Q2: Critique
(1)In the article, it mentions how computer rooms are a great access to technology but they also create issues at times. What would you do about the lack of computer access for a (hypothetical) class project?
(2)Do you think teachers will no longer be needed in the future? The article talks about new/more staff to update, repair, etc. the computers, will they replace teachers or just be more staff? Do you think they will be helpful or not?
(3)Where do you think this abundance of technology will take the classroom in 20 years?
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I have been teaching for several years having almost no technology in my room except for an overhead, so I can relate to the access issue. We did have a computer lab with assigned times once a week for an hour and some other times available by sign-up. However, there is basically never a time in a school day when something is not alredy planned. So to take advantage of that one hour a week I would do a lot of planning and practice with the activity/tech. If it is web based (depending on age level), I would go in early and enter the URL into all the computers to get a link set up to save time when we started. I would, at times, print out and copy examples of the pages they would be viewing to go over and explain before going to the lab, another time saver.
ReplyDeleteWhile computer tech is advancing incredibly fast, I do not think we are in danger of losing our jobs to 'googleteacher' just yet. I think that most people, as in this study, see the benefits of technology and education in some way. Some, just to keep paper work organized, others to make learning and teaching more engaging and most would like to do both. I feel that teachers will embrace and help facilitate the growth of technology, not the other way around, (I hope!).
The speed at which technology advances is astronomical when compared to the speed at which most public school districts obtain these new technologies. By the time it is aquired and the teachers are trained and the curriculum designed and the test approved, its old news. If American public schools are going to get serious about the use of technology to prepare students for the/their future than there will have to be some drastic, fundamental and systemic changes...yesterday.
-Josh
With the lack of computer access, I would have to try and get more information to them using handouts and other such worksheets. Josh makes a good point that if you do get the computer time, to utilize that and make sure you have everything ready to go before they come into the classroom. More materials would need to be brought in in order to help the project run smoothly. More time in a computer lab would be great, however teachers need to adapt and change lessons/projects accordingly to meet the needs of the students.
ReplyDeleteI do not feel that computers will ever take over the job of a teacher. I do think that more computers will be brought into the classrooms and will be used by students more than a pen and paper. Teachers will always be used and will be there to guide students. More staff would probably need to be hired for these computers in the classroom but only to manage them. I feel that as scoiety changes, the curriculum and ideas presented to future teachers will be more technologically based and they will be well prepared for the transition.
The abundance of technology will take us into a whole new classroom. Each student will receive their own computer or touch screen to work with. I feel that it will move from the traditional textbook, pen and paper and take it to touch screens and computers. Students will have a lot more to work with in the coming years than we ever did as students.
(1)Student teaching in 2 very different schools really brought this problem to my attention. I believe that technology should be used as much as possible in school because of how much it is used in our everyday lives. This does cause a problem though. In my elementary school you had about an hour every 4 days and that was the schedule. There were some free times, so if you planned your schedule ahead you would be able to use them. However, in a school I student taught at, they did not have a computer lab but had lap tops on a cart. This was one of the most frustrating things trying to teach at this school. Students did not know how to turn the computer on, it took them forever to type anything and most of the time, half of the computers did not work. After trying this one time, I realized how much easier it was to not use a computer and that worksheets and books needed to be used.
ReplyDelete(2)I personally do not think that computers will replace teachers. Like I said in question 1, some schools do not use computers at all and then again some schools only use computers. I think if they just used computers, you would need more staff due to technical difficulties and all of the other problems that computers cause.
(3)In 20 years I think that computers and technology will be more utilized. I think every one will probably have their own computer provided by the school. Students wont have to buy textbooks anymore because they will be on the computer, using a pen and paper will probably be out of the question. I do not agree with getting rid of textbooks, paper and pen at all, but I do believe that we eventually will get there. I think it is great to limit the amount of paper you use, but for younger students I believe that they need to learn how to write first instead of learning how to type first.
