This is our staff blog where our departments will collaborate around ideas and thoughts that will improve teaching and learning and increase teacher capacity to lead in our school.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Schools, technology, test scores...REALLY?
When thinking about our 1:1 initiative and after reading this post, how will/should the learning environment at DMHS adapt?
I love what Pablo Diaz said in response to the article. I think that he hits the nail on the head when he alludes to the body of educators out there that are discussing how to use technology to enhance students involvement, engagement, and learning. To me that's what a PLC is. Learning from each other (the good, the bad, and the ugly) about what is working in technology rich classrooms across the country and the world. We cannot believe that we have all the answers to good teaching and learning. We must continue to learn and adapt to the changes that this world and economy present to us. The key to the 1:1 initiative will be how we use the devices with our students. The tool is a powerful one; however, the teacher implementing the well crafted lesson incorporating the device is the real power. Ready or not, here it comes.
To be a good educator your teaching style must be relevant to the needs of your students - Education today is to prepare them for tomorrow. At DMHS, we should make an assertive effort everyday to integrate technolgy of some form - no matter the simplicity into our classroom environment. Introducing the 1:1 initiative at DMHS will open many doors. We as a staff have to figure out a way to include the usage of these machines into our classrooms. They need to be tools that will aide in instruction, not hinder or bewilder.
I'm hoping the 1:1 initiative will make it easier to access information and ideas as they come up during lessons. New technology has enhanced teaching and learning already at McMichael. Hopefully students having access to their own computer will also encourage them to be more engaged in the classroom and also on their own.
Each department has to assess their own needs for including technology. Teachers need to have training in each aspect of technology that the students are expected to use during class. Once students become more technologically savy - in 2-3 years this area will become more attractive to industry, with more industry comes more jobs, with more jobs comes more people willing to work, with more people working results in less stress at home, with less stress, comes better rounded students - which hopefully stimulate more student engagement during class, outside of class, and throughout their life. With this we can only hope for increased test scores.
Norton/Mignone Having APEX Learning available to our students for both credit recovery and original credit is a good example of how Rockingham County and McMichael HS are embracing the use of technology to help our students succeed on school. The students are in control of their learning, pace and outcomes. By taking an online course, the students become comfortable with the format, pace and "independence" they have with online learning. Those students who are planning to go to college will especially find the exposure to online courses helpful. A large majority of colleges and universities are now using the Internet and tools such as Blackboard for students to access and submit assignments. The article was right in that many teachers are not fully trained on how to use the technology that is available. Also, the demand on support personnel is growing as teachers become comfortable using computers in the classroom. We are all living in a digital world and as educators we should continue to be open to incorporating technology into our classrooms in order to better prepare our students for college or the world of work.
We must agree with Barbara in the sense that “we cannot believe that we have all the answers to good teaching and learning. We must continue to learn and adapt to the changes that this world and economy present us.” The danger is in believing that we have nothing left to learn. Education and technology are both moving targets. Every day and every second both education and technology are changing. Each classroom, teacher and student is unique. The most beneficial way to use 1:1 devices will not be the same in every classroom for every student. The best way to adapt to this change is to be willing to learn every day, to be willing to share best practices with fellow teachers and to be willing to strive for ways to improve constantly. The power of technology at DMHS will be in what we make it, how we challenge our students and how we push the limits of traditional education.
While I have to admit my first thought that came from the use of technology was how it wiuld help do the same job but qith less paper and hopefully better scores. Incidently, as a result of searching for classroom topics that fit the traditional methods, activities that involve the use of the internet continually arose. I will be able to incorperate these activities with the students use of in the room internet devices. This is my desite, but other teachers may not have that desire. They need to be educated on types of web tools that are out there without having to learn about another online bookmark or storage location. We need to know what sites benefit our subject areas and how to use them.
The learning environment should include all employees, not just teachers. If every employee is involved then it makes the students more focused. The students would realize that learning technology skills are important to their lives now and in the future.
J.S. - My students are so technology savy it’s scary. My daughter taught me how to make flip charts at age 8. I believe that technology is a critical part of the learning process today. We as teachers at DMHS must learn (willingly) to provide our students with new ways to aid their learning. We should teach them to be creative problem solvers. I want my students to be leaders who can synthesize information and become effective leaders. Today I must find a way to incorporate this into their e-learning.
