Adopting and Adapting
After reading a comment by David Truss on my post titled “My Philosophy of Technology in the Classroom”, I wanted to reflect on some of the questions he gave for me to think about. David suggested I read an article Adopt and Adapt: Shaping Tech for the Classroom. This article was really interesting in that it talks about not only including technology in the classroom, but pushing technology to reach its full potential for our students. I realized after reading it that simply using a computer in the classroom is not enough for our students. We need to challenge them to use technology in ways that will enhance their learning in different ways.
This article discusses one problem with technology in classrooms and that is not having a one-to-one ratio or students to computers. I completely agree with this. After being in some of my field placements in elementary schools, there is no computer labs, just two computers in each classroom. With so few computers, how are students supposed to learn with technology? We can discuss the need for more computers to simply allow students to develop keyboarding skills. Something as simple as keyboarding cannot be mastered without a one-to-one ratio.
The article suggests that school dislike change and I believe that is true. It seems funny that we are living in a world where things are changing so rapidly, yet the schools seem to be the same. Schools need to jump on board and be willing to change the way schooling works so that students can get the most out of their education. Networks between classrooms around the world should be set up to learn about things from a broader perspective. Webcams can be used for students who are at home sick to watch the lesson. There are so many ways that technology can be used beyond the curriculum and in our schools.
After reading this article and reflecting, I still have so much to think about. This is a great article for anyone trying to improve the use of technology in the classroom.
Nicole Little said,
May 26, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I love the comment you made on how society’s changing, so schooling should be changing as well. Very true. If school is meant to make students successful, well-rounded people, we as teachers have to help prepare kids for the technology that will surround their lives.
You know, I had ever even thought of web-cams being used to help sick students watch a lesson from long-distance. I’ll remember that for the future. Web-cams are usually rather affordable, too, so that solution wouldn’t put a huge strain on budgets.
April Soloway said,
May 26, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I really enjoyed the part of this article that suggests that teachers collaborate with students. I believe it is important for students feel that they have a say in their education, but unfortunately, this factor is often not present in the education system. So many people have visions for change in schools, I hope that one day these visions can become reality!
Corinne said,
May 29, 2008 at 8:21 pm
The Adopt and Adapt article was good and packed a lot of information together. It presents a good argument for providing personal computers to each student: personalize learning and easy access to information. Expensive but a good idea.