(By Kelly W. Hines, Keeping Kids First)
I am sitting here at my laptop, occasionally watching my Skype and Tweetdeck notifications in case I miss something from a family member or colleague, and I’m going to honestly tell you that learning in the 21st century is not about the technology. Blasphemy! my tech-savvy friends are saying. Six months ago I might have agreed, but today I’m more than willing to stand by my words.
We are hearing more and more talk recently about what learning and teaching will look like in the 21st century. What do we need to bring us into the future? What will our children need to know and be able to do? The first thing to comes to everyone’s mind is technology. We need computers. We need ipods. We need wireless connectivity. We need 1:1 initiatives. We need blogs, wikis and podcasts. While I completely agree with the fact that these are innovative tools for teaching and learning, I do not agree that these are the first things we need to initiate change in our classrooms.
Before anything else, the educational community (including state and national organizations, teacher preparation programs, and local systems) must recognize the need to change an overall approach to teaching and learning. The tools mentioned earlier, like netbooks, 1:1 initiatives, and web 2.0 tools, will not be effective vehicles for instruction without an evolution in mindset. Here is a list of four things that every teacher must recognize in order to effectively and positively impact students in a new generation of learning.
1. Teachers must be learners. As teachers, most of us have completed a specialised teacher preparation program. We have passed a test of proficiency in basic educational theory and child psychology. We have demonstrated mastery of our own content areas. Think about the teachers in your building. The years that these teachers have exited these initial requirements span decades. If you put them all in one room, you will probably find that their experiences in these areas were very different. Yet, they are all teaching children today. Teachers today must be perpetual learners who are invested in their professions. We must be up to date on current trends, research and tools. We must know what our students are doing and where they are coming from when they enter our classrooms. This learning cannot just include mandated workshops and occasional required readings. Teachers who want to be truly succesful must be voracious and self-motivated in their pursuit of evoloving understanding.
2. Learning and Teaching are not the same thing. How many times have we heard a colleague say, “I don’t know why these kids don’t get it. I’ve taught it a hundred times.” I equate teaching and learning to a basic physics principle. If an object does not move, no matter how much force has been applied, no work has been done. Therefore, if a student has not learned, not matter how much effort has been exerted, no teaching has been done. Teaching in the 21st century is going to be about working smarter and not harder. It is not about adding to our proverbial plates. We must look at learning as the product of a successful day. Learning will not look the same to all students or all teachers, but it must be the goal.
3. Technology is useless without good teaching. We have countless technological tools at our disposable today. These tools range in cost from free to thousands and thousands of dollars. When we put innovative tools in the hands of innovative teachers, amazing things can happen. If you put these tools in the hands of teachers who are not willing to innovate, money has been wasted. There are arguments against spending the money on interactive whiteboards for classrooms. At approximately $5000 each, you would think these boards would facilitate better teaching. It is not about the board. It is about proper training and mindset of a teacher who is already willing and eager to do amazing things. The lack of comprehensive and curriculum-related professional development for teachers is why schools have thousands of computers that are being used as game systems and word processors.
4. Be a 21st Century Teacher without the technology. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has published a framework for learning in the 21st century. The core outcomes for students include:
1. Core Subjects and 21st Century Themes
2. Learning and Innovation Skills
* Creativity and Innovation
* Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
* Communication and Collaboration
3. Information, Media and Technology Skills
* Information Literacy
* Media Literacy
* ICT Literacy
4. Life and Career Skills
Upon careful consideration, these are outcomes that can be achieved with little technology (excluding of course some components of the Information, Media and Technology Skills). If a teacher can find ways to prepare students with the capacity to be creative and innovative, those children will be well prepared to face the future. Teachers who customize the learning experiences of their students to involve critical thinking and problem solving are doing their students a greater favor than those who misuse technology as a means of facilitating learning. Those teachers who know how to foster communication and collaboration within their classrooms and school buildings are equipping their students with the abilities to apply these core skills to more areas in their own lives.
Now imagine a classroom where the teacher has embraced these principles. The teacher is a learner. The teacher teaches with learning in mind. 21st century skills are highlighted through facilitative leadership. These foundational components of a quality classroom experience will ensure that students value experiential and focused learning. Now if you take this teacher and introduce them to the wonders that technology offers for students, the possibilities are endless. But, it really is not about the technology.
No related posts.
Hi Mrs. Hines!
