Technology in the class room is a very tricky subject and I feel the thoughts on it have shifted back and forth a number of times. I remember early in the 2000’s they said that we should not have phones or other forms of technology in the classroom. That shifted big time around 2010 and we thought we could use the technology that the kids had for good use. Fast forward to today and we are trying to remove some of the technology in our classrooms. Why is this the case? Well to be honest if technology was used right in the classroom then no questions I feel we should have it throughout the school. But instead of using it for education the students use it as a form of escapism, getting away from their educational world, and sinking into the continual black hole that social media, wifi based show, and online games can create.
As an educator I think you have to be creative with the technology and how the relationship with Student, tech, teacher looks. It is impossible to monitor their phones or computers at all times, so you have to establish a certain amount of trust, and also certain amount of understanding that they will not always be on task. I find this approach of give and take really works well with most students. Of course there will be some student that takes advantage of these privileges, but we see that throughout our civilization in many different situations.
I enjoyed the article on Community of practice, as it really shows what it is like to be a teacher. But let me tell you this can be a positive or a negative. Leadership is huge when it comes to schools, how can we get everyone headed in the right direction. The more synergy a staff have, the better community and practice they have. If there is very little leadership you will see cracks from top to bottom, and usually the students are the worse for wear in this scenario. I appreciate both images in this chapter as they show the many facets of a learning community, and how they can look within technology in the classroom
Overall when I look at tech in the classroom I know we need it, but I am still trying to figure out how to maximize the results of it in the classroom.
Hi Kirk,
Thank you for your post. I agree that the view of using technology has shifted back and forth over the years. I know I have seen it used with one teacher and then the next decided it was not to be used. I feel at times that shift was dependent on who was in the leadership role and their knowledge level of the tools available. Now that we have no choice but to use technology to teach it has been nice to see the changes and possibilities.
I like you your comment “sinking into the continual black hole that social media, wifi based show, and online games can create”. I had to laugh since I feel that is the hole my children are going into. Having online classes, only being able to see and talk to their friends online, and playing games with their friends online. Trying to balance the technology has been a challenge these days. I am a strong believer that technology has his place in education but balance is the key. Especially with the younger generations who could easily get sucked into that “black hole social media, wifi based show, and online games” quickly.
Hello Kirk!
I like your realistic opinions of use of technology in the classrooms that students use it more for other purposes like avoiding study, playing games etc. rather than really learning something from it. In other words, they are addicted to electronic gadgets which make them wander in their own created world which can prove vulnerable for them. The idea of observing them all the time doesn’t work and you are right in saying that it is necessary to imbibe the values like trust and understanding in them. I think we can try teaching them how to make limited use of social media and all in their lives. In the classes we can try engaging them as best as we could in actual learning showing them how to use technology effectively and efficiently.