M.W. - I agree with Jennifer and believe that in depth training is needed in many areas. I know how to use about 10% of each technology I have used in my classroom. I am guilty of mirroring some traditional educational practices instead of utilizing the new technology in interesting and informative ways. I believe that while our tech support may not be up to industry standard, that Brittney and Barbara do a fantastic job, and have a great attitude about helping with a smile.
Although the ongoing debate regarding the use of technology in the classroom seems to focus on whether or not it has been successful in preparing students for the future, it appears that there is one vital element missing from the debate: What are the cons of having technology in the classroom and what are effective ways to resolve them? While I agree that our society has progressively integrated technology at a much more alarming rate than had previously been expected (according to the statistics from the early nineties), I truly believe that there needs to be a conversation about the cons of technology in the classroom beyond that of "some teachers are not technologically savvy enough to incorporate it." In other words, before technology is entered into these classrooms, there are certain "wrinkles" that need to be ironed out, such as, what to do when students abuse technology because many of them are MUCH more advanced than some adults? Or---how do you know that a student is misusing/abusing the technology if you do not know what to look for? These are just a few examples of some of the concerns that has surfaced around this topic.
Overall, I am all for technology in the classroom and believe strongly that with the right guidance, clear objectives and goals, schools will begin to see improvements in their students academic levels on a much larger scale.
Ann Everhart and I agree that the efffectiveness of technology on test scores cannot be adequately measured since so few educators use devices on a day-to-day basis. Most do use "bells and whistles" but not to develop project-based learning. In order for teachers to embrace technology, we need more in-depth training. A one shot session on say learning to use wikis does not let educators become comfortable enough to teach others to use it. What you don't use you lose. The Intel Project-Based Learning course was offered here and at other locations last spring. Very few teachers completed this course which would have provided in depth training using communication tools.
I am really excited about the 1:1 initiative; how cool would it be to come across an unfamiliar term in class and have every student "Google it!" That stated, I am ready for someone to explain how we are going to account for and maintain 1,002 computers...nobody washes a rental car! As Barbara stated "Ready or not, here it comes."
Beth Poplin, Gayle Chaney, Alvin Bowen, Noble Marshall, and Kristy Spencer have discussed this article and this issue several times.
In general, we believe that although technology has a valuable place in education, it must be used wisely. Otherwise it becomes a waste of time. Students and teachers need training and our demanding schedules and curriculum do not allow for changing everything at one time.
Using research and new information requires computers use in the classroom. However other courses may use computers only occasionally. As a faculty, we have to judge when computer use is an advantage to learning and when is just a toy used to occupy the students’ time. Today's students are computer/technology savvy, that's true. Most know how to research any topic. The problem seems to be that many do not know how to "think" or how to use this new found information. Some don't know how to concentrate and/or focus on a single topic/skill. As a result, in mathematics, for example, they may not have the background or the experience required to use the information they discover. As the educator, the teacher has to determine when the student is prepared for the use of technology and when they simply need to know how to perform a task or demonstrate a skill that they will have to employ later. For example, while it is debatable as to whether a student may no longer need to calculate 1/2 + 1/3 "by hand"; it is nearly impossible to teach them to add 1/x + 1/y if they can not do perform that first task.
Perhaps the real issue is what is it that everyone needs to know. With the current requirements in place, students are being asked to know a little bite about a lot of topics, and most of all to be able to think, and process available information. Without a little background, without a little practice, without taking a little responsibility, without a little real thinking, our students can not do that kind of processing. Yes, we have to use technology in the classroom; but there are some skills/processes we have to be familiar with before technology can serve any real educational benefit. Teachers need training on which skills these are and how to best manage practicing them and applying them. True technology can/will supply the applications, but we, the teachers, have to guarantee they have the skills to use this knowledge. That balance is not an easy task, and it does not have one right answer. Different courses are going to have to allow for different levels of technological application in the classroom.
Students need technology, but they also need some background and some reasoning skills that they may acquire from their teachers' direction and leadership. Students use technology with or without us. However, many will probably not learn to think unless we demand it in the classroom. Technology can be used to enhance this ability to think, but it can not replace this ability in our society nor in our educational system.
