This article, written in 2013, describes the ongoing need for more technology in education. The author mentions how in every other field of work, technology is utilized much more than it is in the classroom. We are behind in technology in the classroom and need to jump ahead to better support our new-age learners who rely on this technology for day-to-day activities. Behrens mentions how our average adolescent has endless information at their fingertips constantly, and how we need to start supporting that in schools more. While many schools have gone to a BYOD, the majority have not, and the author does not agree with that. Behrens also mentions how the new generation spends 4.6 hours a week using social media and less time reading or writing emails. Apps are taking over web browsing. Why have a “power-down” attitude when technology is becoming more ubiquitous every day? The author mentions how education is one of the top marketplaces for technology, so why haven’t more schools embraced integrating technology? Budget and the fact that technology is a revolving door don’t help.
I agree with the article in the sense of needing to create a bottom-up processing setting in the classroom. With all these resources, teachers can get extremely creative in helping our students with problem solving and research--both skills they will need in life. In order to accomplish this in the classroom, a BYOD or having devices at each child’s seat is necessary. While this is a wonderful thought, it is not realistic for many schools due once again to budget.
This was interesting to me: “Education institutions are now grappling with the same challenge Borders faced: how to connect with savvier and more discerning consumers who have more options today than they did even a few years ago. These consumers—these active learners—have different expectations for their education experience. Administrators must be aware that active learners are willing to go elsewhere if they don't feel their expectations are being met.” With technology programs changing so quickly and new programs being introduced left and right, how are we going to keep our customer, our students, interested? Even in my 5 years since student teaching, I have noticed a huge change in students’ attention spans and lessons and technologies they find intriguing. They are always looking for the new and best thing. This is extremely challenging for marketers as well as for teachers! It is going to get harder and harder to keep up with technology that is current. Now, I am definitely not saying that because of this it will be impossible to engage students. Questioning techniques and creativity of the teacher is irreplaceable. I am just saying teachers will continue to have to work harder to keep the attention of students and excite kids.
Once again, technology in the classroom, just as the author was saying, is an extremely powerful thing. Administrators and teachers should continue to try their best to find ways to implement because it is the future. Our students are growing closer to technology every day in their lives outside of school, and we need to make sure we make it readily available in school.
Marisa,
ReplyDeleteGreat points made. I like the point about "active learners". They will find other places to to go, or they will cause trouble because they are bored. It is our job, teachers and administrators, to help bring technology into the schools.
I connected to the statement about students have endless information at their fingertips. This is very true today and evident in my classroom. I am challenged to create assignments and assessments that go beyond regurgitating content. Technology has given them the avenue to finding information, but I often find students are challenged by how to find it. How to use these resources is becoming as important and the information they need to know.
ReplyDeleteI empathized with your expressed frustration when I read the closing sentence of your first paragraph. Budget is a concern that tremendously affects so many schools. Our budget prospects seem to be getting worse instead of better. Because of that we have technology that is behind the market. Instead of overhauls we have patching. That being said, our district puts an emphasis on technology so we manage to stay relevant. I see that in other schools, as well. Like the article indicates, it is so important to keep working with and improving technology.
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