Josh- great time saver ideas and yes use that time up..I know I would if I had my own classroom too! :) I also agree that as teachers we will be around for quite sometime...or at least hopefully not until I am ready to retire...haha
ReplyDeleteMark- I agree that teachers need to plan accordingly and if they can have access to the computer rooms or certain aspects of technology then go for it, if not we have to have a plan B, C, D, etc... I also agree that more staff will be needed for technology advances! I think its is crazy as to how fast technology is advancing...I seem to always feel behind!
ReplyDeleteKristen- I agree with you that technology should be used as much as possible because our children of the future need to learn and be comfortable with it to use it properly. Thinking that someday students will each have their potential own computer is crazy to think about because of funding, who is going to fix it when its broken etc. But I see that as part of the future for sure. I have even read about some schools that are starting the trend of computers for all. Very different from when I was in school!
ReplyDeleteIt seems that we all agree that the technology is here and will keep coming, and that we porbably wil not be replaced by robots anytime soon. Like the tachers in the article, it seems that we too have different ideas of how and when to use these technologies and I think that is good.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with Mark in that the technology will become more common place and that some traditional methods will go to the wayside, and in some cases I think that is okay. We just need to have a balnce, and in education it seems to go all one way and then the other...so we will have to see.
I do often wonder why, with all the keyboard use these days, why I am still teaching cursive to fourth graders!
-Josh
Josh- I agree with teaching cursive. Maybe students should be taught to sign their names in cursive and thats it. I had a practicum in a 2nd grade class and they were beginning cursive letters. You could tell how much they all hated it because they were used to using the computer and some of them couldnt even read the cursive.
ReplyDeleteJosh and Kristen, great point about cursive writing. I don't see the point either, with the exception of learning how to do a signature. If understanding and writing cursive become a increasing concern, maybe someone could come up with a cursive keyboard and cursive writing programs for the computer. Just a thought!
ReplyDeleteGreat conversation so far everyone! Technology use in schools varies so much. Teachers views on how much technology to use and when to use it also varies greatly. It's nice to hear some of your own experiences.
-Jenna
Very interesting that you started on the cursive reading debate! THe school that I teach at had a meeting of the minds wondering the same thing! One of the teachers comments were that in order to be able to read the cursive writing you have to be ale to write it (or atleast be exposed to it). This incorporates well with social studes as looking at document based questions, many items are written in cursive writing such as the Declaration of Independence! Even though we hardly ever write in cursive any more, it is still important to get them acqainted with it. You would hate to have students not be able to read the documents on the state test because the writing looks foreign.
ReplyDeleteThe technology integration debate will never end. One reason is because technology is always changing and enhancing. This can seem intimidating. The whole "lack of training" seems to be such a copout. What it boils down to is that the teachers already have their ways and it does not include technology. I worked in a school where a group of teachers used a smartboard as a bulletin board for crying out loud!!!! For strictly the reason between the 4 teachers they had 125 years experience and they started without computers and they did just fine :) I think some of the teachers need to take into account that times have changed and the methods they once used that were modern and interesting are old and boring now. If you can check your e-mail you can most definately use most technologies available in the classroom. If you ever used a big old overhead you can use a document camera or ELMO. Its the same idea as switching from using a VCR to using a DVD. Sorry for the rant everyone.
ReplyDeleteComputers I feel will allows be a tool used in teaching never the teacher. With all of the different learning styles out there, you can not create a lesson or unit and expect the students to retain all the information. Students need the interaction of a teacher, and the teacher is needed to assess how the lesson is going so if no one is understanding you can change your method of delivery on the fly. Also, school is about interaction and socialization. In school is where children learn proper social cues and this is by observation and by being told.
ReplyDeleteI am nervous to see where education is heading in twenty years. The whole online education deal seems probable as far as secondary education but not elementary school. Mark brings up an interesting point of every student using a computer to limit the amount of paper. I can picture this happening but I also envision children not being able to spell due to the computer can fix it. More and more kids will be talking in texting talk because it is quicker and easier. We would be creating little monsters by only using computers. If this were to ever happen we would be creating a society as in the movie Idiocracy (not many people have seen it but it is a good movie). I do not think we should ever create a dependence on technology because as of right now it is not dependable.