Sparks and Adams Technology is needed but there needs to be a balance between the instruction and the use of that technology which may vary according to the classroom setting. It is a challenge for the teacher to determine the balance that every student needs. Students are more stimulated now than they were in the past visually. Teaching in the traditional since does not work for this generation, but the question is how much technology is needed to achieve that balance. Technology is not the total answer for bringing up test scores but it needs to be a combination with human interaction. Another issue is the teacher’s ability to use and deliver instruction through technology. Some teachers are very competent with the use of technology and apply it effectively. Students are like teachers, some very proficient and some need assistance with technology. It does not matter what type of technology is being offered for use if the teacher does not know how to use it or does not have the time to understand and/or implement it.
After collaborating separately with Becky and Dannielle as well as with Barbara and Elizabeth Joyce, these are some of our collective thoughts...
Teachers must plan good lessons regardless of the technology that is in the hands of their students. We must constantly reflect on and reinvent our lessons in order to improve them. Technology gives us better tools to enable students to become better learners but technology in and of itself will improve nothing. Unfortunately, if the same tired teachers use technology to teach the same tired lessons, then technology will not enhance the learning of students. If teachers do not develop meaningful lessons for their students that technology will be wasted. If the effectiveness of those lessons are not constantly revisited, then students will not benefit from the technology. Good use of technology still requires good teaching practices.
Students need to leave high school ready to enter the real world. The real world uses technology so students need to be prepared to use technology as well. Putting technology in the hands of students is more about teaching students how to use technology in responsible, appropriate manners rather than about improving test scores. If scores happen to increase as an outcome of technology great, if they don't but students become better prepared for life and the workplace, then the technology has been effective. Technology is more about teaching students problem solving skills rather than teaching them to correctly answer questions on a multiple choice test!
I'm impressed with your questions, your comments and your concerns. I, too, agree that there are many cons to using technology in the classroom. I think we first have to define what technology is...because it is NOT just the computer. 21st century skills requires more than just giving students a computer for daily use. I believe we can address the 'cons' of computers and technology by explicitly teaching students digital citizenship and about the digital footprint.
I also believe that we (the adults) must be committed to creating a culture of learning. And in that culture, we must be willing to be involved in a reciprocal process of teaching and learning with our kids. IF we do not embrace this culture of learning, it will be a long hard year in classrooms for the mobile learning initiative.
The 'real' world uses collaboration, problem solving, synthesis, evaluation, and critical thinking skills. How do we leverage all these skills in our classrooms using a tool..and that tool is technology?
R. Williams & S. Chaney: We agree with the blog that the traditional mindset of multiple choice testing and teaching to a test are not teaching higher level thinking. College professors are becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of critical thinking skills of the students that we are sending their way. On the other side of the coin, it is important that the staff be comfortable in the technology that is used in the classroom. This will be addressed through PD sessions. While, technology is a very valuable tool and we are very excited to see the 1:1 initiative come to DMHS, we are concerned that the technology will not be incorporated in a way that will lead to out of the box problem-solving skills and higher order thinking. We feel that the PLE should be one where the students can easily access both content information and networking tools. An example would be with a live binder. Assignments should move away from the sole use of note-taking and video clips and move toward having students to create based on their topic assigned. A cautionary note should be to ensure that all modalities are being reached within the classroom so that no child left behind.
