The instructional technology definition on page 8 would be most helpful to me because as the definition states it deals directly with the teaching and learning application. I think that instructional technology encompasses both educational technology and technology integration.
Two historical events that I feel have made the most significance in the firld of educaitonal technology are...
1. The introduction of the computer to the world. More. Specifically 1950 when the first computer driven flight being used for instruction. I think that this was a turning point where it was realized that computers can be used to help teach students which occurred in 1959.
2. The World Wide Web being introduced in 1994. This has opened so many door as to how we communicate with people around the world. Unlike books, where information can quickly become outdated once books are finally published, the internet can offer the most current information. ( I just realized that there is a fifth ocean near Antarctica, however ours school books do not offer that up-to-date information yet.) The web and internet gives access for teacher and students to research things and share things with other students, teachers, and people across the world.
After reading the “Lessons from the Past” on pages 10-13, I think that the most important lesson would be that Teacher will never be replaced by computer. Teachers will always be more important than technology. In some places, technology is non existence. Regardless of how much technology is available and/or used in the classroom, teachers have to teach. Computers can show students how to add 2+2=4 but with the help of a teacher , they are taught to understand why 2+2=4. A computer can auto-correct errors in grammar but it is the teacher who helps them to understand why things are written a certain way. Students can watch the two air planes crash into the World Trade Center and be “wowed.” That “wow” moment is the teachable moment in which the child is engaged and ready to learn more. The book make a statement implying that with computers and internet comes human interaction. A computer can be used to engaged students but it can not give immediate answers to questions the students may have. It is the teachers job to give them a better understanding of how and why it may have happened. Technology when incorporate in the classroom can offer engagement for students which helps to prepare the students for learning.
Everyone has different thoughts on how and whether technology actually helps students in learning There are so many different factors that it cant really be measured. The books says, “Educators will use new methods if they can see clearly compelling reasons to do so.” I think that it becomes challenging when the educator has to plan the technology in the lesson. I think that it is also challenging when there are teachers who have minimum use with technology. I feel that technology is still relatively new. The fact that it is constantly changing does not help either. After doing things a certain way for such a long time it is hard to change those ways. The No Child Left Behind Act has put much stress on teachers and education staff. Technology is very expensive and with everything going on in the world now, teachers are being asked to do more with lower pay. Teachers teach because they they like what they do, but we also need to be able to support ourselves. Responsibility for student learning is being placed 100% on the teachers. Teachers have students approximately 1/3 of each day, 5 days a week . If you include the weekends that is 40 hours our of 168 hours (29% to be exact). Minus the breaks, holidays and days off of school in a year; Teaches have student 1600 hours out of 8736 (1 year). This comes out to about 18%. How does 18% contact with students a year account for 100% responsibility. How does that make some people feel about changing there ways to incorporate technology? Where is the motivation to want to do more with the lower pay. As I said before there are many different factors as to why technology in the classroom is working or not.
How might we explain that research studies often fail to show that technology has a positive effect on student achievement (p. 13)? Feel free to move beyond reasons cited in the text.
(ANSWERED IN QUESTION 5)
One compelling case for educational technology is that by the time books are proofread, copyrighted, and sent to the press they contain some information that is outdated. Technology helps to provide more up-to-date and current information.
The upkeep for technology is very expensive. Implementation is difficult
In response to the “Low Teacher Use” I think while some teachers have the ability to teach and use technology effectively n their classrooms; one reason technology could be being underused in the classrooms is because there appear to be so many constraints on what is being taught, how it is being taught and when it should be taught.
The relationship between technology and improved students achievement is evident. While it can not be measure exactly due to so may other factors. The tables show that technology assists in curriculum objectives. Technology provides with a number o f different learning opportunities for students to work individually at their own pace and with other people.
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First let me start by saying, I think that it all depends on where you are from what constitutes an “excellent education.” There are places where technology is present and students are not receiving a “good education.” I do believe it is possible for students to receive a decent education without technology however technology helps in bringing and keeping that knowledge up-to-date.
I think that technology can have a positive effect on children when used properly. However if not careful technology, more specifically the internet, can lead to problems if not monitored correctly. With students I have had. I noticed that when in class there are present but not fully engaged. When my students are in the computer lab most of them are fully engaged repeating things they are hearing, reading along with the computer, and answering question. When they are working on interactive programs, I guess you can say its like the students are receiving one on one attention. They are wanting to learn. THEY ARE LEARNING.
Figures 1.9 highlight various types of software that are available for instruction. Do you know what all of them are? To which do you have current access? Are there others that might be missing from the tree? If you were making decisions on what types of software are essential to teachers, what would be on your list?
