The discussion that we had after our technology tour has been on my mind a lot lately because the issue is definitely unsettled. I think it was a great discussion that pin pointed a lot of questions that we should be considering as teachers with today's generation of children. The times are changing...and so is the role of a teacher...or at least it appears that way.
Even walking into the computer lab of the middle school blew my mind. We are college students studying to become teachers and the students we will be teaching may have better technology than us! The mac lab was full of new computers, students have technology readily available to them and they are making music and videos and other things. Our facilities at BC don't even compare. But does that mean we are not going to be good teachers because we do not have the latest and the greatest? I sure hope not. We will just have a lot of learning to do once we are placed in the school. Especially if the school happens to have an emphasis on the use of technology and you are required to incorporate it into the lessons.
I know that when I have been in the classroom the principal has stopped by and does an evaluation of my cooperating teacher. He showed it to me and part of it was a check in to see how she is using technology in the lesson. Luckily, we have a Promethean board so basically we are always using "technology." But there is so much to learn about this little board, and it should far exceed the use of a simple white board. It is crazy how their attention perks up the second the board is turned on and a new flip chart is used! They love new things and they lover interacting. So I definitely see how technology can be used as a tool.
However, I also see how technology can hinder the learning of a student. One main way is in their ability to learn interpersonally and with other intelligences. I agree with what sister said in class about a child being able to physically pick up a math manipulative. This is going to be far more effective than highlighting blocks on a computer screen. Children are already overly exposed to technology. The hours that they spend in front of their tv, plugged into an ipod, or on a computer similar to the one in class make the technology in the classroom less effective. It is a way for students to shut themselves out even more, and the role of a teacher is greatly diminished. It may be great for a kindergartner to occasionally listen to a book on the ipad, but this should never be used daily. Children need to be read to, they need to interact with each other, and they need to interact with their teacher. We are physical beings and we need that contact.
I have a lot of thoughts about this. Basically my conclusion is that I want to use technology in my classroom as a tool. I want to prepare students for their next steps in life and use technology to aid in their education. I don't want it to become something that I only rely on and that children are not able to learn without.
ED460 Personal and Social Well Being is a course taken by college students in education during their student teaching semester. Topics covered include: poverty, child abuse, bullying, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, counselors' role in school, adolescents and choices, and the use of technology.
I had the same feeling when I walked into the computer lab. These students have better resources and computers than most of us. We are going to be learning right along with them; or they will need to teach us a thing or two.
ReplyDeleteWhen working with younger students, it is easy to see their love for technology and how useful it is to them. I agree with you that they have better attention when technology is used; they are interested in it.
I also think what you said about using actual manipulatives. Students can only go so much with a computer, their hands can do so much more. I agree that students need to be exposed to technology, but students still need to learn how to read, write, communicate, and work as a group. Technology needs to be a tool, not the sole resource.
I first and foremost want to say that I am apalled to think that we don't have much technology here at Benedictine. I was under the impression taht we were one of the most technology heavy schools around. (All of that was said in a sarcastic tone that cannot be relayed via typed letters). However, in all seriousness I have worried some about how little I know about technology. I already feel like a foreigner in the digital age and I am supposed to come in knowing a lot about technology. I especially worry about this because of all the technology that is available for use in Mathematics. Math has many great resources but I feel like I will struggle to use them because it isn't easy for me to pick up on technology.
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