Quote of the day...

"Teachers need to integrate technology seamlessly into the curriculum instead of viewing it as an add-on, an afterthought, or an event."
                                                                                                                                             – Heidi-Hayes Jacobs

Quote of the day...

“Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is most important.”
                                                                                                                               - Bill Gates

How some of us (Teachers) might be feeling...

Please comment if you sometimes feel like this teacher.

Quote of the day...

"The illiterate of the 21st century won't be those who can't read & write but those who can't unlearn and relearn."

                                                                                                               -Alvin Toffler

Problems with Technology in Classrooms

One of the main arguments today, is that students should be able to apply classroom concepts to daily life, and a large part of that daily life revolves around technology. Taking technology out of the classroom would be a detriment to the students. However, there are problems with technology that we are still trying to overcome.

Pace of Change

Not all schools can keep up with changing technology. Schools must take extra measures, such as hiring an IT team to keep up with today's changing technology.

Hate Groups, Pornography

 Our school has a filter to block most of these sites. However it is important that students are supervised when using technology, and that these kind of sites are discussed with students prior to them discovering them on their own.

Distractions

Text Messaging, Social Media

All of these could be considered distractions as opposed to students using technology as a learning tool. The teacher must decide whether or not to use filtered browsing on the devices to cut down on distractions, which might not be an option if the child owns the device.

Privacy

Student privacy can be compromised by internet usage.  Students should be taught prior to using technology about revealing too much personal information online. Student accounts should always go through school servers.



As with all issues relating to technology  education and supervision will be crucial when students are using technology. We are only truly at the beginning of this new technology phase, and will continue growing and learning.

My Sources

http://www.teachthought.com/learning/5-problems-with-technology-in-classrooms/

http://www.ehow.com/info_7906198_social-concerning-technology-inside-classroom.html

http://www.mathopenref.com/site/techreasons.html

Technology Then and Now

Then:

I can remember using technology when I was in elementary school. Back then, we used it to play Oregon Trail. I think we may have had a keyboarding course as well. That's about all we used it for.

We have come a long way since then...

Now:

At our school all teachers have Interactive Whiteboards in their classrooms. Teachers are no longer limited to presenting information from a textbook.With an interactive whiteboard attached to a computer with Internet access, teachers have the entire world of the web at their fingertips. Lessons will come to life for students because they will be able to interact with their learning. Students will begin to take ownership of their learning.Research has repeatedly demonstrated that students learn better when they are fully engaged and that multisensory, hands-on learning is the best way to engage them. 

Quote of the day...

"If we teach today as we taught yesterday, then we rob our children of tomorrow"

                                                                  -John Dewey