There are certain electronics that I think should be prohibited or monitored during class, like cellphones. I don't think children should be texting in class because they are there to learn. I also don't think they are mature enough to text and learn at the same time. Kids usually text to escape what they are supposed to be doing or are bored so that technology is a disservice to learning in the classroom. On the other hand, Skype and video chat is a great educational tool because the students can chat or learn about certain topics from other parts of the world. I know that scholastic has a video tour of Plimouth Plantation during the fall where they explain and tour the plantation live. It's incredible that we have this kind of technology today. It makes learning fun and interactive and that's what kids respond to. That's why they play video games because they are fun and engaging. I agree that some electronics should not be used in school or monitored closely, but taking the resources away that could be used for learning is a bad idea.
Teachers and schools should give students guidelines and boundaries just like parents should utilize parental controls for their kids. For example, only listing a certain amount of websites when assigning a project. Even jobs and companies have certain websites blocked so their employees can't use them, so that's what schools need to do. They should have the appropriate technology available but monitor it or teach the students how to use it responsibly. We have learned that technology will enhance and engage students learning, so as educators we should not take away a tool that we know is useful.
"Teachers and schools should give students guidelines and boundaries just like parents should utilize parental controls for their kids. For example, only listing a certain amount of websites when assigning a project. Even jobs and companies have certain websites blocked so their employees can't use them, so that's what schools need to do." ==== should we limit technology use or teach responsible use? This will be a topic that will come up repeatedly in class and I thank you for bringing it up in your thoughtful comments. I agree that students text in class because they are bored, etc... then it is our job as educators to prepare lessons that are fun and engaging. Great job Kristen.
ReplyDeleteI found this to be a great review of the article. Technology is not only important in the classroom, but it is essential. I completely agree that cell phones and technology are important and that they should not be allowed in school. As a teacher I have experienced many issues with cell phones where students are texting each other in the classroom. It has only led to more problems between students. I have not found one positive from allowing students to text or talk to each other over a cell phone while in the classroom. Monitoring what students have access too is absolutely essential. My school does monitor the websites the students go on, but it also affects me. Many of the educational websites I would like to have access to in my classroom are blocked because administrators block websites as a whole and not specifically for students.
ReplyDeleteI agree! It’s necessary to have technology; it’s the only way we can truly make the learning experience fun and engaging. I think technology has rewired our way of looking at the world, and in order to allow our student to be part of this ever evolving world we must use technology to teach and learn.
ReplyDeleteBut at the same time it is important to maintain some type of order in the classroom. I also agree with “no cell phone use in the classroom” my students are txt –a-holics and if given the opportunity to have cells in the classroom they will use it inappropriately. I think there is a time and a place for everything. We just have to find creative ways to incorporate these gadgets in the learning experience of our students; I think this is one of my biggest challenges
we did the same article but I didn't touch on the fact of how important technology is for our students with disabilities! They need the technology far more than our general education students. Special needs require so much attention and if that can be given through the newest technologies then we should always be updating with the times
ReplyDeleteKristen, you make very good statements regarding technology blockage vs. social responsibility teaching. You have made me think twice about this. How do we solve the problem of misuse? Even if social responsibility is taught there will still be those who don't care for it and continue misusing it. How to deal with situations like that?
ReplyDeleteI agree that technology can be very beneficial in a school environment if monitored. Computers, smartboards, etc. are necessities to grasp the attention of students and keep them entertained while learning. I also believe that cell phones should be allowed in school, in case of any emergency, but not for entertainment use in the classroom. Children as young as eight years old have blackberries and iphones, which is mind boggling to me. As long as they respect the classroom rules though, i feel there is no harm being done!
ReplyDeleteWe all agree with the benefits of technology as a learning tool in the classroom. Also, knowing that he teacher has a crucial role in the successful implementation of technology in the learning environment. How does technology impact teachers and teaching? How possible is to prepare new teachers to use technology effectively, have real instructional support available, and increase the quantity, quality and clarity of technology focused activities as part of professional activities?
ReplyDeleteI believe one of the reasons school administrators are hesitant to infuse certain technological advances in class rooms is because the teacher may no longer be the focal point for students during class. In years past this would have been a distraction from lecture based instruction. However, the teacher should not be the focal point, the curriculum and lesson goals should be. With more and more classrooms moving towards group work and station-teaching, the problem of student distraction becomes less of a concern.
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