While I'm not heavily tech savvy, I do like to incorporate technologies into my methods of delivering information and teaching in the classroom. This blog is one that seems to deliver news concerning technology in K-12 classrooms and some light discussion on the impact of specific technologies in the classroom. http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/DigitalEducation/
Just a cursory glance at some of the posts on this blog seems to point at the type of technology finding its way into K-12 classrooms, tablets and e-textbooks, etc. While I'm merely a substitute in the APS system right now. I've had some trial by fire simple experiences with the Prometheus projector boards that have been installed in many APS classrooms throughout the city. One of the Computer Tech teachers at one of the APS schools I work at periodically stated that the Prometheus boards are useful for the teachers, but that many teachers lack the tech knowledge to really use the boards at the boards' full capacity. He suggested that they could be extremely powerful tools to present material in dynamic ways. Unfortunately, we did not have time for him to elaborate further on what he means with such praise the Prometheus boards. One aspect is certain: the children are accustomed to having the technology at their disposal and I've had numerous 5 to 7 year olds coach me on the bare bones of how to use the Prometheus board. I suppose it may be advantageous for me to look for a blog on the Prometheus board this week. If I locate one. I'll post the link here and likely have to something to say about it. Nothing like a new piece of tech to put a fire under our behinds. So, here's to having no eagles about to feed on this technology. Maybe the next big piece of tech will be called the the Hercules somethinorother. Till next week, keep the eagles at bay and use your new tech as effectively as possible. Cheers!
I think that the onus lies on the teachers to understand as much as they possibly can about technology, as it is completely pervasive right now, for better or worse. Educational tools like the prometheus boards are amazing, and, in my limited experience, can be used in amazing ways by teachers who understand the program and interface well. As tech develops, ways of learning seem to change. Do we juxtapose a tech-less experience upon them just because that's the way we learned in school? Or do we simply divert the interest in tech toward something that makes them enthusiastic about learning? I think we are in a transition period right now and that education is on a track toward a quantitatively effective way of educating through technological means.
ReplyDeleteI too am a substitute at APS and have experienced trial by fire with lessons left by teachers involving the prometheus boards. Fortunately one teacher left me pretty detailed instructions on the basic use. I have also learned that APS periodically offers a two day in depth class on the boards fro teachers and substitutes are eligible to go too. Its kind of embarrassing when the kids know more about the education technology than I do. Case in point - I had to take typing in high school. My 6 year-old's 1st grade class has typing twice a week. They are repeatedly given timed tests and the keyboards don't have the letters on them so they learn typing by touch. She's already a better typist than I am. I believe it is up to us to stay on top of it. If one of our responsibilities is to prepare little minds to be productive members of our society/community, knowledge about technology is a must.
ReplyDeleteChildren have so much more technology at their disposal this day and age. It's no surprise to me that my nieces and nephews (ages ranging from 3-14) have to show me how to do things on computers or with whatever new gadgets and gizmos they 'play-to learn' with. I agree that it is imoportant for those of us who took keyboarding in middle school, those of us who are not 'tech savvy', to challenge ourselves to learn it and know it if we are going to use these techniques in the classroom. It's also important to know even if we decide not to use these as part of our teaching because we should be able to help students if they have questions regarding technology. I'm pumped that I've got this blogging thing down!Prometheus projector boards here we come!
ReplyDeleteWhile I think it is the responsibility of teachers to learn about all the classroom technology, I do think that some responsibility is on the schools to provide the neccesary training. It seems to me a waste of money to have so much technology in the classroom without having proper training to go along with it. Technology is just going to be more prevelant in the classroom and I think schools and teachers need to be able to keep up in order to keep education relevant and real.
ReplyDelete