The more I learn about technology in the classroom, the more I realize how it can be used as a valuable tool. I am lucky enough to be able to navigate my way through most things technology related because of my general knowledge, but children today are being exposed to technology more and more to the point where I feel as if they know more than I do! Not to say that I am incapable of learning just as much as them but I think some things may come easier to them because of their background knowledge.However, I do believe that because of my exposure to technology today and what I have learned in the past, I feel as if I will be able to stay ahead of the curve.
I think the students can be an extremely valuable asset to teachers because of what they know. Rose Porpora, and English teacher from Chatham High School, said that there are some times she notices students know how to do things technology related in the class room and she just let's them take over. I think that we can all agree that learning is a good thing - if you are able to better yourself by learning something new - what does it matter who your learning from? I think it would be an interesting experiment to create some type of integration with students and teachers where the students are able to teach the teachers. This could be in any array of topics ranging from general use of specific programs to shortcuts in creating documents.
The other video on Mr. Drapers class I noticed two things the students said that really caught my attention. One student said that they are involved in their "own learning" and instead of the typical lecture section, Mr. Draper gives them an assignment and allows them to come to their own conclusions. He uses a unique form of grading the students as he walks around the class with a clipboard and checks off if the students are using a 21 century skill. I like how he guides the students to form their own conclusions so that they can get to the answer by using their own style of learning. Another thing I notice a student say which I thought was very interesting was, "we're not just learning to learn, were getting involved." I understood this quote to mean that they were not just sitting in a desk learning about pointless things that they will never use, they were hands on in learning about hydrology. They were involved in how it effects the community in which they live in. I think that when you can involve students in the community the learning becomes more interesting to them and they feel as if there is a purpose.
When I begin to start my job search I would like to find a school that is able to be technology driven because I do believe firmly that it is very important for all schools to integrate technology into the classroom. It is the new wave of the future and I would like to position myself as best as I can to prepare for this integration. Maybe there will be schools (or are there already?) that will have programs where students can teach the teachers that I would love to be involved in. I would also like to see schools have programs set in place to help mentor teacher as they are starting out so that they can learn from past events to ensure a smooth beginning. While on the topic of mentor, I think it would be great if a district offered a mentor to each new teacher so there is a "go to" person with any questions I may have in beginning years of teaching.
You are correct - we are preparing our students to own their own learning - be more self-directed. When I put crown molding up in my home, I had to teach myself. By no means am I a carpenter or handy, but I do know my capacity to learn and try new things. I have received many positive comments from friends and family on my work in my living room. (They haven't seen the chair railings I put up in my kid's rooms - my first attempts.)
ReplyDeleteThat is what learning is - and technology is a tool. I watched many videos on line. I tried reading books and looking at diagrams but honestly, the pictures did not show me what I wanted to see and often times, the instructions and descriptions were not well written and used terminology I was not familiar with.
Just as you all are learning new technology and its application, it may be new and the only way you truly learn is by doing/using technology yourself.
I am conducting a workshop for our teachers in the district on Google Docs which allows uploading and sharing documents. I am not explaining how to use it with their students. Instead, to motivate and establish purpose and usefulness, I am showing them how to upload report cards from the district server so they can access them from home. No longer do they need to be at school late to complete the report cards. In addition, groups of teachers, like the Specials teachers, can also input grades without having to wait for access. Now there will be ownership and purpose for their learning.