Ok, so the way I take this article is that although we have some great technology in our classrooms we are still not utilizing it so that it benefits our students. We use it primarily for demonstration with only the basic tools available instead of making it more interactive and really using everything the programs offer. We can't say yet that technology is helping our students learn because they are not really getting to use it for our classes and standardized tests have not been redesigned to measure how much students know about the technology they will use in a job after they graduate. Technology is not being utilized to the student's advantage to the capacity that it could be. I agree with that idea. What I have observed in teaching is that students who have access to the internet at home do better in school. They are more knowledgeable but they have access to more information. Also children who have access to the internet consistently are children who come from middle class families where education is typically more valued which would cause them to be more motivated in school. So the idea that children who have access to the internet will automatically do better on standardized test is a miss use of statistics. I am excited about the students having access to the internet in my classroom. It will open up a whole new world of avenues for teaching. I see my job becoming one more of a facilitator and motivator. It seems to me that it is the responsibility of teachers to provide information to students that instructs and enlightens. The students are then, in turn, responsible for accepting and assimilating the information. We have been blessed at McMichael with numerous technological advances which will enhance student learning. Learning new technology is vital for teachers to be able to prepare students for the present and future. However, without in-depth training, teachers could lack the skills necessary to implement the technology. Thus our technological availability would be of little value. Many of our teachers are not comfortable with basic computer usage. Having them to become more proficient at yet another means of technological communication could be quite frustrating for them. There is not enough time for additional training without allocating workdays, early release days or staff development time. With the rollout of student netbooks, additional IT support for the students’ & staff members’ computers will also be necessary. Without additional IT support, Barbara will be inundated with troubleshooting responsibilities, which could limit her opportunities to train and equip teachers effectively.
I feel that technology is important for the future of education. I do agree with many of you who feel that there needs to be a balance of technology based instruction and face-to-face instruction. Nothing can replace the teacher in the classroom. So, I know I will be working on striking a good balance between these two factors in the 1:1 initiative that is coming up. Good Luck!
We think the response to the article makes many good points. It is going to take a lot of time to transition to the use of technology in the classroom. We can't instantly switch to the use of technology and have meaningful lessons for every subject. We feel its going to take time to switch over to this and see the effects technology is having on students and the improvement of test scores. Hopefully teachers will embrace this exciting chance to impact student learning in this new adventure.
I have used technology to assist me with my teaching all of my career as a high school math teacher. I am excited about being able to get our students more involved in using technology. I have many documents that I would be able to post and not have to make copies of. Students would never be able to say they lost the handouts. Students who are absent will have instant access to any missing assignments. This sounds great to me!
Cox, Pratt, Nickens Ok, so the way I take this article is that although we have some great technology in our classrooms we are still not utilizing it so that it benefits our students. We use it primarily for demonstration with only the basic tools available instead of making it more interactive and really using everything the programs offer. We can't say yet that technology is helping our students learn because they are not really getting to use it for our classes and standardized tests have not been redesigned to measure how much students know about the technology they will use in a job after they graduate.Technology is not being utilized to the student's advantage to the capacity that it could be. I agree with that idea. What I have observed in teaching is that students who have access to the internet at home do better in school. They are more knowledgable but they have access to more information. Also children who have access to the internet consistently are children who come from middle class families where education is typically more valued which would cause them to be more motivated in school. So the idea that children who have access to the internet will automatically do better on standardized test is a miss use of statitics. I am excited about the students having access to the internet in my classroom. It will open up a whole new world of avenues for teaching. I see my job becoming one more of a facilitator and motivator.It seems to me that it is the responsibility of teachers to provide information to students that instructs and enlightens. The students are then, in turn, responsible for accepting and assimilating the information. We have been blessed at McMichael with numerous technological advances which will enhance student learning.
Learning new technology is vital for teachers to be able to prepare students for the present and future. However, without in-depth training, teachers could lack the skills necessary to implement the technology. Thus our technological availability would be of little value. Many of our teachers are not comfortable with basic computer usage. Having them to become more proficient at yet another means of technological communication could be quite frustrating for them. There is not enough time for additional training without allocating workdays, early release days or staff development time.
With the rollout of student netbooks, additional IT support for the students’ & staff members’ computers will also be necessary. Without additional IT support, Barbara will be inundated with troubleshooting responsibilities, which could limit her opportunities to train and equip teachers effectively.
As Casto has already said, and Bailey agrees, we need to be willing to use the technology that we are being given and use it for enhancing student learning.
Bailey points out that technology is here whether we like it or not, so we may as well embrace it.
Technology is not necessarily needed to improve student test scores. It is necessary to help students be better prepared for the world that they are going to live in. If test scores do happen to improve with better technology then that will be a win-win situation.
