(Edward)
Chapter 12: Engaging Learners with Digital Tools
In Chapter 12 it brought up the topic of technology integration issues which should always be addressed. Even though we are aware of these issues at times we might find ourselves caught in the middle of them. Some of the issues that stood out to me were the teachers who are so set in their lesson plans that they just simply forget that they can add different elements into their old lesson plans, personally just doing the same old same old lesson plan sounds a bit monotonous to me, although I understand the philosophy "If it's not broke don't fix it", yet if we can continue to enhance our lesson plans with newer technologies that benefit our students I think that's a great thing.
Another issue that was brought up was rewarding or punishing students with technology use. The textbook stated "Students with higher test scores are given one kind of technology-based experience while the student with lower scores get another kind" (Malloy). I don't see a problem with rewarding students every once in a while, but this statement bothered me. Just because a student received a low test score in one subject doesn't mean they're an idiot, or can only handle minimal technology, every student has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, if we only judge and focus on a students weakness they will only see their weaknesses. What if one of those low scoring kids was actually tech savvy, and that was one of their strengths. By punishing them you would never know about this strength. As teachers I feel we need to play on students strengths, and help improve their weaknesses.
The third issue that I wanted to elaborate on was one that was brought up and one I witnessed first hand throughout my school career which was just the fear and uncertainty with technology. "Teachers with less knowledge of technology worry they will not know how to use all the different types of technologies that students might bring to school" (Malloy). To me this is silly, I've grown up with technology, my family has always had a personal computer, so I'm used to figuring technology out, but not doing something because you're afraid of failing or just worried to incorporate it is ridiculous. As teachers we should be striving to discover the ways and means that will benefit our students the most, in some situations this means using technology. I know technology is not the end all be all for education, but it definitely has it's benefits. As humans were bound to fail, but we should not be afraid of failure. Below I included a video from youtube from one of my favorite Disney movies Meet the Robinson's and their personal views about failure.
My challenge is to remind myself to think creatively with the technology resources available to me. "The key is for teachers to think creatively about using the technology they have to create new experiences for students"(Malloy). Also constantly reminding myself that technology is not limited to computers, there are so many outlets, just because you might not have the resources doesn't mean you can't be a great teacher.
"There is always more to learn, to try, to add to ones repertoire of knowledge and interests. One enormous upside of technology is this: It keeps you and students learning, growing, and leading learning together" (Malloy).
Resources:
Edward, A. (2015, December 1). The Perfect Blend – Poster by Alexis Edward. Retrieved December 1, 2015, from https://www.canva.com/design.
Hill, R. (2014, September 1). Meet the Robinsons - You Failed! Retrieved December 1, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWtRadR4zYM
Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Great post - love that you recognize the "need" to fail in order to truly learn and had not seen the youtube clip so that was a good one! :) Though I totally agree with your comments about lifelong learning for all (including teachers), I think teachers, like students, often have a fear of failure. Many have not had the exposure to technology and with the onset of students knowing more than they know in that realm, it can be very scary. Hopefully, you can help any co-teachers overcome those barriers! :)
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