Technology in the Classroom
Should be upgraded to follow technology in a practical setting.
Hi Heather,
Thank you for sharing this great example of how technology is used and abused by students. The fact that she kept looking at Facebook, etc. while trying to concentrate on her studies amazes me but doesn't surprise me because this pattern is so common today. Glad to her the positive end to this story as she gained control of her technology and started applying herself to the learning phase of her coursework.
Gary
Technology should be used in the classroom as much as possible, but we need to use different technologies for instruction vs. socializing.
Students are often not disciplined enough to use cell phone technology for learning at times, and socializing at other times.
A previous student of mine demonstrated this when she told me that she could not read PDF documents on her home computer without getting distracted.
I asked, "Distracted by WHAT?!?!?! It's a PDF!"
She stated that her friends from Facebook, MySpace, etc., were messaging her, and distracting her. She was using it as an excuse.
I said, "Well you shut down those services or your network connection while you are studying. I'm sure I don't actually have to tell you this, right?"
Once she did that, her grades skyrocketed, and she never had a problem again.
Technology is as common to our students as paper to us. We should adapt!
Hi Desiree,
You are to be commended for providing instructional support to those students that need to develop a foundational understanding in the development of computer skills. This is taking a personal interest in the success of students and I know they appreciate your efforts.
Gary
I find in many classrooms the level of technology the student's understand varies greatly. Some students understand basic computer programs and email and other seem to fear using the computer. You have to find a balance when using one in a classroom setting. What I do to balance the room is to offer a basic class to those students who need computer skills so they feel like they can keep up with the rest of the class.
Institutions must be mindful however, not to let the technology interfere with a students ability to access content.
Hi Darryl,
Good points about the use of technology. We need to incorporate it into our teaching but not let it take over the human aspect of your teaching. The blend of the two will help students to learn and feel a part of the instructional process.
Gary
In this generation, students live by technology and we see it all around us. Seeing children in kindergarten using cell phones really blows me away. I feel that students that use technology for recreation would be more open to learning by using technology because that is what they are used to. Any you are right, that they must be managed and directed to learning and I feel that there is nothing wrong with getting the lastest update (even money is not a concern) to enhance the learning process.
yes it is very important because of the constantly changing technology and easier ways of teaching and learning.eg .computer and internet skills.
Technology use in the classroom is an effective way to enhance learning. However use of technology must be managed to ensure it is used for learning and not socializing. :)
