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The Edutopia Poll
by Sara Ring
Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Teachers in the Alexandria, Virginia, school district say their schools suffer from the advanced stages of
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by Sara Ring
Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Teachers in the Alexandria, Virginia, school district say their schools suffer from the advanced stages of
Technology
Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on July 21, 2008 - 12:31.
In my experience as a teacher using technology in the classroom, I believe it is only beneficial if the teacher wants it and is willing to try something new. If the use of technology is pushed onto someone, they are more reluctant to utilize it to the fullest potential. Teachers have to have the "want" to try something new, and be excited about it. As we have all experienced, when we are excited about something, we are sure to use it.
I think the the intentions are good to supply classrooms with the latest technology, but in order for it to be used effectively, the teacher needs to be ready for the change.
Should teachers always use the latest tech tools?
Submitted by Melodi (not verified) on July 19, 2008 - 10:06.
In my position as technology integrator and instructor to teachers, I am witnessing a lack of confidence among some of the teachers. They seem threatened by technology or the fact that their students may know more or feel more comfortable with using technology than they do. Teachers need to understand that we are competing with so much more than our students going home and watching television instead of completing their homework or studying. We must capture our student's attention using the most innovative ways possible.
Some teachers are very negative and feel that learning about technology is just one more thing that they do not have time to be bothered with worrying about. I often give mini-lessons involving technology during teacher planning time. This really disturbs some teachers that their planning time is being “used up” by professional development sessions. When I obtain negative comments directed towards me, I explain to the teachers that integrating technology is a federal and statewide initiative that the teachers are required to do.
Currently, if a teacher utilizes my services once and refuses another time, I do not assist them for the rest of the year. I would like to change this because even if the teacher does not want to integrate technology, the students should still get the same opportunities that other classes do. I would like to transform those few negative attitudes and help teachers to understand that we are all in education for the students. We as teachers must make time in order to learn the in's and out's of the most innovative technological advancements to maintain exciting and beneficial learning. Technology only enhances lessons even more to really assist the student in truly understanding the concepts taught. A professional should be willing to take risks and try new things, and thus avoid falling into a rut and becoming stagnant (Kramer, 2003).
Latest and greatest technology
Submitted by Lisa Smith (not verified) on June 27, 2008 - 11:51.
Technology should only enhance curriculum. The problem I see as a technology teacher, is that we are not training our teachers to integrate technology effectively. Technology becomes "just one more thing I have to do" (teacher comment) Adding each latest and greatest technological devise just heightens the already existng stress levels of most teachers. Teachers are already over-burdened with NCLB and meeting AYP. Technology is (in most classrooms I see) taking a back seat to standardized testing.
I am struggling to get teachers to conquer word processing, spreadsheets and file management. There is a willingness to learn, but time is always the issue.
Having the latest and greatest technological devises also requires money and tech support, which seems to be a problem in many schools...including mine.
Technology Overkill?
Submitted by Sandra Sanders (not verified) on June 26, 2008 - 22:38.
If all the nifty technology out there is used just because it's there, yes, we're overloaded. If it's used with intent and purpose and an integral part of lessons, no.
Probably not many of you remember when 'technology' meant a blackboard and different colors of chalk. I do. The students found it fun and paid more attention to the designs with colored chalk.
The tools that we have now enhance our teaching so much and improve the student's learning process. We as teachers just need to learn how to use them wisely. --Just because a new Principal is thrilled with SmartBoards doesn't mean you have to use them. On the other hand, why not learn how and use them if they're appropriate?
Sandra Sanders
Latest and greatest tech?
Submitted by Jeff in MIlwaukee (not verified) on April 16, 2008 - 14:49.
Plenty of "old" tech tools still work - word processing can be done on older computers using older software. Sometimes we need fast computers with new software but few teachers take advantage of the latest and greatest - they still use basic technology tools most of the time.
Technology use
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on April 11, 2008 - 22:40.
Yes, Educators should provide students with the latest technology. Both lecture and technology are very important to our students. The more they learn, the better their skills and experiences,the better prepare they are for college and employment.
Teach not Tech...
Submitted by Neil Winton (not verified) on March 26, 2008 - 02:56.
No matter what technology we are talking about, be it the latest iPhone or the humblest pencil, it still comes back to one thing: It is the teacher that makes the difference, not the technology. (As a friend of mine puts it, 'It's the Teach not the Tech!').
Lots of tools/toys/tech will not compensate for poor teaching.
Technology-based learning
Submitted by Shannon (not verified) on March 24, 2008 - 11:41.
I believe that technology based learning has opened doors, doors that may have remained closed, for some students. As educators, we know that there are different types of learning modalities. I would not be suprized if, say 5 years from now, we add "techno-learner" to the following list of modalities: sensory, perceptual, Cognitive Information Processing, personality type, personal talents or situational. Technology is the lead way into our future. We need to keep this in mind when we dicuss technology's roll in education.
Technology is a tool, not an educational goal
Submitted by Teddy Parvanova (not verified) on March 23, 2008 - 08:22.
Before answering this question we should first consider the meaning of technology in education. Technology is a tool for teachers to deliver knowledge and curriculum and a tool for students to acquire it in the best and most efficient way. Technology is incorporated into education not just for the sake of it or to make school and teachers look "cool", but to actually serve a purpose for improving efficiency and even motivation to learn.
I do not believe that providing the latest technology, a teacher can improve their teaching or their students' learning. It is physically impossible for anyone to follow all new tech trends let alone deliver them in a classroom. It takes away from the curriculum and has no direct implication to the efficiency of teaching or learning.
The case is different when a teacher is teaching a strictly technology class. Then yes, it is a good way to keep his/her students up to date with latest trends in the area.
Technology use
Submitted by A teacher of 35 years (not verified) on March 23, 2008 - 00:14.
It is the wise teacher who can determine the appropriate teaching method for the content and the students' needs. But, if they are going to use technology and many times it is the best tool available today, they must be fluent.....in its use.
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