I found this week's reading very eye opening. I do not have an education background so I probably see things a bit differently than those who do. Computers in the schools? Why, of course! This article, along with the Clark/Kozma debate is really helping me see that technology is not always the answer. I would never have thought, though, that computers in the school could be detrimental. I happen to work in a school so I know that kids are really excited when it's time to go to "computers". I wonder though, why are they so excited? Is it all the wonderful things they will be learning? Or could it possibly be the games they'll play or just the time out of the classroom? My observation of kids on computers doing research is that they surf the web a lot and never really hunker down and read anything! They are skipping from page to page! My sixth grade son is in a 21st century classroom where they all have laptops, the teacher has the document reader, smartboard, microphone, etc. Today I asked him if having a laptop has helped him in the classroom. "Yes", he replied. But when I pressed him for reasons why, he really couldn't come up with any. "They help us type better, I guess." he finally said.
Not having an education background and being in this field does help me see how education technologists may not always have learning theories and such in mind when promoting their wares. They just want teachers to use their stuff.
I also think it's true that teachers don't have the time to really evaluate website, software, etc. I'm not a teacher and I am overwhelmed with all the stuff out there! Where do you begin and how do you determine what websites are worthwhile? A non-profit group to evaluate what is available sounds like a good idea to me!
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ReplyDeleteThe bigger problem is that we (teachers) evaluate too many available web resources and it gets to be too much. I have come across a few good web things that would take me far with my students, but there is sooooo much out there and I don't know when to stop. I learn about new technology goodies every day and sometimes it leads to sheer anxiety because I fear that I am not keeping up with the latest technology, or that I am missing opportunities for great resources.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I have never thought of technology as actually becoming a problem or something in the way. The article illustrated a lot of difficulties with technology that hadn't occurred to me.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny that you talk about the kids liking computer time. I have seen that if the students aren't monitored or given something specific to do, they will surf the net or look for games.
ReplyDeleteThe problem that I have found with some software is that it works great for a student on an individual basis, but they have to use it at school due to licenses. There also tend to be students than computers in a classroom making it very difficult for each individual student to use.