To understand this question we really have to take a deeper look into what goes on in our classrooms. Do we have teachers that look at teaching as a chance to inspire and provoke learning from within the student or do we have teachers that see their classroom as a place to come and get the knowledge of their certain topic. When teachers open up the possibilities of learning to any tool or resource that students have, you will see integration of technology naturally into the curriculum.
So, why do we still have technology classes, I would say it is because we still think there are parts of technology that still needs to be taught or shown to our students. Our core teachers are swamped with standards and objectives they must achieve that they can not naturally teach the technology tools that students will use in their lives. We provide classes to teach word processing, photoshop, and business tools that could easily be integrated into English, History and Math.
How can integrating technology into our teaching enrich instruction and help promote learning?
If we would continue on with a shift in education by using technology rich environments to meet the normal objectives. We will see teachers stepping to the side to guide students through their curriculum. This is hard to achieve, but with baby steps of changing small things in a classroom you will see students come into learning with an excitement and maybe even go beyond the objectives of past classrooms.
As the US looks at their educational system and integrate technology into the classrooms, I do think that we need to take a look at how other countries are being successful. If we can use technology to create individualized and self paced learning environments for our students then we will have greater buy-in from teachers and will achieve at high levels on our standardized test that we will always have.
I would still say that the best technology use in a classroom is one that an outsider would possibly not even notice. Technology should just be a part of the process. The access to knowledge and resources that er given to students with devices or access to the Internet during class will be one of the many advantages.
As far as why technology is being taught as its own class we are on the same page. I agree that the pressure of standards and objectives make it uncomfortable to integrate technology into lessons. At the same time it makes me wonder if that is such a bad thing? Maybe that is the best place to learn technology skills, then the skills be applied to lessons. Teachers would have to change the way they use technology in lessons, but it would be easier since students already have the technical skills. Oh, how cool would it be if the teachers have to participate in the technology skills class with their students. I think it would have such a positive impact!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of having teachers participate in technology skills with their classes. Take for example blogging this process is something that a teacher could do right along with their students.
ReplyDeleteDo your schools still offer separate technology classes? Those were eliminated in my district years ago because of budget constraints. Teachers continue to feel frustrated about this, as they don't feel they have the expertise or time to teach "technology." I'm always trying to convince them that this is something that should be part of everyday lessons-the way book, pencil, paper, and white board are. I like the idea of using technology to create individualized learning.
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