David, I enjoyed reading your posts. Your cursive writing post was great. Students do still need to be acquainted with it since there are documents (as well as other things) still written in cursive and it would truly be a shame if the students of tomorrow could not read them!
ReplyDeleteTeachers who started teaching many decades ago who are still teaching do need to at least accept that technology is out there and that's what their students are used to (most of them) at home. I'm not saying how they teach is wrong it just may not be a great way to engage students and increase their information intake. With students used to so much technology elsewhere, it may seem quite foreign and possibly boring to walk into a classroom with no technology.
I've never seen the movie Idiocracy but it sounds like the society it portrays is not something I'd like to experience. Awesome point about technology not being dependable. I think Kristen also commented on how laptops she tried to use in one of her classes were extremely unreliable. Technology is great and can assist teachers and students in many ways but it scares me as well to think we could be creating a dependence on technology.
I have worked/volunteered in four very different districts in the Syracuse area and each district, school and classroom have different levels of technology in the classroom. Currently in my new classroom I have five desktop computers and an overhead projector. Many of the other classrooms have “elmos” and smartboards. I personally believe that there should be more technology available for all teachers, no matter their district or grade level. Technology is getting more and more advanced every year and I do not want my students or myself left behind because of our lack of technology.
ReplyDelete1) If there were a lack of computer access for a class project there are many different things you can do. If students need the computer for pictures, you can have them cut pictures out of a magazine. I feel like this is no longer used as much as it was when we were in school! Students must realize that technology is great when we have the opportunity to use it, but it does not always work they way we want it too. As teachers, professionals and individuals we can depend on technology too much because you never know when it will break, crash, have a virus, etc…
2) I think that teachers will always be needed! Our job descriptions may change and teachers in 50 years will not be the same as teachers today. With the increased technology in the classrooms and schools there is a need for more technological savvy staff. I think more staff in schools that are experts about different technologies can only help the classrooms and teaching.
3) I believe in 20 years technology will be the focal point for many classrooms. There will be an abundance of technology in the classrooms, schools and in everyone’s homes. Teaching will change as will how students learn. We are just now seeing new technology spinning off the Smart Boards. I believe in five years we will see Smart boards in 95% of classrooms and teachers using them!
I definitely agree with all of the posts above so far. Everyone has some really good points about technology and the effect it is having on schools everywhere. I don't think that computers will ever replace teachers, this is a profession that will always be needed, fortunately! I think that although computers and technology are so important and I agree with having them available for students 100%, there still are some old school critics of technology that don't agree with technology taking over everything. I think that these people will make sure that computers don't take over teacher's jobs! I think that technology is so important for classrooms because it enhances learning and makes it fun for the teacher and the students. Students are more willing to learn if we make it fun and also incorporate some type of technology. I do see technology growing rapidly in the next couple of years, and who knows what they will come out with next...which is very exciting. While student teaching, I saw how excited the students got when we had our computer time, which was only once a week...I really don't think that's enough time for students. The only thing about computers in the classroom is that teacher's need to be trained on the best software or programs and how to make the most out of their time in the computer lab.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is very important to include into classrooms. Expecially when students don't have access to technology at home because school will be the only place they will learn to use computers. Students don't have a chance to succeed at life with out technological skills. This also makes it important for teachers to be up on all of the technology and able to have access to it so that they have a chance to pass along the knowledge to the students.
ReplyDeleteAs far as computers replacing teachers, I am not worried. I would like to see a computer stop students from arguing or teasing. It is very unrealistic at this point that computers could do a teachers job. So many students need direct instruction and someone right their to modivate them and give them the selfasteam to do their work. This is not something a computer can do. The might have to be more matnance workers in the schools but teachers will always have a job. Going along with student centered teaching I want to see a computer set up labs and a classroom so that it is stimulating to every student.
I do not agree that cursive should not be taught. As much as students hate learning cursive writing now and in the past if something every happened and technology collapsed we as a civilization need a back up. Writing which most when write prefer to use cursive because it is fast once learned faster than printing is a communication method. There are so many students that don't talk because they can text, they don't write snail mail because their is email, and many other things that today student don't do because of technology. However at somepoint we as society will get to advanced and have to go back to basics. I don't know about anyone else but I enjoy receiving letters and cards in the mail and none of them are in print they are all cursive writing. I send out many snail mail letters and hear how much it brightens someone day. I will never stop writing and I will also teach my students that even though it is hard to learn like everything else it is usefull and needed.
