Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Chapter 9 Reflection-New Schools
We live in a generation of "digital natives." Students are consumed with the use of technology. Computers, video games and smart phones have taken over our everyday lives. If we forget one of these devices, we will not be able to function for the day. Children are less interested in using pen and paper, playing board games or even playing outside. They would prefer to "log on" to the computer or video game or even download an app to play. This mass consumption of the use of technology is carrying over into our schools and into our classrooms. Teachers are feeling the pressure to gain and keep students' attention. More and more children are being labeled as having attention issues. Is this because they are not interested in the traditional style of teaching? In Solomon and Schrum's book Web 2.0 new tools, new schools; they entertain the possibility of having "new schools." New Schools are the new way of thinking. It is the new way of learning. Technology is the driving force of new schools, but is all this technology beginning to harm our kids? Our students live in a social media world and they are use to interacting online. It would be great if students could learn to use technology in moderation. We as teachers want to facilitate and encourage them to be producers and collaborators instead of only consumers. There needs to be balance in doing that. In an article by David Warlick, The Day in the Life of Web 2.0, the transformation of a school with unlimited use of technology appears exciting. But I have to wonder, what is too much technology and how will it effect our students in the future? These are a few of the questions I hope to find answers to through "powerful conversations" on this blog.
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Leah, Do you think there is too much technology? Just think of the benefits if all students had iPads to work with. I know from observing in my classroom, how excited the students get whenever we allow them to use the teachers iPad or to get on the computers to complete research. They are only in the 3rd grade. It is remarkable what they like to research. One student is into "weather" and he said he was going to be a meterogolist whenever he gets older. Now sometimes he drives you crazy asking if he can do some research, but if we stop his inquistive nature, he will get to where he does not want to complete his other assignments. I really believe the 21st Century tools will be a great tool for teachers, administrators, parents and students. Just think, with the push of a button you can start some cars. Think about people with disabilities that need technology to help them communicate, it has made their so much better. The future is what each person makes it. I know for me the use of technology has made it so much easier to get my Special Education Degree. My students have really grown this year with the use of technology, Elmo's, projectors, PC's and iPads have enable teachers to interact with the students more and not be stuck behind the desk the entire time he or she is teaching.
ReplyDeleteTerry, I agree technology is extremely beneficial, especially to the kids we teach. I too have seen an increase in pariticpation and skills with my kids implementing technology. I just fear that in some areas students rely too much. They are unable to cross over from technology lingo to pen and paper. In class while doing writing activities, may students struggle with writing and spelliing simple words. Many of them "text write." They don't even try to spell thing correctly because they now spell check will catch it. They prefer to do everything on the computer. While I do not discourage this, I would like for them to learn basics and be able to function in case there is not a "device" around. By no means do I discourage the use of technolgy, it has made my life as a teacher so much more exciting and interesting.
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