Looking back on my last post on technology in the classroom I have realized that while I agree with what I have said, I also feel as if my opinions on technology in the classroom may have changed a little bit. After reading many articles on technology in the classroom and how it affects the way teachers educate their students I feel as if too much attention is being paid to incorporating technology into the classroom. I think that some teachers may spend too much of their time trying to incorporate technology that they may lose sight of the more important learning goals set for students. Although, don't get me wrong, I still feel that technology in the classroom is important, but it should be presented in a less forceful way. For example I feel that teachers should motivate their students to type their papers before they turn them in, but they shouldn't make it mandatory. Some student's and their families cannot afford a computer or other technology. I truly believe that it is important for students to be able to use a computer and other forms of technologies so I think it is important that schools present different types of technologies to their students.
There are both similarities and differences between my techno biography and my classroom technology post. In many ways it is similar because I still believe that technology has made a big impact on my educational and personal life. Without technology I would have lost touch with friends, been unable to present information, not have an immediate source to conduct research and much more. I feel that it is extremely important for children to be aware of how to use technology and how helpful it is. Technology makes student's lives much easier now then even 10 years ago. When we need a quick answer that is credible and legitimate all someone has to do is log on to the Internet and google the answer. Although it is so easy to find a good source of information, I think students should be taught the difference between credible and not credible sources. I think teachers should take a little bit of time out of their instruction to show students how to pick and choose a proper website for research, as well as how to quote the website to lessen plagiarism. A difference that I see between my first post and this one is that I feel some time should be taken out of lessons to show students the different types of technologies, but not too much. I deem that teachers feel the pressure of teaching student's technology and this affectts the way they instruct their classroom. I think technology is an extremely important tool for everyone, but when it comes to education in the classroom it should not be the most important topic taught.
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I completely agree with what you said about how teachers should teach students to check a site for its creditability, especially if internet research is mandatory for an assignment. This was something that was also emphasized in my ISTC201 class, which I felt was so important to my learning because before that class I don't think I even knew how to check properly for a site's creditability, so obviously it's something that hasn't been emphasized enough by my past teachers. I definitely feel that it's important now, more than ever, to teach students early on to check a site for its creditability since kids are using these "luxuries" such as the internet much earlier on than most of us ever did; therefore, it's really important to emphasize to our students the importance of checking a site for its creditability because nowadays anyone can post anything on the internet, whether it's true or not.
ReplyDeleteHey, Jenna. I am not exactly sure how I feel about what you wrote in your post about not forcing technology on students. You gave an example about how students should be given the option to type their papers, but not be required to do so because some of them may not own or have the ability to access a computer. In one way, I do agree with you because it is true that many children don't have computers and that is not their fault, so they shouldn't be punished for their financial shortcomings. On the other hand though, to allow those children to just write their papers is not really teaching them how to get what they want, no matter what they have to do to get it. I have suffered through many financial troubles and I was expected to do certain things, like typing a paper using a computer, without giving excuses. I made it and because I had to struggle, it has made me stronger. People need to realize, that financial difficulty is no excuse for success. If a student really wants to succeed, they need to do what they need to to make it happen. That's why so many of our children are on welfare or working at the McDonalds instead of going to college. They used that excuse their parents use. I can't do it because I don't have access to the tools, or I don't have the money to buy a computer. Use your legs and walk to the library or make arrangements with your teacher or principle to use the library at school. There is always a way. Like an old war movie stated, "No excuses, no retreat".
ReplyDelete-Lisa Wojcik :)
Lisa, I do agree with your statement that students should do everything they possibly can to find the time to use the proper technology. Although, from experience I have found that some children, for example in inner city schools, simply don't have the time to put in to finding the technology or staying after class to type a paper. Some students act as the mother or father of their younger siblings if their parents force this responsibility on them. Some students barley have enough time to eat in the morning or do their homework at night because they have to take care of every one, but themselves. What would you say in this situation? Some students have greater advantages then others, that is my reason for why it should not be mandatory to have a paper typed up. Don't get me wrong, I do think it is important for students to know how to type a paper for their future professional careers, but shouldn't you also take into consideration that there are other struggles that students are going through outside of the school?
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