Technology is important but should not run are lives.
David- Great ideas on the cursive writing...I never thought of it that way in regards to past historical writing and testing as well. I agree with you about the use of technology as well. It is great when it works and works well but when it doesnt or something you worked hard on crashes and its gone...that is the BIG down fall for sure!!
ReplyDeleteHannah- Like I mentioned about David's comment, technology is great when it works, but yes when something is wrong it can create a huge problem like you said! I hope that in 20 years there are more smartboards. I used one in one of my student teaching placements and it was not only fun, but the students liked it too. Not to mention the children knew more than me and they loved helping me out and laughing at my mistakes with me. However, as a teacher, who is not trained on how to use the smartboard (which was me) it took a lot of time away from my lessons...I felt like I, as the student teacher, needed a professional development class on it!
ReplyDeleteMeg- Teacher training on the best software for the computers is so true. My question is to everyone...how do we keep up with it? We can talk more about this Tuesday but just a thought for everyone to think about. I agree, I do not think teachers will be replaced ever or at least anytime soon. Thank goodness! :)
ReplyDeleteQ1: I actually just ran into this problem in my science class. We were studying continents, oceans, and the compass rose. I found some great activities online where students had to drag the continents/oceans to their correct location on the map, or click on the continent/ocean that the computer was naming, etc. I really wanted to use this program on the big screen with the whole class, but I have no way to project websites (I can hook a projector up to show on the screen, but we do not have wireless internet, so you can really only use offline programs). So, instead I set up continent/ocean review centers and made one center at the computers with this program set up. It worked out well, but time wise, not every student got to the computer center...so that is always an issue. Also - as Josh mentioned, being prepared is essential. I had the first students who logged on and found the website stay logged on because otherwise it takes 10 minutes for each group to log on and get to the correct website! I know our computer teacher will post the website you want in a folder so students can just click to get to it, that is also very helpful.
ReplyDeleteQ2: It is becoming more common for students to enroll in online classes both at the high school and college level. I don't think these classes will ever replace teachers because even though they are online, you still need teachers to monitor and run the classes! As Josh said...I don't see us being replaced by robot teachers anytime soon :) I can see computers becoming more prevalent in the classroom and making less paper waste. Although, I know many teachers who have students do projects on the computer AND print them a hard copy, so I don't know how much that will change. I think teachers will be necessary for facilitating education far into the future! I also completely agree with David that students need to physically be in school to interact with peers and adults. I think social learning in schools is just as important as academic learning, especially in elementary schools when children are developing these habits and their personalities.
Q3: In 20 years I think many schools will no longer have textbooks, but rather use up to date online text to focus their instruction. I agree with Hannah that many more teachers will probably have SMART boards and be integrating them into their teaching. On the other hand, as Josh pointed out, technology might be always develop quickly, but by the time school districts buy into new technology and training - it's old technology. They definitely cant afford to get up to date new technology every time it emerges! So, in 20 years, we might only be as far as schools having more access to computers and SMART boards! Lastly, it also depends on the availability of resources at each school, some schools are still worrying about up to date textbooks and having enough chalk to use their chalkboards. In 20 years for them they may be hoping for whiteboards and 1 or 2 computers.
Connie- Yes technology in school is great and your right not all students have access to it at home- great point there! Since technology is so much a part of our lives and becoming even more so exposing students to the technology is very important!
ReplyDelete1--During student teaching, i was lucky enough to have a smartboard and classroom computers in both placements. So I never ran into a problem with lack of technology. If there is an access to technology problem, there are a few things that i would do. I would use more handouts for the students to get information from. Also, if this was a social studies project, i would try to find some primary sources for the students to analyze.
ReplyDelete2--I don't believe that computers will ever completely take over the role of the teacher. I completely agree with what Connie said about how there are so many things that computers can't do. I personally know that i need face to face feedback, and children especially need it as well. Technology has already started to play a much larger role in daily classroom activities, and will only be more relied upon in the future. But i strongly believe that it will never replace teachers.
