Thursday, January 21, 2010
Introduction to the Blogging world!!
Hello my name is Sharlene, i'm an english major and i plan to teach at the secondary level. I feel that technology plays a huge role in teaching; the ability to show students that texts are not confined to novels, poetry, plays etc... When technology is introduced in the classroom the teacher can relate a topic to the students. I was observing a 12th grade classroom where the teacher was incorporating a multimedia unit with a unit on ethos, pathos and logos. I found that the use of technology helped the students understand the idea of ethos, pathos and logos; they were also able to use technology and create a persuasive news story to present to the class. I was fascinated by the use of technology in the classroom.
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I agree that the use of technology in a classroom setting can be very effective and resourceful for students. Granted several points can be taught without the use of it, so it is by no means necessary in my opinion. Even so, if it helps students to understand the given topic just a little bit more, then it is worth it.
ReplyDeleteMy only concern with using technology in a classroom is the separation of students with themselves and with the teacher or professor. It would seem that the more technology gets involved in the classroom, the less children find a need to look to their peers or their teacher for assistance. For me, physical interaction with each other is very important, even if it is simple group work or asking for help on a math question. Nowadays, with so much information available on the internet, children do not need to go to the library for a book, or ask their parents how to do a math problem. They can simply go onto their computer and Google whatever they desire without having any interaction whatsoever with people, and get what they want.
If technology continues to evolve in such a way that people need each other less and less, I fear for what the future may hold.
I actually don't see it that way, Mark. I think technology can only enhance a student's ability to learn. If used properly, (i.e., with the assistance of a teacher and a lesson plan designed to maximize the potential of the technological aspect of the course) it engages the student that might be otherwise bored with the standard lecture/quiz model. Technology is a way to appeal to a generation that has grown up with the internet, cable tv, youtube, etc.. at their fingertips. As the next generation of teachers enter the classroom, I think they need to be cognizant of how the game has changed. We didn't have ipods, facebook, youtube, google, myspace, xbox 360, and all of the other distractions kids have today. Life was simple: pay attention in class, then go play--done. School isn't like that anymore. So instead of complaining about all of the distractions these kids have, we need to harness them (the distractions) to achieve our own ends. And as long as you have a teacher in the classroom who is tech-savy, and who has created a lesson plan that utilizes tech in a insightful, meaningful way (as opposed to merely using it for show), I think students will ultimately exit school having received a more well rounded education.
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