I love what Pablo Diaz said in response to the article. I think that he hits the nail on the head when he alludes to the body of educators out there that are discussing how to use technology to enhance students involvement, engagement, and learning. To me that's what a PLC is. Learning from each other (the good, the bad, and the ugly) about what is working in technology rich classrooms across the country and the world. We cannot believe that we have all the answers to good teaching and learning. We must continue to learn and adapt to the changes that this world and economy present to us. The key to the 1:1 initiative will be how we use the devices with our students. The tool is a powerful one; however, the teacher implementing the well crafted lesson incorporating the device is the real power. Ready or not, here it comes.
ReplyDeleteTo be a good educator your teaching style must be relevant to the needs of your students - Education today is to prepare them for tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteAt DMHS, we should make an assertive effort everyday to integrate technolgy of some form - no matter the simplicity into our classroom environment.
Introducing the 1:1 initiative at DMHS will open many doors. We as a staff have to figure out a way to include the usage of these machines into our classrooms. They need to be tools that will aide in instruction, not hinder or bewilder.
M. Cardwell/J. Flynt
I'm hoping the 1:1 initiative will make it easier to access information and ideas as they come up during lessons. New technology has enhanced teaching and learning already at McMichael. Hopefully students having access to their own computer will also encourage them to be more engaged in the classroom and also on their own.
ReplyDeleteEach department has to assess their own needs for including technology. Teachers need to have training in each aspect of technology that the students are expected to use during class.
ReplyDeleteOnce students become more technologically savy - in 2-3 years this area will become more attractive to industry, with more industry comes more jobs, with more jobs comes more people willing to work, with more people working results in less stress at home, with less stress, comes better rounded students - which hopefully stimulate more student engagement during class, outside of class, and throughout their life. With this we can only hope for increased test scores.
Norton/Mignone
ReplyDeleteHaving APEX Learning available to our students for both credit recovery and original credit is a good example of how Rockingham County and McMichael HS are embracing the use of technology to help our students succeed on school. The students are in control of their learning, pace and outcomes. By taking an online course, the students become comfortable with the format, pace and "independence" they have with online learning. Those students who are planning to go to college will especially find the exposure to online courses helpful. A large majority of colleges and universities are now using the Internet and tools such as Blackboard for students to access and submit assignments.
The article was right in that many teachers are not fully trained on how to use the technology that is available. Also, the demand on support personnel is growing as teachers become comfortable using computers in the classroom. We are all living in a digital world and as educators we should continue to be open to incorporating technology into our classrooms in order to better prepare our students for college or the world of work.
We must agree with Barbara in the sense that “we cannot believe that we have all the answers to good teaching and learning. We must continue to learn and adapt to the changes that this world and economy present us.” The danger is in believing that we have nothing left to learn. Education and technology are both moving targets. Every day and every second both education and technology are changing. Each classroom, teacher and student is unique. The most beneficial way to use 1:1 devices will not be the same in every classroom for every student. The best way to adapt to this change is to be willing to learn every day, to be willing to share best practices with fellow teachers and to be willing to strive for ways to improve constantly. The power of technology at DMHS will be in what we make it, how we challenge our students and how we push the limits of traditional education.
ReplyDeleteWhile I have to admit my first thought that came from the use of technology was how it wiuld help do the same job but qith less paper and hopefully better scores. Incidently, as a result of searching for classroom topics that fit the traditional methods, activities that involve the use of the internet continually arose. I will be able to incorperate these activities with the students use of in the room internet devices.
ReplyDeleteThis is my desite, but other teachers may not have that desire. They need to be educated on types of web tools that are out there without having to learn about another online bookmark or storage location. We need to know what sites benefit our subject areas and how to use them.
The learning environment should include all employees, not just teachers. If every employee is involved then it makes the students more focused. The students would realize that learning technology skills are important to their lives now and in the future.
ReplyDeleteJennifer Swain and Mark Wheatley
ReplyDeleteJ.S. - My students are so technology savy it’s scary. My daughter taught me how to make flip charts at age 8. I believe that technology is a critical part of the learning process today. We as teachers at DMHS must learn (willingly) to provide our students with new ways to aid their learning. We should teach them to be creative problem solvers. I want my students to be leaders who can synthesize information and become effective leaders. Today I must find a way to incorporate this into their e-learning.
