I've been going through everyone's blogs for this week and I've noticed that a lot of people seem intimidated, perhaps, of technology.
I'm trying to understand why, though! Technology is an amazing thing. The freshman in high school now have so many more opportunities and options than I had when I was a freshman in high school six years ago. Technology presents so many new learning styles and has a way of making learning fun.
I know there are you nay-sayers out there who keep thinking to yourself, "Well, yeah, but what about the kids who don't like technology?" Maybe I am a bit biased because technology is so prevalent in my life, but I truly, truly do not believe that there are more than a very, very small handful of kids who dislike technology. I think that their intimidation and disliking of technology comes from the fact that they may just not know how to use it properly. While I am not saying that every technology is super-easy to use, there are PLENTY out there that are!
Take an iPad for instance. In the new iOS6 software update, the teacher has the ability to deactive native apps such as Messages and Safari so that a student can only be locked into the app specified by the teacher. I think that a lot of you are afraid to give students technology because it can be "distracting" or they can use it to cheat, but there are ways around all of that.
At the end of the day, technology is here to stay. Technology is constantly evolving, constantly pushing us forward, and constantly at the center of our lives. If we don't teach students how to utilize and how to learn with technology and technological devices, then we are short-changing the students.
I know for me, it isn't really the technology that intimidates me- but rather the longterm effects of overexposure. I think there are some great tools, I think it can enhance learning, and I think it can expand the way one is educated... But I fear the reliance on it. Yes, it can be distracting- I've witnessed it in my observations at different school... But no, I don't think that means it should be cut out completely.
ReplyDeleteI see a lot of fear and apprehension at all stages of the game. Whether it's the teacher in the high school I am observing....the students I am teaching...or the colleagues that I work with here at SRU. I think you are right, Ryan....it is here to stay and it is prevalent in our lives. I also agree with you Brittany....we don't want to become too dependent on it. Like many of the other blogs I've been posting on this week, I think balance is the key. Find out what works for you...what you are comfortable using in the classroom...what works within your computer lab. Etc.
ReplyDeleteAs for students not "liking" technology....I don't think that should be a concern. I mean, students don't "like" testing...writing...discussing....but we still provide opportunities where they have to do these things.
I think the most important thing is to consider why. Think about your pedagogy. Why is using technology necessary for the lesson/activity? Also, consider what students have outside of school. Some don't have any tech. But I always remind students that there are sources in the public library and the school library. If i had to type a paper in high school (we're talking 1989) I think there is no excuse a student can't type a paper in this day and age....so long as we give them ample time to find the sources.