As I am not a teacher, I have not had as much experience in the use of technology in education, being restricted to using it ONLY in my education.
However, having both observed and worked in schools, I am quite suprised at how little I see technology being used, other than the occasional webquest assignment or classroom video. As a matter of fact, I see technology being used less in the high school and middle school settings and more in the elementary schools, with some students even creating PowerPoint presentations and working at computers during free time and 'stations'.
I find this lack of technology usage to be extremely disconcerting. In this digital age, one would think that educators would embrace technology and find creative new ways to keep students engaged in learning through the use of technology. In the high school setting, students are still doing a lot of work from textbooks, writing essays, and using worksheets. I have talked to several high school students in my work as a substitute teachers. Their only real access with computers in the classroom is through the use of Microsoft Office, which is mainly reserved for typing essays. They use the Internet for research. Many students exposure to technology is through their personal home usage.
My philosophy is that technology should be embraced, rather than seen as something frightening and uneducational. While the Internet can be a dangerous place, it can also be a useful information portal. Teachers should not limit their technological exposure to just the Internet, but rather, embrace other forms of technology, including blogs, message boards, etc. The list is endless.
Often times, students feel like they know more than their teacher or feel that their teacher is not reaching them. Sadly, I feel that this might be the case when dealing with technology. I'm not making this generalization for ALL teachers, but I feel that students are outlearning and outreaching their own instructors in terms of educational prowess.
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4 comments:
Your last paragraph made me laugh. There are a lot of teachers at my school who are behind the times. One guy I work with refuses to turn his classroom computer on.
I agree with this statement in your blog. As a matter of fact, I see technology being used less in the high school and middle school settings and more in the elementary schools, with some students even creating PowerPoint presentations and working at computers during free time and 'stations'. I find this lack of technology usage to be extremely disconcerting. Yes, this is true, especially in our district funds have been allotted for programs like Emints for selected elementary schools, whereas all, if not most of the class rooms are adequately equipped. What about the students in middle and high school who I have been promoted and will definitely require the technology skills as they enter into the work world.
Wow! I really enjoyed reading your philosophy. I can tell you are an English major b/c everything is so well written. Anyway, enough praise and on to the point. I agree that in some cases "students are outlearning and outreaching their own instructors in terms of educational prowess," which is quite unfortunate. A possible solution to this problem is higher learning. In other words, teachers need to continually educate themselves in terms of technology. Courses like EDU594 are a perfect means of doing so.
Andrea, you are preparing very well for your future students. I see much success in your future.
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