Saturday, May 14, 2016

Digital Blog Post #A Chapter 1


First, the concept that we should challenge our students to think is obvious. What's not obvious is how naive we are to understand the true value of computers as a source of technology, as well as a challenge for them to learn about. Its array of different uses has made cut short. I see classrooms, of course, using computers to take tests or write essays but not truly exploring all the realms of a computer. Or actually absorbing all the knowledge a computer has to offer. Students aren't challenged to think deeper about computers. From reading in our textbook I have come to a conclusion that when I become a teacher I should take advantage of computers to teach students in a variety of different ways. Not only teach them how to use a computer but also teach them about computers. Such as using certain search engines, sifting through information to find facts, etc. Find their interests and put those interests to work. Living in a world of technology is important and even though we cannot process information as well as a computer we can always use computers to our own advantage. Its also something fun for the students to engage in. I know they will appreciate that later on in life.


Now, something I found interesting about technology was the obstacles teachers face when using technology. Such as all the updates and the time limits they have with their classrooms. Thinking of a classroom setting it is true that it is time wasted to gather children to take them to a computer room and back in time for their next class or activity they will be doing. The way I would address that would be to create centers for the kids. Have them maybe even partner up and explore and do assignments together. Learning the subject, about computers, and teamwork all at the same time. Which would help greatly with covering all the aspects of the curriculum.

Lastly, I slightly agree with Cuban's view on technology. It has been used to keep all the kids engaged. He even speaks about it in his article: Larry Cuban On School Reform.I remember always using computers to do assignments in class but never learning how to do research and analyze correctly using a computer until college. With all the information technology holds it is possible to become astray and perceive the wrong information as facts. Also the fact that there are so many different views on technology, especially with the younger kids. I personally would rather have a child grab a book than a computer because of the fact they will have time for technology when they enter school.

In conclusion, technology can improve teaching, different views are important and students should see deeper into computers then what they do now. Computers open doors to so many different opportunities whether in or outside of a classroom. The knowledge on technology is needed and heavily looked for in jobs now. Therefore,  since I will become a 21st century teacher I must learn technology to teach it.


Resources:

Cuban, L., & Dickenson, P. (2016, May 12). Larry Cuban on Social Reform and Classroom Practice. Retrieved from https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/tag/technology/.

Maloy, R. W. (2011). Transforming learning with new technologies. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.

21st Century Education. (2012, May 7). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA1Aqp0sPQo


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