I think Buckingham has set a higher standard for myself as a teacher after reading this article. I have been subjected to too many teachers who believe that technology does not have a place in the classroom and that students should fit into a traditional model of a student. It is hard to go against the grain sometimes, but as the teacher would had the students working with horror stories proves that we have access to learn differently because of media.
It is like when a child has his first ice cream; the taste is something he wants to continue to enjoy.
When I have had a taste of a new genre of multimedia or software, it is hard to go back to an old way of thinking.
And why do I enjoy it so much? Because it is FUN! That is what we should be teaching our children: to be kids.
In western society it is a shame that kids can no longer play outside by themselves, or have to come home to an empty house after school.
If school is the only place I can let them be kids, then forget the class management and let us have fun learning. Let us use technology to achieve being kids because when they step outside that classroom they face a tough and challenging world .
Not to say we should completely disregard some fundamental educational practices, but if pioneers could easily identify the school system, then I believe that this has a lot of problems because it is evident that education is not changing. If everything else around us has changed, then why is education so slow to transform? One of the toughest things we must overcome in order to move forward is financial and economic difficult situation. Its funny that education, in my opinion, is the fundamental to a society, yet there is never enough money.
I do agree that it is hard to have students working with websites when they, at home, do not have access to computers. This would be discrimination if I asked the class to only hand in assignments typed. Although, stats Canada come out with saying most Canadian students have one access to computers either a neighbour, at school, home, library ect. So, I think it is safe to say that I can use technology as a means for education students.
So, how do we move forward with technology? Do we have to do it alone or can we find support?
4 comments:
In terms of finding support, finding partners in the communities we teach in would seem to be the easiest solution (in theory) but as we all no, it is not that easy. I would love to do a bunch of stuff with my classes that have to do with technology but if the children I am teaching do not have the access I need to find them a solution. I DO NOT want to discriminate and I completely understand that some kids just do not have the access. All you need do in work in a low income/inner city school to find this out. Some kids just will not have the access, their parents are more concerned about keeping the lights on then trying to buy a house hold computer. So do we look for donations? Do we stay late and allow the students to use the computer in the classroom? What can we do to give equal access to all??
Stephanie,
I love the way you said that we should teach our children to be kids. That is just purely true! I believe that fun does not have to depend on technology, but technology enhances the experience. Although, I have computers and game consoles early in my life, my education didn't include computers until I was grade six. I believe having to learn the basics (i.e. phonics & arithmetic) without technology may actually be better. At least, in my opinion without all the fancy parts of technology, it helps them stay focus.
On the point of finical funding, I can't say much because I really don't know much about it. But, I agree with Bryan that we need to find a way to provide access. If we wanted to help low income families, we could find donations or stay in school longer to give them a chance to learn and experience the technology. There is just no simple way that we can solve this problem, and let children to have equal access. However, I also think that we need a balance (a balance between play time and learning). If we know that they can’t have equal access, then why not work around or with it. We can let them have access to technology but not dependent on it. For example, do not ask for typed essays, or have internet requirement when teacher design the lesson.
Hi everyone,
I agree that students should have fun in class. There is no doubt about it. Regarding the computer access, if a teacher assigns some assignments that need a computer to be completed, the teacher should allow students access to a computer in school to do their work.
I think one of reason that the education system is slow to change, is because education needs to see the change is proven to be the right one.
Hello all,
The thing I don't understand about the lower mainland is why so little emphasis is being placed on bringing technology into the classroom by the government. In northern BC technology is pretty much mandatory in the classrooms, and even in the remote towns in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut computers/internet and other forms of technology are everywhere. It seems like the more remote the location the more willing the government is willing to provide the students with a good education...
I'm wondering why no real attempts are being made to increase the affordability of computers/internet to lower income families with children...
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