In the article Unleashing the Future:Educators "Speak Up" about the use of Emerging Technologies for Learning, teachers aspiring teachers, and administrators write about the advancements in technology in the classrooms.
As technology becomes more prevalent in the classroom, children are learning how to communicate and collaborate with their classmates. This collaboration does not have to occur in the classroom anymore, the students can learn anywhere. Classes are also able to communicate with other children allover the world. Children are becoming more motivated to learn and are responsible for their own education. Teachers are able to create interactive lessons and get the children directly involved in their learning. Technology in education is becoming a core curriculum mission for districts. Schools are introducing online classes and other ways that students can interact with each other. They are able to connect their learning to the outside world and their future. As shown in Table 1:Top Technology picks for the ultimate school, Middle and High School Students rate communication tools as the most important aspect of technology for the best school. For teachers, communication tools are third on the list of important technology.
Students can "reach beyond the boundaries of their traditional circle of friends, classroom and school to seek new experts to add to their learning network." With this new style of learning, teachers are able to collaborate directly with students instead of through parents or other adults. Children are learning how to use word processor, spreadsheets, and databases. Technology does not only help the student, but it helps the teacher and parents as well. Each person involved in the education process is able to collaborate with one another. Students are becoming more involved and more excited about learning.
Instead of taking out a pencil and paper to learn, children will be able to take out a computer. In the future, computers, call phones and other forms of technology will be a regular aspect of every classroom. The world as a whole will become more connected. Children will also be more prepared to enter today's technological world.
I think this is a great introduction to the reading. I think the most important part of technology in the classroom is the interactive aspect of it, the idea that the communication on the current assignment, lecture, or discussion is always open to two-way communication and direct feedback. I find it fascinating that while teachers think that technology is an integral part of future classrooms (63%) they do not believe tools like blogs, social networking, or wikis have a place in the classroom (27%).
ReplyDeleteI wonder if this is due to the taboo of having social media and technology (like cell phones) as a historical distraction in the classroom. Or maybe it is because of the old classroom structure of teacher-student relationships, where the teacher is the authority. What do you think?
I think that technology in small doses in the classroom will be beneficial to children in the long run. They will be able to use a computer efficiently which is almost a necessity in today's culture. But the tried-and-true methods of actually working out problems with a pen and pencil, visually hearing the problems and seeing the problem worked out by the teacher should not be lost. Being a visual, auditory, and tactile learner, or mixture in any combination will never be lost. Technology needs to have a middle ground in which learning the basics will not become lost. Children are still children and should be able to learn like children. The should not be expected to have the capabilities of an adult too early. School should be a haven for that. That goes with the mention of authority by Katie. Children should be able to respect the authority of the teacher while in the classroom, not immerse themselves so impersonally into a bright screen.
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