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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!
5 comments:
I don't ever remember NOT being outside. Kids these days are engulfed with technology. During school (at least here) we make them use the computer daily in class using a reading or math software, and I'm sure they also use it when they are home (if they have one). I have to agree with you, we teach in a way that is convinient to us especially because of what is required by us and our resources (without a computer in a classroom we can't really teach students about them). I don't know how we are supposed to keep up with technology since its always evolving.
This is an excellent post. I agree that classrooms should mirror technology and globalization. I also had this idea that students could complete projects via Skype with students from other schools across the world. Students today have the opportunity to embrace the world. When I was in school, the only thing I knew was my own backyard. I never dreamed of being able to communicate with someone across the globe. Now, technology has allowed us to evolve. I think this should be represented in classrooms. I read an article about a teacher who uses the Wii game console in his classroom. He uses the weather app to check the temperatures around the world. This is an example of how we can integrate technology into the classroom. However, the Wii was donated to him. Not every teacher will have such an opportunity. Thus, limited resources and restraints play a big part in the educational experience. So, I agree with your view that we teach in a way that is most convenient given the parameters, resources, and requirements given to us. Overall, this was a great post!
Wow. Thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated!
You also may be interested in the resources here:
http://scottmcleod.net/schools
Let me know how I can be of help and support to you on your ed tech journey!
Dear Scott, The visualization of a successfully technology-rich educational environment was very effective. It is important to have those pictures in our heads of what we want our students to be able to accomplish even though our vision is somewhat limited by the rapid pace of technological development. I think you hit the nail on the head with the objective of instilling a love of lifelong learning in students. I have been through three changes with Microsoft Office since I began teaching elementary technology. We have also gone from clunky computer desks and bulky hard drives to sleek thin clients and cloud storage in my computer lab. And that's just in the last five years. I didn't realize that until reading your blog. As long as students are lifelong learners, they will easily adapt to drop-down menus to tabs to ribbons to whatever else the next productive suite that comes along and throws their way.
I hope you find your droids,
Cyndi Cunningham
Thanks for the comments! Rabecka, using Skype with students is a great idea. Skype has been around for a while and you're right, we should be incorporating that technology with our students. Many already have had some experience with it, but many have not.
Dr. McLeod, thank you for reading my first blog post! I appreciate all you do for education.
~Bren Harkins
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