I think that some of the most important Issues affecting technology in education would be the economic conditions with the decreased funding. Money is had to come by now-a-days for everything. While there are programs that can helps assist in getting technology in schools , which do you think are the most important and why? As a future leader, what would you do to address these issues? Which issues have you already encountered in schools and which ones were new thoughts for you as you read? What questions do you have about these issues?
The chart suggests good benefits and reasonable problems that go along with them.
There could be a lot of variety under “Classroom Workstations.” Which classroom design would you personally prefer and/or promote in your school?
I think that allowing students to have wireless laptops for their personal use be a great idea, however, the problem would be if students were allowed to take these computers home and they were used for other reasons, by other family members, damaged and/or even stolen where would the cost come in to replace them. I think that allowing the children to have laptops sounds like a great idea, however, I think I would limit this to only while at school. If used all day and in most classes; if not all, the students can benefit from having them and it can be justified.
I think that of all the “emerging trends in hardware and software development” Wireless connectivity along with merging of technologies are most promising. Cell phones with internet services and writing programs are now available. I know of someone who wrote a paper on their personal cell phone. The merging allows for people to be able to multitask any and every where. Having wireless connections also allows individuals to research and post from any where as well. My concern would be what potential dangers could these trends create.... For example “texting while driving.” How focused will the individuals be when it comes to using them.
Correna, your blog is very insightful. I agree that teachers will never be replaced by computers. Even though there are more virtual schools today, these types of educational settings are not suitable for all students. I think the peer and social interaction at school is just as important as what kids are learning at school. I keep hearing of these virtual schools and I am curious as to how these classrooms/schools are run. I do not think I have actually grasped the concept of virtual schools yet.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you explained that teachers are 100% responsible while we only have students 18% of the year. You are very good at your math! I agree with this posting. I feel that society as a whole wants to place the blame for their child's actions, mishaps, and failures on the teacher. Teachers have a major job, but we cannot take on everything. I think that a school's administration needs to stand up for their teachers. I feel that the administration at my school does a great job at supporting our teachers and staff.
I also agree with your comment on technology in the classroom. Technology is not a requirement in classrooms, but it can make learning interesting. The Internet is a direct link to any information you can think of.
This reading was informative for me as it gave me many topics to think about. The topics raised in the reading are things that teachers deal with everyday and we are still trying to find answers for.
I too agree with the fact that teachers are important and cannot be replaced by a computer. Here is an interesting example of how they tried to do that at the school I attended while in the fourth grade. I went to a small private school that had been on the "pace" system (if you are not famimilar with that, it means that students were given books with educational materials/lessons and students worked at their own pace to complete those books/assignments). The year I went to this school, the class I was in was getting away from the pace learning and instead being more teacher-directed. However, one of our classes was a math class where we were taught by watching a video of a math teacher and his class down in Florida. I make reference to this because it kind of reminds me of how the virtual school seems (but this was back in 1989 - maybe they were just technologically ahead of their time). Any way, my parents didn't like that MY teacher was sitting in the back of the room watching as the Florida teacher taught the class. We still needed some hands-on, direct instruction to make sure we understood the concepts. Thisbeing said, teachers need to be involved in their students' learning and not dependent upon a computer to teach the lesson. The technology is a tool/resource that when used effectively can really gain students' interests and show off their skills. Our students are very tech savy and are able to do so much more than I could at their age. It's fascinating to see how this learning is for them.
ReplyDeleteThere are several points that we share the same opinion on, Correna!
ReplyDeleteTeachers are the key element in creating excellent education. An excellent teacher will successfully implement technology into their classroom to benefit all learners. This definitely does not mean teachers are becoming obsolete while technology is taking over education. I like how you pointed out that teachers are often needed for more in-depth understanding. I also agree that a student might be at a school that has strong technology, but this does not necessarily ensure an excellent education. Teachers simply cannot be replaced!
I also like how you pointed out that books can often become outdated immediately after print, but the internet provides an updated resource. Technology allows teachers to use the most current resources and information.
Wow! Those numbers do make my head spin a little bit. Only 18% of their time seems crazy. I often feel like my whole world is my students and my class, but I'm obviously not the one they are spending the most time with! Teachers do feel a lot of pressure to be responsible and it doesn't help that that pressure is put on us by many people and the No Child Left Behind Act. I can easily see where teachers might get frustrated and chose to "opt out" of technology use in their classroom. I think that is where we can come in and motivate our colleagues to implement technology. Not only can we show teachers how to be effective with technology use, but we can also provide support for teachers who need it.
I look forward to hearing more of your reflections!