Technology in the classroom

When most people think of technology in the classroom they think of computers and applications like word processing or computer programming. At one time that was what it meant. In the 80's and 90's we taught kids about the computer in a class. They learned about operating systems and we had a lot of arguments as teachers about what type of computer to buy. Did we want kids to work on a Mac that was easy to use but not found in the workplace? For the most part the PC people won that one and now we have a lot of technical support and SPAM problems on those computers and not on the Mac.

We thought at one time that kids needed to be computer literate so we taught them about RAM and ROM and computer languages like COBAL. What we were doing is teaching about technology as if it were a subject. At my school it was an Applied Arts class or an ROP class. College bound kids did not have time to take many of these courses unless they were bound for engineering school.

Now we have seen that this is exactly the opposite of what we should be doing for our kids. With over 60% of homes connected to the Internet with some level of computer technology most of our kids knows all they need to know about how to operate the computer as young as 3 years old. My 5 year old grandson know all about using the mouse and even finding a web site by hunt and peck typing in a URL. He has no idea what RAM or ROM is but he rocks when it comes to finding things on the Internet. Bob the Builder dot com or Barbie dot com help them learn all they need to know about using a computer. Even a TV program called Blues Clues teaches computer concepts. So what DO kids need today in the way of technolgy skills?

Kids today are growing up with more data than they can absorb. We have over one hundred TV channels to pick from. There is MTV and CNN and a host of sources of news. The Internet offers information on almost anything you can imagine and then some. We can get sports scores and the weather or news sent to us on our cell phone. Using my cell phone which is also a PalmPilot (PDA) I can get answers to almost any question you ask me by connecting to the internet. Knowing facts or information is now less valuable then knowing how to find answers to questions or problems. Students need to know where to look and how to mine the data down into useful pieces. They need to know how to track information to its source so they can check its value or bias. They need to know how to work together in teams to solve problems. More than anything they need to have skills that help them adapt to CHANGE which will be the only constant in this new age.

I hear that in this new age the average graduate will change CAREERS three times and JOBS five times before they retire. The ability to adapt to change and the ability to learn new things is key to success.

Technology has become an important tool for learning. More important than the old textbooks we all carried home with us technology lets us solve problems and answer difficult questions. Textbooks are old the minute they are printed. Information is accumulating so rapidly there is no way any writer or book can keep up.

Technology is not a subject to be taught but rather a way of teaching and learning. Technology gives us rapid access to data about student achievement which can be used by parents, students and teachers to design education that meets individual needs. Because kids learn differently we can use technology to modify our instruction to meet individual needs. Teachers must not be the "sage on stage" or person who delivers information to kids. Teachers must now become a "coach on the side" who provides direction and resources for students as they deal with real world type challenges and problems. Learning must switch away from "sit and git" to projects that challenge kids to use the higher functions of their brain. Mere morization of facts or "content" will not guarantee success in a world faced with complex problems to solve.

Teach using differentiated instruction using technology to enhance the curriculum and we will find fewer kids that are bored with school. Attendance will get better because we all love a challenge. Behavior will improve because kids are actively engaged in doing something constructive.

Is technology important in this day of budget cuts? I think it is the most important thing we have to offer students in preparation for jobs. Fewer jobs than in decades past will require minimal reading skills and physical strength to function. Technology skills are a major part of almost every occupation. Those who do not have them will not find employment in this information rich society.

Yes! Technology is very important and it should get our top priority in attention in all that we do from designing curriculum to setting budgets. Every teacher should be technology literate.....their students already know more than they do.

Comments

[Dr. K]

Brilliant post. One of my students found your blog and shared it with the class. Thanks for helping to spread the word about focusin on the learner & not the tool we put in front of the learner.