“Becoming a e-teacher”
I found chapter 1 to be very inspirational, for both new teachers and more experienced teachers. Being born in the generation of computers and technology I personally think the use of modern technology is very important in the classroom, but for many older teachers they may not have the same values when it comes to technology. Technology is always changing but I think it is never too late to learn about how to incorporate it into classrooms. Many schools and classrooms now have computers and internet access but like the chapter stated teachers are not using them to its full capacity. I think the reason is because many teachers do not have the right information or tools on how to appropriately incorporate technology. Making the classroom as interactive as possible will not only make the class more fun but will get the students engaged more in school and start showing more motivation. I agree with the main theme of the chapter that technology in the classroom all depends on the teachers view and understanding of technology.
Two Questions
1. How can teachers who work in low-income schools realistically incorporate technology if their school district does not have access to modern computers and tools for all students?
2. Using technology in the classrooms sounds like a good idea but how much technology is too much? It there a limit to how much the teachers should rely on using technology?
Nena,
ReplyDeleteto answer your first question i think its very hard for teachers that work in a low income school district to incorporate technology into their lessons because they simply dont have the resources. when this happens they have to go and use their own technology that they might have at home. one solution a teacher could try to get technology into the classroom is asking people for grants. this is where a teacher posts what they need and why they should need it and people will donate one for the teacher and the class.
i dont think that there are teachers that use too much technology in their teaching. i believe that math and social studies work very well with incorporating technology into the lessons therefore the teacher would use other resources for reading and writing. i think something like this could work because it balances the use of technology throughout all subjects. also i think that when technology is used too much it loses the excitement for the students.
i hope my answers helped!
Nena,
ReplyDeleteI have friends who work in underprivileged schools and it is difficult for them to incorporate technology into the classroom. As Lisa-Marie mentioned, the schools request grants or have fundraisers to raise the money for technology in the classroom. It is a struggle for both teachers and students. If a child does not own a computer in his or her household, then he or she will have to use the local library.
I believe utilizing technology in the classroom is important, but don't forget that time is of the essence. From teaching on a secondary level, the subject classes are about 40 minutes. I know personally that my lessons need to be extremely structured for that given amount of time. I'm not sure what grade level you are looking to teach, but you will learn as you're in the field.
All the best!
Nena, I think your second question really highlights the concerns of many parents. At home, technology is a method by which they can sit their child in front of a screen and "it" will keep them occupied with minimal adult assistance....think about the Wii, XBox, iPads, Laptops, etc. In many SmartBoard equipped classrooms, the SmartBoard has replaced a chalkboard and thus it is front and center. Desks and tables are positioned so that children can see and access the tool readily. If you have limited knowledge about the purpose and use of a SmartBoard, it is conceivable to think that it is some sort of robot which will be doing all the teaching! I believe, however, that no amount of technology can replace a good teacher. It is the teacher who must filter through thousands of websites, apps, and interactive lessons to find the ones that meet the needs of his/her students. It is the teacher who must assess student learning and adjust future lessons accordingly. It is the teacher who must provide corrective feedback and scaffolding for children who need additional supports. No piece of technology, in my mind, can meet those needs!
ReplyDeleteYour 2nd question allows me to think more carefully about using technology in a classroom. It might be easier for the teacher to teach only using technology because there are many educational materials in the classroom and internet. For example, videos, power point, e-book and flash… The teacher can just present the materials by clicking a button. The students can just follow along and click on the buttons too. Technology is only a tool. It is not a goal. We should consider using less technological tools before becoming passive.
ReplyDelete