Let's think about how technology has evolved throughout the past century. I remember the days when I would click on my AOL icon to get onto the Internet and I would hear the dialing sound, wait between 5 (on a good day) and 10 minutes to get logged on and wah-lah, finally be connected!!Today, internet connection is instant since the majority of places have Wi-Fi or if you have internet already on your mobile device.
Children are being born into this world of technology as parents are buying their kids cell phones, iPod's, iPod touch's, iPhones, smart phones, and many more devices. Can you agree with me that it is rare seeing a child playing with action figures, dolls or any other type of toy? These have been replaced with Nintendo DS's, Leapfrog devices and iPads. Surprising?
What's great is that these devices are accompanied with being able to download educational resources, games and activities that children enjoy playing and that may reinforce concepts taught in school. For example, I have downloaded several apps on my iPad that students are able to practice math facts, learn about various science topics, view images, and many more.
Technology is evolving and WILL continue to evolve. It has become a part of this generation's culture.
Since I am currently taking two technology courses, I have seen the countless ways that technology can be incorporated in the classroom! Teachers use blogging, Edmodo-fake Facebook, Twitter, Skype, Prezi, Wikispaces, and so much more!
However, it is important to educate our students on how to use these technology tools appropriately because we all know that once something is posted or seen on the internet, it is there forever and that's your first digital footprint. It's important that students:
- see how a specific type of tool is used by the teacher- Modeling
- see examples of how the tool is used in an appropriate way- Examples
- practice using the tool in an appropriate way (when it is not used appropriately, this is the perfect time for the teacher or parent to help the student be aware of how it was used inappropriately)
- respect others as they would in person-the same respect is given online
Please share your thoughts!!
Check out this blog post too: Social media is not the problem
How have teacher's used technology with you?
If you could choose a technology tool you'd like a teacher to work with in the classroom, which one would it be?
I am currently interning at an elementary school in Worcester,MA and the access to technology that the kids get is very limited(and when I say VERY, i mean almost none). While kids at a near by elementary school get to play with ipads. You can see the excitment in the students faces and their willingness to learn when they are doing something different and exciting. Most kids in these communities come from a low income household and probably have never even seen an ipad but if the opportunity is given at school, that helps them connect more to our actual society.
ReplyDeleteLynnette,
ReplyDeleteDo you think the students would benefit from some sort of technology integrated in the classroom? What are some ways you would be able to include technology in the classroom if you had access and resources?
That is a problem many teachers face. Their schools may not have sufficient funding to provide their students and teachers with these devices that could enhance learning and help to practice concepts taught.
Students would definately benefit from technology. Technology could be something as simple as a radio or as evolved as an ipad or smartboards. School may not have sufficient funding but that is why is so important as students (18+), teachers, parents, to vote for our representatives in the state and to attend our twon meetings to see how our money is being budgeted. Alot of time money is wasted because nobody knows what to do with it. Start petitions, grants,fundraisers, etc. We as educators and for those of you who are parents need to take matters into our own hands and force a change to happen. Change wont happen on its own just because we complain about the current situation.
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a really good point. In essence, that is the root of where funding can come from!
ReplyDeletesometimes we are so busy with our daily routines that is just easier to complain and blame someone else.
ReplyDeleteYes Rubi, DIAL UP !!!! Those were the day when patience was necessary. Now everything is instant. Kids expect to have downloads to take less than a minute. I worry as a parent of a teenager that he's creating a footprint that I'm not aware of and cannot access. We've had the discussion but they are so secretive at 15. I have access to his facebook, but who's to say he didn't create another? As a teacher of third graders, many of my students have computers, nintendos, i phones and other devices. When we earn a reward and the vote is for game day, more than 80% bring some sort of devise. Remember when Game day meant Monopoly, PayDay, and Life???
ReplyDeleteMichelle,
DeleteI agree, kids in their teens can be very secretive about their lives as much as we want to know what's going on. I feel that as long as we've had those talks and conversations about being careful about what they post on the internet and to whom they have communicate with-we've at least laid some type of foundation for them. Once kids are aware of the inappropriate uses of the internet or another digital device can go against them in a negative way, they will be more careful digital citizens.
And, yes, the days of the game board versions of Monopoly and Life are lingering. I am actually guilty of this-I have both games downloaded as apps on my iPad!
I appreciate how you lay out the guidelines needed for working with kids and technology. We need to stress that just because you are communicating on a screen, you must be conscious of how you respond or initiate conversation. I know several "bullying" discussions that now include the need to be kind online as well.
ReplyDeleteBrianna,
DeleteEspecially in the digital world we are living, I feel that teaching students how to appropriately use technology tools is crucial and should somehow be implemented into the school day. The world is only going to continue to evolve with more and more advances in technology and this is what we need to prepare our students for. Teaching them to be digitally responsible and aware that they can leave good and not so good digital footprints.