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| Stormtrooper with his iPad, Wii remote, and iPod. |
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| Jedi Ginger by Cayusa on Flickr |
So when Dr. McLeod posed a question on his blog Dangerously Irrelevant. He asked, "Are we doing what is best for our students, or are we doing what is most convenient for us?" I would have to say we are teaching in a way that is convenient for us. Now, don't be so quick to jump on what I just said. I don't equate "lazy" with "convenient". Teachers are some of the hardest working people I know! Trust me, I've been there (on the weekends, late at night, over holidays and vacations...pathetic at times, really!). The thing is, we are teaching in a way that is most convenient given the parameters, resources, and requirements given to us.
When I was reading Teachers Discovering Computers I had a visual epiphany. I finally saw what the classrooms should look like to mirror technology and globalization. Students should be soooooooo excited to come to school because they do a lot of their work and learning using the current gadgets and apps. They could problem solve with their classmates in Japan through virtual conferences or team build models in geography or geometry using tablets. Picture this: teenagers itching to get up and get back to school to work on water solutions simulations to deal with local water issues. These students are anticipating uploading their simulations and research online in order to share and collaborate with their peer buddies in Dubai who are problem solving their own water issues.
Concerning technology and globalization--we're not giving the kids a fraction of what they need. Technology moves so fast and of course there is not enough money to keep all the technology that mirrors society in our classrooms today. What we can do as classroom teachers is teach them the skills as best we can. Get access to and use free or low cost technology (Why isn't the private sector donating more of their stuff? You'd think they know something about brand loyalty.), all while including or relating to what's the latest and greatest (e.g. iPads, smartphones, social networks) . Show students the purpose for such applications. Teaching students how to be flexible and adaptable, have initiative and self-direction are going to help them have the skills to compete globally (that's what Shelly, Gunter, & Gunter say and I agree). We should also teach to the best of our abilities how to find information, sift through it, synthesize, and share it. We may not know the technology they need to enter the workforce after graduation because it hasn't been designed yet, but we need to nurture lifelong learners who have the skills to tackle on and find success in any arena. May the force be with us all!
