I personally plan on teaching elementary students. When I was in elementary school, technology was not used in the classroom. However, I felt that teachers engaging students in the learning process and showing support and concern for the students' learning proved to be very significant. Also, as per the author, "To stay in school, these youngsters wanted better teachers, smaller classes, individualized assistance, a school climate fostering achievement, and a strong relationship with at least one adult in the school believing in them and seeing their potential for educational success." (page 29)
I believe that in higher grades, particularly middle school and high school, technology is integrated a lot more into the curriculum than it would be in elementary schools. It is also discussed that depending on the teacher's own ability to use technology, determines how and how often technology will be used in the classroom. Even though I may be considered a "digital native", I am not sure how I would feel incorporating technology when I start teaching in an elementary classroom. I guess I may be a bit old-fashioned when it comes to learning or I am not sure on how to balance teacher-centered and student-centered learning using technology.
Questions
(1) Is technology a motivating factor for students, or is it teacher-student interaction?
(2) It is stated in the chapter that some students would prefer to use their personal electronic devices for learning in the classroom. Do you agree? Would this be a distraction for the student rather than a way to facilitate learning?
(3) If you could go back in time, is there anything you would change in the way your teachers taught?
Hi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that elementary schools have little incorporation of technology within their lessons. I think part of the reason is the fear that technology may be too difficult for the learners, however, if they were to look at some kids walking around, they are more versed in technology than ever before. When these kids go home, they are on the computer playing Minecraft or on the iPad playing games. Furthermore, I think another reason why teachers lack the use of technology in the lower grades is because teachers believe there is not much that is applicable to the learners when they are that young. A school district that I live near just purchased iPads for all elementary grades to be used in the classroom. If a school district is willing to invest that much money into elementary grades, then there must be apps or activities that involve technology that teachers are not using.
Hi Stephanie, I can definitely relate to various parts of your post. When I was in elementary school, we didn't use technology in the classroom. However , the teachers did engage us in various ways, whether it was an educational game , interesting projects , or having time to be creative. All the students in the class participated, and the teacher-student rapport was phenomenal. I also plan on teaching Elementary , I am excited to see how I can incorporate technology in my lessons. I also think it has a lot to do with finding the perfect balance. Certain lessons and concepts may not require the use of technology , and the students will grasp it . There are other concepts that may need the use of various forms of technology. A teacher has to literally know her students, know how they learn , how to present the information to them and keep the perfect balance.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your first question, I think it is a balance of both. Students have grown up in the world of technology, and thus they know how to use Apps , how to use the internet, how to search for information ( guided by a teacher) , and play educational games. The use of technology in the classroom would allow them to be thoroughly engaged during their learning process. A teacher's instructional technique and rapport with the students can also serve as way to motivate.
Hi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteThere never was much technology used in my elementary school, now that I think about it. The teachers I had always worked hard to keep us engaged and motivated, but I wonder how technology could have filled in the gaps. Elementary school students are just as interested and excited about digital technology as adolescents, in my experience. The class I am currently working with always seems to light up when they get a chance to use the SMARTBoard. Even just getting to tap the screen and make a selection excites them. I notice a significant increase in participation when digital technology is involved.