Then s/he should do it." Use empirical evidence to show why this development is for the benefit of students, and thus school.Also s/he is increasing his/her wealth of knowledge which if used effectively will be to the benefit of the students taught
ReplyDeleteLet me tell you,
ReplyDeleteAt my school, we have the opportunity to use a lot of technology in the classroom and even out of it. The only problem is the Internet access has been blocked to many websites. On the other hand, we do not have the tendency to be attached to iPods, cell phones, PSP, or any other electronic devices. Therefore, students think we are behind and they are advanced. So, does it mean we have to be creative using technology in the classroom? In a sense, we have to. Excellent post!
Good points, and agree with your comments. As teachers we need to be upgraded.
ReplyDeleteComing from a country where I was not really exposed to technology and the use of the internet in schools, was a challenging transition teaching here in the US.I was use to the chalk and talk,BUT now my views on education has change. Using the internet and technology in the classrooms can also give you a very successful lesson. Students grades will improve likewise. As educators let us continue to upgrade ourselves. Good post my friend!!!
ReplyDeleteGood post. I agree that we do not have the courtesy of not using technology in the classroom. As, you stated also stated, not all schools have the same amount of technology but we are required to use it and use it creatively.
ReplyDeleteThe video brought back some great memories. Three years ago, I was a judge for an elementary school science and technology fair. One category that I judged was powerpoints developed by 2nd graders. I WAS BLOWN AWAY...and I took good notes, as I learned some applications for which I was unaware!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it turns out better than we think - indeed! :-)
We really dont have a choice,do we? It has now become a part of what is expected of us as teachers and as such we have to be accountable. Love the video!
ReplyDelete