As I sat in on the meeting, I listened as a seasoned teacher stated, quite defiantly mind you, how she does not want her 5th graders working too much on the computer. She claimed it was not as much of a learning tool as it was just to research some topics.
It took all I had within me to keep from smiling and telling her what I KNOW to be true - teaching through technological means is one of the best ways to engage our students in learning in 2008. What this wonderful teacher does not realize is that technology provides the means in which we as teachers do what is basic in teaching - capture the attention and interest of students through what they enjoy and their learning styles.
X-box, MP3 players, Blackberries, Instant and text Messaging, Computers, etc.
This is the age in which our students are being influenced by all things technology. As teachers, it is our job to teach them how to navigate and critically analyze the medium of technology to gain enduring understanding in the content areas.
As I reflected on this more, I thought of David Truss' new video called, A Brave New World-Wide-Web. I came across it from Dr. Scott Mcleod's website, Dangerously Irrelevant. Word is that this video is making the rounds, but I believe it is worth another look.
Next time you run across a teacher who finds no value in the authentic learning that takes place from technology, challenge her to a test as this video shows. Teachers around the world, embrace your inner wiki!
Laura, I'm with you that teachers today do need to capture the minds of young people in school be teaching using technology as a tool. It goes so much further than just having students conduct research on a computer. Thanks for a great post.
Posted by: Robyn McMaster | September 18, 2008 at 09:38 PM
Robyn,
Thanks for the confirmation. Many seasoned teachers do not share our views though. If they would just watch their students during those "tedious research" projects, they would see the elevated level of engagement. Let's just keep spreading the message of teaching through technology!
Thanks for the post,
Laura
Posted by: Laura Hecht | September 19, 2008 at 06:44 PM