M.W. - I agree with Jennifer and believe that in depth training is needed in many areas. I know how to use about 10% of each technology I have used in my classroom. I am guilty of mirroring some traditional educational practices instead of utilizing the new technology in interesting and informative ways. I believe that while our tech support may not be up to industry standard, that Brittney and Barbara do a fantastic job, and have a great attitude about helping with a smile.
Mischa, Cassidy and Karen
ReplyDeleteAlthough the ongoing debate regarding the use of technology in the classroom seems to focus on whether or not it has been successful in preparing students for the future, it appears that there is one vital element missing from the debate: What are the cons of having technology in the classroom and what are effective ways to resolve them?
While I agree that our society has progressively integrated technology at a much more alarming rate than had previously been expected (according to the statistics from the early nineties), I truly believe that there needs to be a conversation about the cons of technology in the classroom beyond that of "some teachers are not technologically savvy enough to incorporate it." In other words, before technology is entered into these classrooms, there are certain "wrinkles" that need to be ironed out, such as, what to do when students abuse technology because many of them are MUCH more advanced than some adults? Or---how do you know that a student is misusing/abusing the technology if you do not know what to look for? These are just a few examples of some of the concerns that has surfaced around this topic.
Overall, I am all for technology in the classroom and believe strongly that with the right guidance, clear objectives and goals, schools will begin to see improvements in their students academic levels on a much larger scale.
Ann Everhart and I agree that the efffectiveness of technology on test scores cannot be adequately measured since so few educators use devices on a day-to-day basis. Most do use "bells and whistles" but not to develop project-based learning.
ReplyDeleteIn order for teachers to embrace technology, we need more in-depth training. A one shot session on say learning to use wikis does not let educators become comfortable enough to teach others to use it. What you don't use you lose.
The Intel Project-Based Learning course was offered here and at other locations last spring. Very few teachers completed this course which would have provided in depth training using communication tools.
I am really excited about the 1:1 initiative; how cool would it be to come across an unfamiliar term in class and have every student "Google it!" That stated, I am ready for someone to explain how we are going to account for and maintain 1,002 computers...nobody washes a rental car! As Barbara stated "Ready or not, here it comes."
ReplyDeleteBeth Poplin, Gayle Chaney, Alvin Bowen, Noble Marshall, and Kristy Spencer have discussed this article and this issue several times.
ReplyDeleteIn general, we believe that although technology has a valuable place in education, it must be used wisely. Otherwise it becomes a waste of time. Students and teachers need training and our demanding schedules and curriculum do not allow for changing everything at one time.
Using research and new information requires computers use in the classroom. However other courses may use computers only occasionally. As a faculty, we have to judge when computer use is an advantage to learning and when is just a toy used to occupy the students’ time. Today's students are computer/technology savvy, that's true. Most know how to research any topic. The problem seems to be that many do not know how to "think" or how to use this new found information. Some don't know how to concentrate and/or focus on a single topic/skill. As a result, in mathematics, for example, they may not have the background or the experience required to use the information they discover. As the educator, the teacher has to determine when the student is prepared for the use of technology and when they simply need to know how to perform a task or demonstrate a skill that they will have to employ later. For example, while it is debatable as to whether a student may no longer need to calculate 1/2 + 1/3 "by hand"; it is nearly impossible to teach them to add 1/x + 1/y if they can not do perform that first task.
Perhaps the real issue is what is it that everyone needs to know. With the current requirements in place, students are being asked to know a little bite about a lot of topics, and most of all to be able to think, and process available information. Without a little background, without a little practice, without taking a little responsibility, without a little real thinking, our students can not do that kind of processing. Yes, we have to use technology in the classroom; but there are some skills/processes we have to be familiar with before technology can serve any real educational benefit. Teachers need training on which skills these are and how to best manage practicing them and applying them. True technology can/will supply the applications, but we, the teachers, have to guarantee they have the skills to use this knowledge. That balance is not an easy task, and it does not have one right answer. Different courses are going to have to allow for different levels of technological application in the classroom.
Students need technology, but they also need some background and some reasoning skills that they may acquire from their teachers' direction and leadership. Students use technology with or without us. However, many will probably not learn to think unless we demand it in the classroom. Technology can be used to enhance this ability to think, but it can not replace this ability in our society nor in our educational system.
