The article on Time/cnn.com entitled How to Bring Schools out of the 20th Century was very enlightening. It talked about how many schools still have students in rows in their classroom and have textbooks for learning.
Claudia Wells and Sonja Surprise the authors of this article state that even though the technology is there, many schools use it only in computer labs and libraries. A quote from Marc Tucker, the president of the National Center on Education says schools need to think "outside the box" because jobs in the new economy rely on put an emphasis on premium and innovative skills that start in the classroom.
Teachers should not be afraid of being outsourced or eliminated in their position, but use technology as a tool for better teaching. For example, using the Wilkipedia model to help create online courses in the classroom or as a guide gives students the opportunity to build on computer skills and make learning about facts more interesting than listening to lectures or reading from a book. Scott McNealy, whose company has led the way for this process learned this from personal experience when looking for a model about electricity that his son could understand. At suburban Farmington High the engineering technology department teachers work with a Ford Motor Co. engineer to help students in teams learn electronical engineering skills. The students use calculus and physics to learns skilly in the real world and solve problems. Students get a chance to prepare for the real world.
In conclusion I feel this article states that moving forward into the 21st century of teaching gives students a chance to be better prepared for the future. Something as educators like myself want for a student.
Anne P
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3 comments:
Anne,
Thatwas a very interesting artcle you read. I agree how we need to be ready to move into the 21st century. We may not be replaced by computers but lack of knowledge will definately hurt our career options.
Rennee
I do agree that sometimes schools do not use technology to the extent that they really could, but I also have some reservations about the way they do use it. In my daughters' schools, computer time is limited. They are constantly having to use the computer, especially the Internet at home. There friends are also at my house using these technology tools. I think that it is irresponsible and unfair for teachers and schools to assume that all children have access to computers, Internet, and specific software programs. There are many people in my community that are at or near poverty level. Their children quickly get behind when they are expected to use technology at home that they do not have. Maybe if there was less lecturing in the classroom and more computer time, there would be no need to have these children being left behind.
I agree with Stacey as well. I think implementing technology is wonderful and that it can open up a world that will help all students gain so much information. When it comes to home time, computers seem to be a necessity. Some teachers tell the students that points will be taken off if it is not typed (this is 7th grade). My kids constantly have to go on-line for some project or to look something up for a class. Not to mention I also have to be on-line seemingly forever. My sister has had to buy a computer and now get internet service so that her children can meet the requirements that the school is placing on them. Try to fit one more thing into your budget??!! As parents we do everything we can to make our childrrens lives easier, but sometimes we are having to be pushed in directions we don't always think we should have to go.
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