My name is Alexa Howie and I’m a student in Dr. Strange’s EDM 310 class. I’m a Elementary Education major at the University of South Alabama. Dr. Strange asked that we read your post and then comment about it. I really enjoyed reading your post. I completely agree with you. In fact, I have been thinking about this and going on little rants about this to people for quite some time now. We can’t just throw technological tools into a classroom and say everything is going to work out. We need strong teachers that want to teach and learn. These types of teachers are going to be able to take the tools they are given and make the classroom experience amazing. Technology by itself won’t save the classroom, teachers will. You can find my more of my thoughts on my blog: http://HowieAlexaedm310.blogspot.com/
Hi, I am a student of Dr. Strange’s EDM 310 class. I really enjoyed your article. I will be commenting on this post in my own blog: http://georgekristieedm310.blogspot.com
Hey Mrs. Hines,
My name is AnnMerritt Taylor. I’m a Junior at the University of South Alabama, majoring in Secondary Education/ Language Arts. I’m in Dr. Strange’s EDM 310 class. I can’t tell you how many teachers I had in high school who completely let technology go to waste. I wish all of those teachers had been assigned to read your article! I’ll be commenting on your article on my class blog at .
*my class blog at
Mrs. Hines,
I am an EDM310 student at USA. I am posting the following as my response to your post on my blog post at emmettlisiannaedm310.blogspot.com Thanks for your thought-inspiring post.
Lisianna
I enjoyed Mrs. Hines post primarily for two reasons: one she points out that technology is a tool and not the answer, and two she rightly stated that teachers must lead by example when she said teachers must be learners. I know a lot of teachers I have met felt like once they had their diploma and landed their tenures then they were set. No need to pursue anything further. One teacher I worked with flat refused to do anything our directors requested even if it made things easier for us simply because she did not want to learn a new way of doing anything. Professional development was seen as “cruel and unusual punishment” by nearly everyone. Almost all of the teachers I worked with were computer illiterate, and did not mind staying that way despite the fact that our entire program was computer based. Granted, most of the teachers were 20+ year veterans working for beginning teacher’s salaries, so, there was not a lot of incentive.
John Smith, one of my podcast members, mentioned that with the increase of technology in the classrooms that perhaps competition for teaching jobs will increase. He also said this would hopefully lead to better teachers, teachers who are capable of learning new techniques, who are creative and innovative. I think this is a good thing. I am not saying it will be good loosing veteran teachers because their experience can be invaluable for new teachers like me. However, teachers who are unwilling or unable to change will be left behind and perhaps would hinder not help their students. This will not always be the case because some of the best teachers are “old school.” However, the veterans who are most valuable are the ones who know how to teach because they are learners, even if the learning does not involve much technology. Having teachers who are capable of inspiring creativity and innovation will be as important as the tech geeks. I read on the 2030 initiative’s site that the hope is teachers of the future will come from many paths and not straight from a teacher’s education program for this very reason. Ultimately, I think that will lead to the best schools. Technology is great when properly used by multiple people who see the world from different views.
I think the key concept is that teachers must be learners of the technology that is available to them and that they are able to impliment now. Some of us, myself included can complain about the lack of instruction,available technology etc. so we should just do the best we can do with what we have available to us as well as to share what we do in our classrooms with our fellow educators. I think that if my district would allow us to share with each other the technology we use in our building that would be a big step in the right direction. If each of us would be able to share just one use of technology that we use in our classroom with the other 150 teachers in our building we would have invaluable resource right in our building.
Hey Mrs. Hines
I agree with you on everything in this blog. I know how important it is to have guidelines and structures not only in life, but in your profession as well. The school system is going to be going through some major changes very soon, some changes are already taking place with the removal of chalk boards to dry eraser boards, to smart boards. My only concern is that in time technology would have become so advance kids would be able to stay home and have virtual teachers and loose out on the sociable aspect of being in the classroom. I am going to be a teacher that incorporates technology into hands on learning approaches. I will get to know my students, their interests, and find out how to better educate them so that they learn as much as possible and retain such information. Thank You, so much for the informative and persuasive blog.
Hi, Ms. Hines. I am in Dr. Strange’s EDM 310 class. I have commented on your article in my class blog at http://rawlsjtedm310.blogspot.com.
Hi, my name is Pamela Boykin and I’m a student of Dr. Strange in his EDM310 class. I agree with you that technology is useless without being taught how to use it and that all teachers need comprehensive and curriculum-related development. You may read my comments on my class blog, the URL is Boykin.PamelaEDM310@blogspot.com
Keeping us in check! Thanks for your thoughts! My name in Miles Bubbett and I’m a student of Dr. Strange in EDM 310. I’ll post some more thoughts on my blog at http://bubbettmilesedm310.blogspot.com/
Thanks!
Mrs. Hines,
My name is Deana Nunn. I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Dr. Strange’s EDM 310 class. In reading your post, I find this quite interesting! I currently work as a Special Ed. Paraprofessional at a local elementary school here. I see firsthand teachers that are afraid of technology. We recently had SMART boards brought into our classrooms. I would say that 7 out of 10 of these are being used as projectors. They have been given one of the most innovative pieces of technology, yet they are not willing to use it to its fullest potential. It’s as if they are scared of change and technology itself. This frustrates me to say the least.
