Since this is my final post for the class, I would like to leave you with some final thoughts. There is one thing that I have learned from this class and writing this blog that I think we should all take with us as we continue our education and careers.
Let the curriculum drive the technology, not let the technology drive the curriculum.
In this world of education we are so enraptured with the addition of technology that we are at risk of forgetting our main focus, and that is the student. We do not have to include technology into a classroom if it is not needed. We can include it to keep a student's attention if it is a boring subject, such as the building of the Teanscontinental Railroad, or Westward Expansion (Sleeping yet?). But we should not include it if it is not necessary.
Take SmartBoards.
I have heard many complaints about them, and they all have to do with one thing that the teacher is lacking.
Time
It is nice to have them in the class if the teacher has the time and need for it, but let's be real. These things cost over $1000.00, and all many of them are is paperweights for the wall.
We should focus on learning about our particular class, and then see how they are reacting to our subject matter. If they need a bit of a boost in order to understand the material, then let's use that tech!
Hi,Anthony
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point that use technology appropriately, and also I agree with you that teachers need to prepare themselves with technical ability, such as how to integrate SmartBoards efficiently. I believe that technology are helping educators to gain a convenient way of teaching but not the opposite way. That is why we all here.
Thanks for sharing.
Wish you have a successful future.
Yun
Anthony,
ReplyDeleteGreat way to wrap up the lessons we have learned. I agree--we should always keep the student in mind (and what will best engage and motivate them to learn) rather than getting caught up in the "tools" we use to aid the learning process. If we do that, and use technology where educationally appropriate, everyone benefits.
Meghan S
Hi Anthony,
ReplyDeleteI personally find tools like Smart Boards to be very beneficial, but I am someone with above average experience with technology. I agree with you that for most teachers, it is important to start small. Incorporate one form of technology in small ways until you are comfortable with it or it becomes second nature, then start incorporating more. The amount of available technology today can be incredibly overwhelming to teachers.
I also think that teachers need to be provided with more training for these tools. It can be daunting when you are given a technology that you have no idea how to use, especially with all of the new evaluations, curriculum strategies and demands continuously being placed on teachers. Teachers need to learn the quickest and easiest ways to implement these tools in their classrooms with their current curriculums.
Thanks for sharing your ideas!
- Erin
Anthony,
ReplyDeletealthough I like your honesty, your thoughts on technology seem to be just the opposite of why we took this course. In the beginning (the first week) we seen a video that told us that technology is a part of everyday life and to keep up with times, we as educators should and must be incorporating it into the curriculum. You say in your post that it isnt necessary? No matter what we do incorporate technology and if we dont stay connected with it then it is going to get the best of us.
I read your final post and really thought it was something that should have been said at the beginning of the course: Let the curriculum drive the technology. I agree. While we have learned a TON of new concepts and ideas in this class, I think there may be the potential for overkill here. Some teachers might look at the idea of a digital story like using a stick of TNT to open a can of soup. Way too much. I suppose it would be up to the teacher and his/her students. After all, we, as the teachers, know our students better than some publisher, and even our own administration...especially more than someone in a district office dictating the curriculum.
ReplyDeleteIt has been great reading your posts.
Mike