Friday, July 10, 2009
Technology in the Classroom
I am a bit skeptical about relying on technology in my classroom. I worry that students will struggle with new technology to the point that I will end up teaching computer techniques than my subject area. This idea was cemented in my mind while watching our cohort of MACers struggle with Mac OS and video capture equipment. If a group of highly intelligent individuals with widely varied backgrounds can have such trouble with technology, it seems a bit optimistic to assume that a group of young children will easily master the concepts. I believe technology has its place in the classroom, but a teacher should not depend upon it.
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Sam, you're wise to be thinking about the training issue, and the related learning curve. With all due respect to your estimable colleagues, it's interesting to speculate about what might facilitate or impede the process of getting more comfortable with a tool. Maybe your Middle schoolers will be quicker studies than a group of your peers...who knows?
ReplyDeleteThe other thing that your comment calls to mind is a resource that too many teachers don't utilize...the media specialist. Oftimes, you have access to someone who can be of immense help in addressing the issue that you mention.
I think your concern is wise and valid. It is also a good lesson that one should "practice, practice, practice..." before trying an integration project. I used to go over my entire lesson for the next day(complete 50 minute run though) after school let out. Especially if I was using technology, I would try to figure out where the problem areas might be and create tutorials or work out the kinks.
ReplyDeleteI also think that it is a nice model for students to see their teacher using the same technology they are expected to use, and working out problems as needed.
Sam, I sympathize with your concerns. It is important for the teacher to master the technology before they bring it to the students. (The same is true with the content of their academic discipline). Technology can either be a useful tool or an unnecessary distraction. HUMAN judgement will always be needed. Jeff's comment about making use of the media specialist is also well taken. It's possible that the pedagogical utility of technology is greatest when it is used outside the classroom. Perhaps we should be helping students learn from technologies that they are already familiar with (google, twitter, wikis, etc).
ReplyDeleteI actually think that students would not have any difficulty with technology for several different reasons. Students that we are teaching have never know a world with our computers, without internet, without cellphones and ipods. Studies have also showed that these students simply learn differently. Here is a site http://www.generationallearningstyles.com/ that I have been looking at recently. I do think though that teachers have to really step up their game in trying to understand technology and not throw in the towel if they don't understand. I think we shouldn't be afraid of learning from our students. We are all in for an exciting time!
ReplyDeleteSam, Good point! I think this will work out somewhat as you prioritize your lesson plans. How much time can you afford to spend on training technology vs. dealing with the subject matter. The technology will have to support learning objectives or it will quickly fall out of your plans. -Michael Bindon
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