There are some who believe education should get back to basics, while others believe we should move forward by implementing technology and teaching writing for the 21st century and beyond. What are your thoughts on this topic?
I personally feel we should teach real-world reading and writing. I like how the "Teaching the New Writing" approaches this topic by stating that "students today have more than surpassed their parents in the area of technology, therefore we must keep up with their needs." If we don't bring technology in the classroom, then we will truly be leaving every child behind.
Tradition has it's place but change is inevitable. We should beyond a shadow of a doubt move forward by implementing technology and teaching writing for the 21st cetury and beyond. Otherwise, we are going to miss a huge percent of the student population.
Quality education is not an "either or" proposition. I remember when the Whole Language movement started and everyone was ready to jump on board and toss phonic instruction out the window. But research soon showed that the best qualities of whole language AND phonics produces great readers. I think the same can be said about "teaching the basics" and "implementing technology" in the teaching of reading and writing. Each has their place, and if we ignore the advancements of technology, we are denying students the use of tools that they have already been exposed outside of the classroom. As was mentioned in a demo lesson, many of our students are already "technology natives". Technology allows us to not only insprie and motivate our students, but allows them to share their technology with us (teachers). But we also need to teach students the beauty and simplicity of sending someone a handwritten invitation or thank you note. No need to throw the baby out with the bathwater.
I feel that technology is a way to make sure that every student is reached. With one computer, any interrest can be researched and every topic enriched. I feel that finding the balance between the available technology and the traditional ways of doing things is going to be the issue for me.
There is no doubt we must teach our children to use pencil, paper as well as to perform math without technology. However if we do not use every resource that is available we are cheating our students. They are growing up in a world of technology therefore, it is important to allow them to use the technology as part of their day-to-day learning.
Back to Basics. My classroom at ASU has a RECORD PLAYER. Yes, you read that. A Turn Table. Do I have a smart room set up. No. I bring my own laptop to hook up to the projector. Guess where I put it. On top of the piano. hehehe... Of course, we are lucky to have the projector.
My online kids are even funnier. As you guys heard this morning. Why would people sign up for an online class when they don't have/know the technology. It's the only option they have for their Fine Arts credit. Online Music Appreciation or Online Theater Appreciation.
Ok, enough complaining. I think technology is a great addition to classes, but "with great power comes great responsibility." Introduce the technology as a group and have command of it before you introduce it to the students, that's my only advise.
I personally feel we should teach real-world reading and writing. I like how the "Teaching the New Writing" approaches this topic by stating that "students today have more than surpassed their parents in the area of technology, therefore we must keep up with their needs." If we don't bring technology in the classroom, then we will truly be leaving every child behind.
ReplyDeleteTradition has it's place but change is inevitable. We should beyond a shadow of a doubt move forward by implementing technology and teaching writing for the 21st cetury and beyond. Otherwise, we are going to miss a huge percent of the student population.
ReplyDeleteQuality education is not an "either or" proposition. I remember when the Whole Language movement started and everyone was ready to jump on board and toss phonic instruction out the window. But research soon showed that the best qualities of whole language AND phonics produces great readers. I think the same can be said about "teaching the basics" and "implementing technology" in the teaching of reading and writing. Each has their place, and if we ignore the advancements of technology, we are denying students the use of tools that they have already been exposed outside of the classroom. As was mentioned in a demo lesson, many of our students are already "technology natives". Technology allows us to not only insprie and motivate our students, but allows them to share their technology with us (teachers). But we also need to teach students the beauty and simplicity of sending someone a handwritten invitation or thank you note. No need to throw the baby out with the bathwater.
ReplyDeleteI feel that technology is a way to make sure that every student is reached. With one computer, any interrest can be researched and every topic enriched. I feel that finding the balance between the available technology and the traditional ways of doing things is going to be the issue for me.
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt we must teach our children to use pencil, paper as well as to perform math without technology. However if we do not use every resource that is available we are cheating our students. They are growing up in a world of technology therefore, it is important to allow them to use the technology as part of their day-to-day learning.
ReplyDeleteBack to Basics. My classroom at ASU has a RECORD PLAYER. Yes, you read that. A Turn Table. Do I have a smart room set up. No. I bring my own laptop to hook up to the projector. Guess where I put it. On top of the piano. hehehe... Of course, we are lucky to have the projector.
ReplyDeleteMy online kids are even funnier. As you guys heard this morning. Why would people sign up for an online class when they don't have/know the technology. It's the only option they have for their Fine Arts credit. Online Music Appreciation or Online Theater Appreciation.
Ok, enough complaining. I think technology is a great addition to classes, but "with great power comes great responsibility." Introduce the technology as a group and have command of it before you introduce it to the students, that's my only advise.