Blog Post 1 - Overarching Question - Of Babies, Bathwater and Breaks in Tradition
Welcome to my blog, created for PME811 - Innovation in Teaching and Learning. The overarching question I'll be exploring on this blog relates to babies, bathwater, and breaks with tradition. My Master's journey thus far has challenged my thinking and practice in countless ways - leading me to some necessary changes, as well as solidifying some deeply held convictions.
One area I'm still wrestling with is the place of technology in the classroom. Am I harnessing all it has to offer in an effective way? Am I leaning on it too heavily, knowing that screens have a pacifying effect on my students? Is it sharpening minds, or cutting corners?
In a world of screens and technology, teachers face a constant dilemma of wanting to adequately prepare children for a technology-centred future on the one hand, while at the same time knowing and fearing the negative effects of too much screen time. Is a Miro or Coggle brainstorm really as effective as a group discussion with real people? Does a pirate-themed multiplication game really help the students as much as a deck of flashcards? And at the same time, could opportunities to blog engage my students more in their writing?
So I guess to put it more succinctly:
How can I implement innovative technology in my classroom in an effective way, ensuring it is a good servant, rather than a bad master?
My goal in this blog is to get a little closer to the answer - if there is one!
Hi Dan,
ReplyDeleteI think you have posed an excellent question in regards to finding proper balance when using technology in the classroom. Like you, I am also well aware that screen addiction is a real concern for many students. To answer your question I think it is important to use technology to focus on skills that will benefit students in the future. For example, typing skills, the editing process, and proper research techniques will all prove beneficial for students beyond the classroom. At the same time, it is important to teach students the benefits of finding time to disconnect. Many lessons can still be engaging without the use of technology and it is both healthy and acceptable to complete activities that do not require a screen. I look forward to hearing if your thoughts evolve at all throughout this course.
Jonny
Dan,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your complete honesty while revealing your question for the blog. I believe that I can relate to how you felt when you discussed whether or not you are harnessing all technology has to offer in an effective way. When I started my long term position in grade 7/8, there was a 1:1 Chromebook to Student ratio. I quickly realized that all of the learning was being facilitated through Google Classroom. I had to confide in my vice principal to help me realize how I can utilize the technology in math. He showed me so many resources.
I feel like our blogs will compliment each other. My question reflected whether or not technology is helping or hurting students in the classroom. I will be exploring how it can potentially do both until I have more clarity on the topic. I look forward to reading your blog posts as you find strategies to implement innovative technology effectively.
Giulia
Hi Giulia,
DeleteChromebook carts have been a great addition to my classroom as well. I agree with you that there are pros and cons to technology. I definitely love a lot of the work we're able to do, particularly with regard to research in science and social studies. I do, however, hate that kids are on screen so much... I actually stopped allowing kids to use the laptops for (eg) freetime or special blocks, etc. We have a free Friday afternoon, and laptops are banned. Instead, students play card games and board games - so much better in terms of teaching thinking strategies and interacting with real humans!
Dan
Hi Dan!
ReplyDeleteI too, wrestle with technology in the classroom. I always push myself to embrace it, but I sometimes wonder at the money spent on some of these technologies and their resulting "improvements" in student learning.
I was one of the first teachers in my school to have a SmartBoard installed and remember how these devices were purported to be such game changers: incredibly interactive, students would want to come up to the board and use them, etc. In reality, it has become a very efficient projector with cool features on a day to day basis. And how much money was spent on these? And has anyone done any studies on how these changed the quality of student learning?
Still, I continue to believe that innovative use of technology in the classroom can help to transform learning, and strive to seek new professional PD to this end.
Looking forward to reading more about your quest.
Hi Melanie,
DeleteSorry, I just noticed this post (I've found it very hard to keep track of new comments posted to this blog - probably should have clicked the 'notify me' option! I actually thought I HAD replied to your comment already... grr... technology ;-)
I love my SMARTBoard... but I do kind of use it as a glorified projector! Still, I couldn't live without it. When my projector was down for a couple weeks I had to practice deep-breathing :-) That said, I think I do try to make its use effective. Hopefully the students feel the same way!
I also agree that ProD is important to help teachers challenge themselves and develop new tech skills. For the past 3 or 4 years the majority of ProD in our district and school has been Indigenous-focused. Of course that is a timely topic given the Kamloops discovery. However, many of my colleagues are discouraged that we are rarely given any resources from this ProD, so that are good intentions and motivation after these sessions dies out because of lack of resources and activities to do with the students! I wonder if we could combine Tech AND Indigenous ProD some way. Both these areas are necessary, but difficult to navigate, and challenging when you're just not sure what the next step for integrating content and skills is!
Thanks,
Dan
Hi Dan,
DeleteI really loved reading through your post. The question you posed really is interesting and is one that is left up for debate. I speak about the use of technology in the classroom with my blog as well. I also believe there are some very strong reasons why technology is a huge help and also why it is hurting our students with their writing skills.
Thanks so much,
Ashley