How do we incorporate technology into the classroom?
In the world of public language and politics technology is a hot subject. The balance between needs and wants of technology in the classroom combined with the growing cost of technology with limited public funds makes for a lively discussion. A reasonable argument can be made for and against both sides. While the point-counterpoint argument can go on Ad nauseam no reasonable person can argue with modern culture, the installation of technology will improve student learning.
Technology in the 21st century has become such a cultural norm that cell phones had have replaced the human hand. Go to any restaurant where most patrons are under the age of 40 and count how many people communicate via text. Based from the constant complaints from the over 40 crowd one could swear it has become an epidemic. Pandora’s box has been open since the birth of the World Wide Web. The future is Science, Math, Engineering and technology (STEM) fields. The only way to ensure the people of this country remains a force is to educate it's populous in a matter that keeps society ahead of the curve.
Not every piece of technology is government waste like the iPad fiasco like that of the LA Unified School District. The government has set the bar with the Universal Design and Language (UDL) standard by ensuring public education incorporates technology in the classroom. Computer programs such as Dreambox customizes math lesson to the individual students. I work with Dreambox on a daily basis. The program is a fun and interactive learning experience for the students. Apps that make the periodic table of elements come to life with 3-D imaging. With the technology, we can safely explain why people for the longest time stood in straight lines during major battles. How else could a soldier load a three-foot firearm with a ball and powder?
Technology takes us places we could not go before. Webcams of other classrooms expand the student population. A lesson in biology can now be in two places at once. Biology teachers lecture in the classroom and Monterey Bay Aquarium. The possibilities are endless. Those who seize embrace the future are the most profitable, let us invest in this countries future.
Chris- Great first blog! Loved your quote "The balance between needs and wants of technology in the classroom combined with the growing cost of technology with limited public funds makes for a lively discussion." It really is a balance between needs and wants, as a lot in life is. Technology definitely is extremely efficient and convenient, but where is it going and how much does it take away from the "hands on" experience & lesson? I think when used appropriately, it's a great resource of course and it's definitely where our future generations are headed! Thanks for your insight and intro to tech in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteChris, if you take the tension of need v. wants out of the conversation and talk about what is currently in a classroom, what's the discussion look like? How can teachers make the most of what's there? What's the minimum? Can there be too much? Ideally, what tools would you like to see in a particular classroom? (If the current set-up doesn't match the ideal, what's a teacher to do?)
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