I agree with alot of the comments being made. We must stay high tech. because our country needs to stay competitive with the world.
ReplyDeleteSparks and Adams
ReplyDeleteTechnology is needed but there needs to be a balance between the instruction and the use of that technology which may vary according to the classroom setting.
It is a challenge for the teacher to determine the balance that every student needs. Students are more stimulated now than they were in the past visually. Teaching in the traditional since does not work for this generation, but the question is how much technology is needed to achieve that balance. Technology is not the total answer for bringing up test scores but it needs to be a combination with human interaction.
Another issue is the teacher’s ability to use and deliver instruction through technology. Some teachers are very competent with the use of technology and apply it effectively. Students are like teachers, some very proficient and some need assistance with technology. It does not matter what type of technology is being offered for use if the teacher does not know how to use it or does not have the time to understand and/or implement it.
After collaborating separately with Becky and Dannielle as well as with Barbara and Elizabeth Joyce, these are some of our collective thoughts...
ReplyDeleteTeachers must plan good lessons regardless of the technology that is in the hands of their students. We must constantly reflect on and reinvent our lessons in order to improve them. Technology gives us better tools to enable students to become better learners but technology in and of itself will improve nothing. Unfortunately, if the same tired teachers use technology to teach the same tired lessons, then technology will not enhance the learning of students. If teachers do not develop meaningful lessons for their students that technology will be wasted. If the effectiveness of those lessons are not constantly revisited, then students will not benefit from the technology. Good use of technology still requires good teaching practices.
Students need to leave high school ready to enter the real world. The real world uses technology so students need to be prepared to use technology as well. Putting technology in the hands of students is more about teaching students how to use technology in responsible, appropriate manners rather than about improving test scores. If scores happen to increase as an outcome of technology great, if they don't but students become better prepared for life and the workplace, then the technology has been effective. Technology is more about teaching students problem solving skills rather than teaching them to correctly answer questions on a multiple choice test!
I'm impressed with your questions, your comments and your concerns. I, too, agree that there are many cons to using technology in the classroom. I think we first have to define what technology is...because it is NOT just the computer. 21st century skills requires more than just giving students a computer for daily use. I believe we can address the 'cons' of computers and technology by explicitly teaching students digital citizenship and about the digital footprint.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that we (the adults) must be committed to creating a culture of learning. And in that culture, we must be willing to be involved in a reciprocal process of teaching and learning with our kids. IF we do not embrace this culture of learning, it will be a long hard year in classrooms for the mobile learning initiative.
The 'real' world uses collaboration, problem solving, synthesis, evaluation, and critical thinking skills. How do we leverage all these skills in our classrooms using a tool..and that tool is technology?
R. Williams & S. Chaney:
ReplyDeleteWe agree with the blog that the traditional mindset of multiple choice testing and teaching to a test are not teaching higher level thinking. College professors are becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of critical thinking skills of the students that we are sending their way.
On the other side of the coin, it is important that the staff be comfortable in the technology that is used in the classroom. This will be addressed through PD sessions. While, technology is a very valuable tool and we are very excited to see the 1:1 initiative come to DMHS, we are concerned that the technology will not be incorporated in a way that will lead to out of the box problem-solving skills and higher order thinking. We feel that the PLE should be one where the students can easily access both content information and networking tools. An example would be with a live binder. Assignments should move away from the sole use of note-taking and video clips and move toward having students to create based on their topic assigned. A cautionary note should be to ensure that all modalities are being reached within the classroom so that no child left behind.
Ok, so the way I take this article is that although we have some great technology in our classrooms we are still not utilizing it so that it benefits our students. We use it primarily for demonstration with only the basic tools available instead of making it more interactive and really using everything the programs offer. We can't say yet that technology is helping our students learn because they are not really getting to use it for our classes and standardized tests have not been redesigned to measure how much students know about the technology they will use in a job after they graduate.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is not being utilized to the student's advantage to the capacity that it could be. I agree with that idea. What I have observed in teaching is that students who have access to the internet at home do better in school. They are more knowledgeable but they have access to more information. Also children who have access to the internet consistently are children who come from middle class families where education is typically more valued which would cause them to be more motivated in school. So the idea that children who have access to the internet will automatically do better on standardized test is a miss use of statistics.
