This article references the term "Electronic Revolution", explaining how technology in education is both significant and necessary. The problem associated with the use of online research, however, is that individuals may not necessarily "learn" or "further their understanding" but rather accumulate knowledge that is temporary. In reference to education and how our students are impacted by the Internet, is this random accumulation of information even benefiting these students? As we try to blend the old with the new, are we denying students the opportunity to hold onto classic/traditional teachings and subjects? As teachers, how do we mentally adjust our own conditioned views to meet the needs of students in the 21st century?
The portion of the article titled "Technology Meets Socratic Inquiry" does provide reassuring suggestions and ideas for implementing technology. The statement, "...they suggest that in the future we will incorporate a whole array of technological options into how, when, and where we learn. We will cease to think of technology as something that has its own identity, but rather as an extension of our minds...". I believe this is how technology will gradually become a natural and consistent part of education. In order for this to gradually become part of the education process, I think that students at the middle school and high school levels need to take courses that prepare them for using today's technology. Required courses would decrease the lack of knowledge some students possess due to socioeconomic status.
Although this article seems to promote an immediate need for technology integration, I do not feel this is a goal that administrators and superintendents find important or significant enough. It seems that everyone is still focusing on standardized testing and closing the achievement gap with little thought to "how" teachers can be more effective with instruction.
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In response to your question regarding the blending of old and new, I think it was this article that mentioned the fact that all these changes are sweeping up our students, but isn't basic knowledge fundamental? If the students don't have the fundamentals, how can they know what they are accessing and finding on the web is legitimate and effective?
ReplyDeleteFormative testing based on a core subject curriculum is what we are having to contend with in the public school setting. I believe that what we would like to do is different than what we are doing in reality. Technology almost has to become an "extension of our minds" in order to move forward with the times. It is my position that we are in a field where we are responsible for teaching our students this type of resourcefulness that will further them in their own successes.
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