Today’s technologically, fast paced world is constantly changing. Has technology become a vital tool for education, or has it become just another item that educators can’t keep up with? Is technology becoming a “crutch” that allows students to avoid learning the basics like reading and writing. There are educational tools that allow textbooks and other materials to be scanned into a computer and then read the material for the student (similar to books on tape). Even if it is vital for the education of today’s students, how can educators remain on the cutting edge of technology instruction when they still are faced with trying to prepare students for successful careers and life-long learning (especially if they are not in the computer or information technology fields)? And what happens when the the technology that is taught today becomes obsolete tomorrow?
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You make some very good and scary points. Technology is constantly changing, and a very important part of the 21st century classroom. Teachers are going to have to become comfortable with technology so that they provided their students with the skills to be successful with technology that has not even been invented. I feel it is not so much about teaching students how to use today’s programs, but teaching students how to think with technology and problem solve with new tools and resources as they become available. Unfortunately there are still many “old school” teachers, who are forced to use technology in their classroom, but their students are more capable. I feel this could also be a problem in education – students knowing more than teachers. At the elementary level, it is easier to stay ahead of the students. There are some “enabling” programs that we use, but students are also challenged with technology in other way, such as in group projects. These other options provide students with skills they need to become somewhat independent learners.
My belief is that teachers have to spend the time “playing” to become more comfortable and confident, so that their students do not eventually know more. Teachers are going to have to change their ways to in order to function in the 21st century classroom. I am not sure if this is the next trend that education is jumping on, but there definitely needs to be a change in the way teachers instruct. Technology is not going to slow down for teachers to catch up with it.
To respond to your question… Is technology becoming a “crutch” that allows students to avoid learning the basics like reading and writing?…..
I think in a way it is a crutch in terms of handwriting, as I gave the example in class today, but in terms of reading, I think that in the classroom technology can really enhance reading and writing. For example, I teach a lot of peer editing techniques in language arts, and I struggle with the ‘pair’ that has a really low student and a very high student peer editing. How can I tell whose work is whose? If I had them peer edit on the wiki, I would know because I have that direct access. I also feel that it is highly motivational…. try to get a kid excited about researching Albert Einstein in a book vs online and whoah! what fun, right? just as long as I can keep them on task while searching.
Jim,
Thank you for the comment. You are right about technology becoming a crutch, I see it in my school. If a student loses his/her laptop, the excuse is I cannot do the work I have no laptop to learn. That is a ridiculous excuse. It appears though it is a great tool and thing to use to enhance learning on their end and measuring assessment on our end. I am going to be careful how I do it in my classes and be more vigilant. Thank you for the advice.
I like the questions that you have posed here? You should consider developing some answers in future blog postings! Feel free to do that anytime – no need to wait until something is assigned.
I think chapter 2 in the Lankshear book will provide you with some food for thought in order to frame your thinking around these questions.
I am looking forward to reading/hearing the answers to your questions – from you and others in the class.
You bring up some very good points. This is especially relevant for those of us at the high school level. I already feel behind my students with regard to the use of technology….and with everything we teachers have to do, how will we have the time to keep up? I definitely don’t have the answers, but taking courses like these is a good start.
I believe that education and technology are very similar in the fact that they are forever changing and evolving. As educators, our learning is never done. We need to constantly update our knowledge and skills and unfortunately what we learn in technology today will probably be outdated in the future. That is the nature of the “beast.”
However, I do believe that we still need to educate students in the traditional sense as every person should be able to read and write without the help of technology.
Thanks for your thought-provoking entry!
“As educators, our learning is never done.” This is key to us bringing about change!
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