This NY Times article ( http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/technology/technology-in-schools-faces-questions-on-value.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0) was a great article. It first explains how different forms of technology were being utilized, but then it goes on basically asking the question whether or not it is worth it.
First a sixth grade English Teacher students are all laying on the floor on their laptops as their doing their Shakespeare projects. Some students made facebook pages to imitate Shakespeare. Others found different songs, such as one belonging to Kanye West, that could represent some of Shakespeare poetry etc... So, being that they had their form of technology they were able to turn Shakespeare into something that they can do something fun with. Students are also able to learn at their own paces.
Then the article discusses how because of this technology teachers are not lecturers anymore; they merely guide children in how to use the different new forms of technology. The questions still rises in my mind "Is this a good or a bad thing? Can this possibly take away a teacher's job all together? The increase of technology may equal a decrease in teachers sad to say.
Then the article touches on how even though technology is building all of this enthusiasm and delightfulness inside of the children as they began to use all of these forms of technology, the test scores has not increased one bit. So, the schools are spending over $33 million dollars, while even facing cut offs, and laying off teachers, all for something (different forms of new technology ) that they are not even sure will produce good results yet. How do you feel about the matter?
HI Lorraine,
ReplyDeleteThis article has shown how we can implement learning and make it interesting to students by using technology. By the way, this is the most important point of this class. Enthusiasm and participation in what we are doing, is the key to success in any task of learning. But, sometimes, I am asking myself if this is only what our students need to perform in real life?It is true that being able to use all those tools help. But, as you mention:' the test scores has not increased one bit". For, we need more than what we are doing today with technology in our classroom. We need to find a way to motivate student about learning, how education can empower them.This motivation comes from inside- as an" intrinsic value" . I really feel that our job as educator-is becoming more and more challenging.I am hoping that with conscious teacher,real educator those who are really care and believe in a future for our community in the sense of citizenship, change will come...