Dr. McLeod posed the question "Are we doing what's best for our students, or are we doing what is most convenient for us?' is a strong question that made me think about myself and reflect on things that I have done while teaching. I think as teachers we tend to stick with what we know works and don't think outside the box as much. This is proven many times in reference to technology, a new technology becomes available to us in a classroom and I know I mumble and grumble about it because "its just another program/device I need to learn about." Once I learn about the program I generally fall in love with it and enjoying using it but initially all I can think about it the hours I will have to spend getting to know all about it.
After viewing the youtube video "Iowa, Did you know?" I needed to pick my jaw up off the floor. I knew students of this generation use a lot more technology then I did as a child but not to the extent that was pointed out. Since we do live in such a technologically rich time we as teachers need to adapt with our students. Many times our students will know more about the technology then we do and actually will teach the teacher about new technology or programs. This year I work with many different communication devices with my students as well as IPads and computers. So I have thought about the question from Dr. McLeod, there are times when I did not want to take the time to learn about the devices because it is an inconvenience to myself, that is NOT what is best for our students!
This year I have become excited about using all these new forms of technology to connect my class together. This year I am fortunate enough to be able to use Edmodo, a type of "Facebook" for schools. Although I am teaching an ESE class, I am going to use this program to be able to communicate with my families and be able to allow the families to connect to each other, something that I have never been able to do before. It is also a great opportunity to incorporate technology into my classroom, one that I want to take full advantage of because there are so many schools that are not as lucky as mine.
The best thing about technology? It motivates our students! Is that not what is best? To have our students motivate and engaged in their own learning, to make discoveries on their own, and want to continue learning.
Technology keeps moving forward, are you going to join the game or are you going to stand on the sidelines?
Meg,
ReplyDeleteYour comment "The best thing about technology? It motivates students!" sums up the reasons why we need to "inconvenience ourselves" and get to learning! Get to incorporating new technologies, new strategies!
I think what's so important is that you pointed out it takes alot of hard work (and sometimes a little reluctance) on the teacher's part to do what's best for the students.
Yes, we've all grumbled at having yet another thing to do on a never-ending list. But as long as we keep learning and don't let "convenience" rule, the education system will progress.
Thanks for sharing and check out my blog at megstarling.blogspot.com
Meghan thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I am glad someone else agrees with me, sometimes the "inconvenience" results in the best outcomes! And can become a convince in the classroom.
DeleteHello Meg,
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to hear you are using Edmodo. I am also starting to use it this year. I teach 8th grade gifted, advanced and standard/ESE/ASD students, and they all are using Edmodo. The gifted kids really enjoy the academic aspect of it, but the standard kids really benefit from the positive social aspect. Some of the students who are very quiet in class feel more comfortable expressing themselves online. I am interested to hear about your experiences with Edmodo throughout the year, especially since you teach a different age group. Definitely check out some of the communities. I have been finding some amazing lesson ideas and sharing some of my own.
You are absolutely right when you stated that technology motivates students, but it can also motivate teachers. Unfortunately, many teachers do not utilize the available technology. They may be afraid of the time it takes to master a new technology or prefer to stay in their comfort zone. If we can be the "cheerleaders" for technology in our schools, we can help teachers see that the benefits definitely outweigh the negative aspects. Some teachers just do not know where to start. Websites like Edmodo are great for teachers who are not necessarily comfortable with technology because they are easy to use and they intrinsically motivate students and teachers. When I get home from a long day of work and login to update my Edmodo, I see all of the wonderful comments from my students and they remind me of why I am a teacher. So many teachers are getting overwhelmed with all of the changes happening in our school systems right now, but technology can be viewed as a positive change if we encourage other teachers to try new websites, programs and devices and offer them support. Both teachers and students can profit from the integration of new technologies into the curriculum.
Thanks for sharing your argument for the incorporation of technology. I was happy to read comments from another “excited” technology user and I definitely want to "join the game" with you. I look forward to hearing more about your tech experiences this year and I would love your feedback on my blog at erinwasson.weebly.com.
Erin great to see someone else using Edmodo. I wish my students would be able to utilize it more but because of their level, I am using it more to just communicate with my parents, which is nice to do! So I look forward to hearing more about how you use Edmodo with your students throughout the system, as well as your opinions and views on everything else.
DeleteMeg,
ReplyDeleteAdapting and adjusting is a way of life for teachers. Yes, the Iowa video was astonishing! If you search for Shift Happens on Youtube you can find some pretty amazing things.
I have found that (at my school) administration pretty much frowns upon the use of new technology and applications in instruction. I feel as if there is a battle between teachers and office over whether or not we can go beyond PowerPoint. It's like they can't see beyond the potential for disaster with technological education. And my administration is rather young (40's), so they are not that far removed from using technology.
In the end, however, what happens in my class leads to academic gains. How do I get there? Dare I say that I "do what I want"? Nah, I just do my job, and do what is right for kids.
FYI- I have played with Edmodo at home, but it is blocked at work (which is a whole different blog right there!)
Mike N
mmike5150
Mike,
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear that your administration frowns on the use of technology in classrooms, it is truly a shame, especially with new observation forms coming out like Marzano. I hope in the very near future your administrators come about and support the use of technology!
~Meg
Hi Megan,
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more if your comment on how many educators are stuck in their ways and won't think outside the box. A great teacher is one that wants what it best for their student. I find that older teachers will not change their teaching style to integrate new ideas in the classroom, especially if it involves technology. Technology is not easy, even if you are young. However, just like you said, it motivates students to learn.
I like you idea about incorporating edmodo in the classroom to communicate with families. That is a great way to have families in the classroom communicate with one another as well! I am going to have to try that!
-Amanda Torres
Amanda,
DeleteThanks for your comments. So far I enjoy Edmodo to communicate with my families, but it is also difficult because there has one been one parent who seems to be using it, but hopefully through out the year more and more will start using it. I also agree with your statement "technology is not easy, even if you are young" because I fall right into that category. I find technology very difficult at times, I need to take a lot of time to play around with the technology before I feel comfortable to use it. But I take the time because I know the increased motivational level for my students!
~Meg