I thought that you might find this information as interesting as I did. It certainly relates to out Academy in what our students are facing and will be facing. How do you feel about what the message ultimatly means for us as teachers?
This video was a big hit last year and my reaction remains the same. In the introduction of the 1970s text The Bell Curve, the authors discuss two groups of people involved in technology. One group of consumers of technology hide from society by using the technology as a drug - an addiction. The other group uses the technology for the gain of power and knowledge. The presumption of this dichotomy is vital for us to recognize because many students love their Xbox but don't see it as a time killer. In the same vein, learning to blog, learning to develop websites, learning to interact on social networking sites may help students develop their communication skills and help them find better jobs. As teachers we need to lean on both sides - get them comfortable with the technology so they are attracted to it - and show them how to use the technology to earn a living.
I couldn't agree more Layne. To many time I have heard teachers say that this is the way I have been teaching for 30 years and I not changing now. The students we are teaching now are students that because of technology can multi-task, are looking for instant gratification, and can type faster with two thumbs then we can will all 10. In other words, to reach them we need to adjust our teaching style to fit their needs, right or wrong.
I am one of those teachers who needs to adjust my teaching style to fit students needs and this is only my fifth year teaching! The great news is, not only do I need to, I WANT to...but it's a little scarry. I know the kids know more than I do about technology. This is the first time I've ever read or posted on a blog! I realize that technology is my "friend" and I am concerned that although many of our students are technologically savvy, they are not academically driven. Meaning, they use the technology to play video games, for social networking, etc., and not for educational purposes. I am well aware of how the U.S. is falling behind other countries in intelligence...I see it in the classroom daily. The vido just drove that point home and reiterated some serious concerns I've had. I'm excited to be a part of the Academy so I can challenge myself to be part of all of this new technology and so I can pass along my knowledge to students in order to help them challenge themselves to be the best they can be.
Yes Cindy it is scary but at the same time it opens up a world we would never have had access to. We can use the students desire for simulation as a motivator to learn and they will in most cases not even be aware they are learning.
This video was a big hit last year and my reaction remains the same. In the introduction of the 1970s text The Bell Curve, the authors discuss two groups of people involved in technology. One group of consumers of technology hide from society by using the technology as a drug - an addiction. The other group uses the technology for the gain of power and knowledge. The presumption of this dichotomy is vital for us to recognize because many students love their Xbox but don't see it as a time killer. In the same vein, learning to blog, learning to develop websites, learning to interact on social networking sites may help students develop their communication skills and help them find better jobs. As teachers we need to lean on both sides - get them comfortable with the technology so they are attracted to it - and show them how to use the technology to earn a living.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more Layne. To many time I have heard teachers say that this is the way I have been teaching for 30 years and I not changing now. The students we are teaching now are students that because of technology can multi-task, are looking for instant gratification, and can type faster with two thumbs then we can will all 10. In other words, to reach them we need to adjust our teaching style to fit their needs, right or wrong.
ReplyDeleteI am one of those teachers who needs to adjust my teaching style to fit students needs and this is only my fifth year teaching! The great news is, not only do I need to, I WANT to...but it's a little scarry. I know the kids know more than I do about technology. This is the first time I've ever read or posted on a blog! I realize that technology is my "friend" and I am concerned that although many of our students are technologically savvy, they are not academically driven. Meaning, they use the technology to play video games, for social networking, etc., and not for educational purposes. I am well aware of how the U.S. is falling behind other countries in intelligence...I see it in the classroom daily. The vido just drove that point home and reiterated some serious concerns I've had. I'm excited to be a part of the Academy so I can challenge myself to be part of all of this new technology and so I can pass along my knowledge to students in order to help them challenge themselves to be the best they can be.
ReplyDeleteYes Cindy it is scary but at the same time it opens up a world we would never have had access to. We can use the students desire for simulation as a motivator to learn and they will in most cases not even be aware they are learning.
ReplyDelete