I am excited about the students having access to the internet in my classroom. It will open up a whole new world of avenues for teaching. I see my job becoming one more of a facilitator and motivator.
It seems to me that it is the responsibility of teachers to provide information to students that instructs and enlightens. The students are then, in turn, responsible for accepting and assimilating the information. We have been blessed at McMichael with numerous technological advances which will enhance student learning.
Learning new technology is vital for teachers to be able to prepare students for the present and future. However, without in-depth training, teachers could lack the skills necessary to implement the technology. Thus our technological availability would be of little value. Many of our teachers are not comfortable with basic computer usage. Having them to become more proficient at yet another means of technological communication could be quite frustrating for them. There is not enough time for additional training without allocating workdays, early release days or staff development time.
With the rollout of student netbooks, additional IT support for the students’ & staff members’ computers will also be necessary. Without additional IT support, Barbara will be inundated with troubleshooting responsibilities, which could limit her opportunities to train and equip teachers effectively.
I feel that technology is important for the future of education. I do agree with many of you who feel that there needs to be a balance of technology based instruction and face-to-face instruction. Nothing can replace the teacher in the classroom. So, I know I will be working on striking a good balance between these two factors in the 1:1 initiative that is coming up. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteAmy and Sherry
ReplyDeleteWe think the response to the article makes many good points. It is going to take a lot of time to transition to the use of technology in the classroom. We can't instantly switch to the use of technology and have meaningful lessons for every subject. We feel its going to take time to switch over to this and see the effects technology is having on students and the improvement of test scores. Hopefully teachers will embrace this exciting chance to impact student learning in this new adventure.
I have used technology to assist me with my teaching all of my career as a high school math teacher. I am excited about being able to get our students more involved in using technology. I have many documents that I would be able to post and not have to make copies of. Students would never be able to say they lost the handouts. Students who are absent will have instant access to any missing assignments. This sounds great to me!
ReplyDeleteCox, Pratt, Nickens
ReplyDeleteOk, so the way I take this article is that although we have some great technology in our classrooms we are still not utilizing it so that it benefits our students. We use it primarily for demonstration with only the basic tools available instead of making it more interactive and really using everything the programs offer. We can't say yet that technology is helping our students learn because they are not really getting to use it for our classes and standardized tests have not been redesigned to measure how much students know about the technology they will use in a job after they graduate.Technology is not being utilized to the student's advantage to the capacity that it could be. I agree with that idea. What I have observed in teaching is that students who have access to the internet at home do better in school. They are more knowledgable but they have access to more information. Also children who have access to the internet consistently are children who come from middle class families where education is typically more valued which would cause them to be more motivated in school. So the idea that children who have access to the internet will automatically do better on standardized test is a miss use of statitics.
I am excited about the students having access to the internet in my classroom. It will open up a whole new world of avenues for teaching. I see my job becoming one more of a facilitator and motivator.It seems to me that it is the responsibility of teachers to provide information to students that instructs and enlightens. The students are then, in turn, responsible for accepting and assimilating the information. We have been blessed at McMichael with numerous technological advances which will enhance student learning.
Learning new technology is vital for teachers to be able to prepare students for the present and future. However, without in-depth training, teachers could lack the skills necessary to implement the technology. Thus our technological availability would be of little value. Many of our teachers are not comfortable with basic computer usage. Having them to become more proficient at yet another means of technological communication could be quite frustrating for them. There is not enough time for additional training without allocating workdays, early release days or staff development time.
With the rollout of student netbooks, additional IT support for the students’ & staff members’ computers will also be necessary. Without additional IT support, Barbara will be inundated with troubleshooting responsibilities, which could limit her opportunities to train and equip teachers effectively.
Michelle Casto and Bob Bailey
ReplyDeleteAs Casto has already said, and Bailey agrees, we need to be willing to use the technology that we are being given and use it for enhancing student learning.
Bailey points out that technology is here whether we like it or not, so we may as well embrace it.
Technology is not necessarily needed to improve student test scores. It is necessary to help students be better prepared for the world that they are going to live in. If test scores do happen to improve with better technology then that will be a win-win situation.
ReplyDelete