In chapter 2 it covers how technology promotes unique, powerful and transformative learning for students. Experiences with computers might not always be a positive time but students are attracted to technology-based activities. These activities offer students a sense of "independence, exploration, and dynamic learning." Students can use technology to collaborate with one another instead of always competing with each other. They'll be able to do group projects together, help each other if fellow student needs help using an electronic device. Another beneficial factor about using computers during a lesson is allowing students to be engaged and participate altogether. It was interesting to read some examples of Student-Centered Teaching Methods and how technology supports it. With one-to-one tutoring students get help on topics they are having difficulties in and after they can go home and use their computers to follow through and explore more in depth. Also another was dealing with Inquiry learning, students can exchange and share information with each other and monitor their own learning through these processes.
Yes, technology alone can't take over a classroom or a teacher but it will definitely increase new experiences for the students. Certain programs on the computers can allow students to be more creative and interested. Using computers students have access to the past, present, and imagine the future through visuals, this promotes their visual learning. They can also do a lot more when using computers for instance replay clips going back and forth if they did not get it the first time. Technology is also great for teachers as well because it helps teachers to plan, deliver, and organize for class. It's inevitable that soon all teachers will end up using technology into their lessons. There are so many positive benefits from using technology in classrooms. I enjoy seeing how creative some teachers get with their power points and I'm amazed and how quick some students pick up things dealing with technologies.
1. What do you think are some harms that technology does with students' learning?
2. Which active learning methods did you value as a student yourself and why?
I agree with you that technology enhances creativity, but it can also be a downfall. Technology, such as a Google search provides students with immediate ideas from various websites. Due to so much exposure, are students truly creating their own thoughts or ideas for a project, essay, etc.? You would hope so, but in some cases students are not. If students are stealing ideas, then it could lead to stealing words or sentences. This could eventually lead to plagiarism in a written assignment. I understand that teachers and educators need to explain plagiarism and how to cite works, but we cannot be there 24/7.
ReplyDeleteAs a student, I enjoyed collaboration projects. I can remember re-enacting a scene in High School from "A Streetcar Named Desire" with other students. We were excited about our props, lines and presenting to the class. My friends and I still reminiscence about it today. Another active learning method that I valued as a student was classroom discussions/debates about a book that we read in class. My teacher would have the class situated in a circle, so everyone could speak and be seen. The students shared some personal stories based on topics of race and gender inequalities. I was able to understand how students felt about different issues that we faced everyday in an outside of school.
Michelle, you bring up an interesting point about the "harms" of technology. I understand that you brought up the question in terms of instruction and learning, but I think it brings up an equally important question in terms of social-emotional development.
ReplyDeleteA recent lunch-time discussion in our faculty room was about the negative social and physical impact of technology on students outside of school. Some teachers (particularly the digital immigrants) felt that too much time outside of school was spent "staring at a screen." Digital immigrants spent their childhoods outside playing, developing gross motor skills and spatial awareness through running, climbing, jumping, and throwing/hitting/kicking balls. Much of this time playing also developed crucial interpersonal skills. This type of free play is unstructured, and not adult led, so children are forced to sort out their own differences by creating and enforcing rules. The games of choice for todays millennials are largely based on iPads, XBoxes, the Wii, etc and do not offer the same chances for physical movement and development. They have set rules which must be followed, and are largely solitary activities.
Here's another point: Think about when you're out at the grocery store, waiting at an office, or traveling on the bus...how often do you see a child being "kept quiet" or "kept busy" by using an electronic device. Such outings are HUGE opportunities for children to learn appropriate social skills and develop oral language, but are being avoided by parents because of the availability of individual media.
The digital immigrants saw these differences negatively impacting the physical, social and emotional develop of students today, arguing that millennials lack interpersonal skills, patience, and delayed gratification. I agree they bring up some interesting points.
I see that happening all the time too. I actually wrote that on my first blog about children being glued to iPads and other electronic devices. I can definitely see the negative effects of technology as well as the positives. Great points they made about students lacking interpersonal skills, patience and delayed gratification.
DeleteOne way technology is harming our students is that many students nowadays can not live without it. For example our iphone's now have an app for everything. Students nowadays can not spell a word without auto-correct, or give someone a tip without pulling out their tip converter. What happens one day if they forget their phones at home or the internet shuts down. Will these students be able to survive in this world?
ReplyDeleteOne active learning method I enjoyed was in first grade when we all sat on the magic carpet and the teacher would read us a book, We would make predictions about what the book was about based on the pictures or the title. Personally for me these were the activities that made me fall in love with books. I do not think any form of technology can compare to authenticity of this activity.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with you that using technology in classrooms has so many positive benefits, but it can also have negative effects. I think technologies can increase efficiency, but also decrease efficiency. Form my learning experience, as I am a student I can use numerous technologies to support my study. I think it is undoubtedly useful tool. However, sometimes it was disturb my concentration because there are too many distractions like entertainment news, gossips, funny video clip, etc. Before using technology in learning, learner should the efficient way to use their technological tool which can always distract us.
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