Question 1
ReplyDeleteI think that computer access and technology is a major barrier to technology use in the classroom. I think that the main reason behind technology being an obstacle is money and budgetary issues. Therefore, teachers need to be very resourceful when it comes to technology for this reason. I think it is important to for students to be able to have access therefore what I would do to gain computer access is to check in to see if there are any computer labs and or times available so that my students could have access. In addition, I think that I would try to gather other peers and collaborate to fundraise and or write a grant to gain access to computers.
Question 2
This second question is quite interesting. Although this question does stimulate some possibilities and ideas, I do not think that teachers will no longer be needed in the future. Like the article states, teachers still need to be “facilitators” and guide their students learning. Therefore, although these various technologies discussed in this article are quite extensive and do the serve the purpose of instruction I think that teachers will always be needed. I also think it is important to note that teachers will be needed in order for the students to learn about the technology that they will be using. After all, the students won’t come to school just knowing how to use the technology and the programs. Furthermore, the “student-centered” learning that the article talks about suggests to me that there will still be the need for teachers to direct their students learning and dispense the content.
To answer the question in regards to the article discussing about the need for more specialized staff, it is my hope that these computer people will be additions to the staff in the school. During my student teaching I learned that you can never really depend on technology and that it needs to be fixed and maintained in order to work efficiently and effectively. Therefore I think that these people will be extremely vital to the school staff. However, it is my hope that these people will be additions and not replace teachers. Something to suggest, is that while teachers and pre-service teachers complete their technology training maybe it might be possible for teachers to have some sort of computer maintenance training as well.
Question 3
This question is a bit difficult to answer, its hard thinking about anything twenty years from now. However, if I were to answer I think that the abundance of technology will create classrooms with computers for every student and teacher, smart boards, and video conferencing with other countries. Furthermore, I think that the abundance of technology will cause more globalization and communication with other cultures and countries.
(1) If I did not have access to an entire computer room for all of my students to work in, I would simply use my own personal computer or the computer provided to me in my room to create a group project to do be done on the promethean board. If I did not have access to a computer at all, or a promethean board, I would adapt the lesson so that I did not have to use the computers at all. Students not only should know how to look up materials other ways than on the computer, so collecting information for a potential project should not be a problem – we could simply go to the library and collect our research there. Overall, computers are a perk and can make your lesson more engaging and fun for the students, however there are many other ways to learn without them.
ReplyDelete(2) No I do not think that teachers will be no longer needed in the future. For example, even with online classes, there is still a teacher or professor leading the class who knows more about that specific topic than any of the students. Students still have questions about the material and need guidance from someone in order to fully succeed in their schooling. I do believe that more staff will be brought in to deal with technological problems, however do not think that they will replace teachers. I also believe that these individuals will better ones educational environment by ensuring and providing students with the most up to date technology available to them.
(3) I think this abundance of technology will be extremely evident in the classroom in 20 years. I believe that students will have increased access to computers, possibly one for every student to use, eliminating the need for pen, pencil, and paper work. I also believe that much of the information presented will be done so through their individual computers instead of direct instruction from the teacher. I believe it is a possibility for work to be e-mailed to a teacher as well as tests, etc. eliminating the need to print and waste paper as well. An increase in technology will greatly alter the classroom we know now.
Colleen- Great point about the usage of textbooks. I think you may be right...they may be gone by then. Time will tell for sure!
ReplyDeleteMark M- Students do need and work well off of face to face feedback. This seems to not only be the case for the younger students, but even me as an adult I much prefer face to face.
ReplyDeleteMeaghan- Your idea about budgeting is very true. Technology costs money and lots of it. I think teaming up with other teachers and staff like you mentioned is a great thought. Things in life are better in numbers sometimes!
ReplyDeleteAshley- I agree computers help with lessons that are more engaging and potentially fun, but yes we have gone without them before and we can go without them again. As a teacher we must adapt like you are saying and use what we have to work with. Great point!
ReplyDelete