Oh the Changes!!
Technology has really changed over the past 30 years. I'm sure some of my own teachers were just as amazed and excited about making flashcards on the computer along with creating multiple choice questions as todays' teachers are with creating newsletters and keeping track of grades on spreadsheets. It must have seemed so amazing to be able to use the same format over and over again instead of having to create new ones everytime, like it was on the typewriter. On the flipside to that early amazement was more than likely some apprehension to using it accompanied by fear or a lack of knowledge about technology. I think about as in the lack of knowledge and practice I have with these high tech computers now is probably comparable to the early teachers feelings towards computers back then. Knowing that gives me a sense of confidence and reassurance, that even though it looks hard now, the benefits will definitely outweigh the negatives. Also, it will eventually become easy the more I practice with technology. I can accept the fact that even though I am a teacher, I am still a learner. I shouldn't be looked down upon or held accountable if I don't know everything. I am only human. I couldn't really tell you if my teachers back then were computer savvy, but what I can say is that what looked like a challenge to them back then seems super simple compared to today's technology (I can't wait to see what's out there when my students are in college). I am in total agreement with this article when says that rather than having students use the regular pencil to paper learning strategy it is beneficial and motivational to have the children peer edit accross different schools via the internet. Teachers must always remain enthusiastic and excited to learn new innovative ways to teach children, it's this way in which will get kids to WANT to learn. For me, if learning technology is a way to enhance my students learning then count me in, it's worth all my effort to see a student want to learn. Plus, as a teacher my job learning is never finished, so long as they keep making new technology I will keep learning it.
1 comment:
You cannot imagine how many times I have seen teachers that feel that because they are out of school, they know it all. I have had the privlidge of working with 2 teachers that modify their lesson each year based on new knowledge they have gained. I completely agree with the fact that we will always be learning. Our world is innovative and there will always be new information coming out. As teachers we have a responsibility of transmitting new knowledge to our students so that they can become critical thinkiners and succeed in life. One of the teachers I currently work is a math teachers and he is currently showing his students powerpoint. They are just completing a project using power point.
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