e learning!

 Pete’s blog outlines the feasability of using technology in the classroom. It seems that with the ICT component now being a must in many subject programs, it’s almost just a case of tick the box instead of what are we actually teaching our students?

I’m not at all suggesting that technology has no place in the classroom. Clearly we have established already that it has its place. However, surely there are cases where technology could be used more heavily in some topics, whereas not at all in others. The article outlines the political and economical aspects of technology that are arising in school classrooms rather than focusing on the job at hand, educating the students. Some key words within the article say it all. Purpose first. Strategy and tools next.

Sometimes it seems we are only ever pondering how we can possibly use, or completely avoid, the tool of technology.

Image: ‘Oblique Strategies‘
www.flickr.com/photos/61724844@N00/9209919

Upon reading Joel’s blog I felt that I agreed with both sides of his argument regarding the ASX simulation game . On one hand you could argue that using technology for such a practical, realistic learning experience is of major benefit to students. Not only can they experience a real life stock market in a virtual and more importantly risk free world, they can share their ideas and knowledge in a practical sense that will aid their learning and that of their peers. However, one could also say that this is just a game which loosely features the content of the syllabus and allows teachers to tick off their ICT task in their subject program.   

My verdict is that, time permitting, there is no doubt the ASX simulation game has a place in the Business Studies or Economics classroom. Although such an activity should not lose sight of key concepts and necessary content. Teachers need to ensure that they carefully consider how much class time the game deserves. If the students really enjoy it, I can’t see any reason why this tech savvy generation couldn’t pursue it in their own time if they so desired.

In response to Mandy’s blog outlining the use of content free software in the classroom, well I think she may be on to something. Realistically a mind map, spreadsheet or database, whether they be a hard or soft copy are essentially the same thing. Or are they? Well yes. Apart from the fact that one can easily create, alter, save and most importantly share their work with the mere click of a button when using technology. However, I think the most important aspect is the process of creation. We have all done a mind map on the white board with relative amounts of success. Yet take your mind map online and the sky is the limit! The students are obviously more actively involved in its development and hence more likely to retain the new found knowledge.

For some reason that I cannot entirely comprehend, take an activity and do it on paper, then do the same activity, or similar using technology. From experience, it’s always the latter that wins hearts. That’s reason enough for me to incorporate digital learning in my classroom.

flickrimage: ‘Confidence‘
www.flickr.com/photos/93333720@N00/233716701

Upon reading the Rainie article, Teens and technology and the world to come, a number of things sprung to mind. Certainly the information presented was in many cases true, however a there are a few statements I feel compelled to disagree with.

Firsly, it is stated that this generation of digital natives are confident and follows on to say that “this is the generation reared with an obsession about their self esteem and it shows”. It certaintly does show, but the word confidence doesn’t exactly scream at me. Yes, when installing and learning a new program on the computer or programming their ipod, this generation can act without hesitation. But merely raising their hand in class to attempt an answer, well now things are starting to look daunting. Confidence comes in many forms, but surely having a go and not worrying too much about a temporarily damaged ego is part of confidence too.

Another point is that “students go straight to the Internet when starting an assignment to seek information”. I don’t want to be a complete cynic and yes this is not an entirley bad thing at all. Fulfill that curiosity. However, is this why students often fail to start an activity in class when they actually have to think. Google and Wikipedia are not there to magically present those much needed answers with minimal effort.

Technology is here and it brings its countless benefits. But let’s not be too quick to push the downfalls aside.

Source: Rainie, L. (2005) Life online: Teens and technology and the world to come. Speech to annual conference of Public Library Association. 23/3/06. Washington, Pew Internet & American Life. (Or from: http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/63/presentation_display.asp )

Made available under Creative Commons 2.0 Attribution Licence: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/Available at: www.flickr.com/photos/19487674@N00/58499153

I know I started out hesitant about all this technology, then I vowed I would change and embrace it all.

But I’m still slightly concerned for a few reasons. Well one in particular. I have just read a Newspaper article Experts, teachers and parents are coming out and saying that school students have little ability to write, using a pen! Furthermore, due to their tendency to use abbreviated words in text and email, this can negatively imapct on the grammar used by student.

The key issue is that whilst students are highly capable on the keyboard, their actual handwriting is often not nearly as strong. Yet at this stage, exams are still handwritten. Computer based exams are not off the agenda, but there are none planned for the near future.

I’m not entirely opposed to the idea of computer based exams, however, written exams have worked sufficiently for many years and are not subject to issues of socio economic discrimination.

Source: Noonan, G. (2008). Keyboard kids losing art of handwriting. Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved August 19th 2008 from, http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/keyboard-kids-cant-write/2008/07/27/1217097102048.html

Being a middle of the range ‘technophobe’ I can’t say that I am bursting with enthusiasm about bringing more and more technology into the classroom. However, I won’t bury my head in the sand and hope that it will go away. Instead, I realise I must get out of my comfort zone and embrace the technology if I’m going to become the effective teacher I aim to be.

  Image: ‘EliRosa 075‘
www.flickr.com/photos/30864080@N00/349730058

This generation practically oozes technology out of their pores! Therefore, surely they will be more interested in an ICT based lesson finding their own information and designing their own webpage as opposed to yet another chalk and talk session followed by a worksheet. Isn’t that what student engagement is all about? I’d rather overcome my small fear of technology than have bored and disruptive students.

The Digital Natives are only going to grow in numbers, whilst the Digital Immigrants will eventually fade. It seems there’s never been a better time to take on technology in the classroom.

Source: Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon, 9(5), 1–2.

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