I absolutely agree with you when you say that having the right tools will not ensure success in the classroom. The teachers must be willing to learn themselves for the act of teaching to really take place. For example, if you give a baseball player a bat as he steps up to the plate and he never swings, then he obviously will never hit the ball. This is the same with the teachers not willing to use the technology that is presented to them.
In essence, it is not always about the technology, but with the combination of a teachable teacher and technology, our students will be best-served with top-notch education.
Deana Nunn
My Blog
Mrs. Hines,
My name is Deana Nunn. I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Dr. Strange’s EDM 310 class. In reading your post, I find this quite interesting! I currently work as a Special Ed. Paraprofessional at a local elementary school here. I see firsthand teachers that are afraid of technology. We recently had SMART boards brought into our classrooms. I would say that 7 out of 10 of these are being used as projectors. They have been given one of the most innovative pieces of technology, yet they are not willing to use it to its fullest potential. It’s as if they are scared of change and technology itself. This frustrates me to say the least.
I absolutely agree with you when you say that having the right tools will not ensure success in the classroom. The teachers must be willing to learn themselves for the act of teaching to really take place. For example, if you give a baseball player a bat as he steps up to the plate and he never swings, then he obviously will never hit the ball. This is the same with the teachers not willing to use the technology that is presented to them.
In essence, it is not always about the technology, but with the combination of a teachable teacher and technology, our students will be best-served with top-notch education.
Deana Nunn
My Blog
Mrs. Hines,
My name is Deana Nunn. I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Dr. Strange’s EDM 310 class. In reading your post, I find this quite interesting! I currently work as a Special Ed. Paraprofessional at a local elementary school here. I see firsthand teachers that are afraid of technology. We recently had SMART boards brought into our classrooms. I would say that 7 out of 10 of these are being used as projectors. They have been given one of the most innovative pieces of technology, yet they are not willing to use it to its fullest potential. It’s as if they are scared of change and technology itself. This frustrates me to say the least.
I absolutely agree with you when you say that having the right tools will not ensure success in the classroom. The teachers must be willing to learn themselves for the act of teaching to really take place. For example, if you give a baseball player a bat as he steps up to the plate and he never swings, then he obviously will never hit the ball. This is the same with the teachers not willing to use the technology that is presented to them.
In essence, it is not always about the technology, but with the combination of a teachable teacher and technology, our students will be best-served with top-notch education.
Deana Nunn
My Blog
Hi Kelly Hines,
I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Dr. Strange’s EDM310 class. I enjoyed your comments on how technology is not everything and just because it is present in the classroom does not mean it is going to fix certain teaching problems. Teachers have to want to keep learning and want to use technology. Thank you for your insight!
Sarah Nelson
Hi Kelly Hines,
I find your comments on the technology in the classroom very truthful. Technology will not improve anything unless the teacher is willing to be the learner. Teachers seem to be afraid of anything that is not a white/chalk board.
I think that if all teachers worked together to show the skills to each other, like the SMART board for example, they could learn ways to improve their teaching.Also, if they would let the children use it too! The children could probably be a better teacher on how to use it than anyone.
Hey Mrs. Hines!!!
I really enjoyed your post. I am a student in Dr. Strange’s EDM 310 class. I really think that technology can be extremely helpful to students if it is utilized in the correct manner. If it is to be used correct then the teacher must want to learn and understand how to use the technology. If it isn’t used the way it is supposed to be it could be detrimental to a child’s future. I hope to use the information in your post to help myself in my teaching career. Thanks!!!
Christy Hayes
This is a great article and I think it supports what our district is promoting and focusing on currently. I think some teachers believe that 21st century skills are only about the technology and I like that this article reinforces the notion that technology is only part of it. I agree, teachers need to continue to be life long learners. Teachers need to continue to keep up with current trends. Teachers need to be facilitators and help students become critical thinkers and problem solvers. This is what employers want to see from college graduates. Teachers also need to realize that this does not mean adding to students already full plates, but infusing this type of teaching/learning into what we already do. We need to help children work “smarter, not harder”, which I think is insightful and so true. It will be interesting to see how long it takes the State of Ohio, or our country to realize that the standardized tests they feel are so important do not reflect these 21st Century Skills we as teachers feel are what our students need in order to become successful citizens.
Hi Mrs. Hines. I am a student at the University of South Alabama and am currently enrolled in Dr. Strange’s EDM310 course. He assigned us to read your blogpost and comment on it. I really enjoyed your post. I agree with your opinion that it isn’t all about the technology. I feel technology is important and can have great possibilities in the classroom, but only if it is used correctly. The teacher must first be willing to learn the correct way before trying to teach their students.
I am a student in Mr. Strange’s EDM310 class from South Alabama. I am majoring in Elementary Education. I agree with your points on your post and wrote about it in my blog http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=8400318436727896872
Hey Kelly Hines!
My name is Devon Weaver and I am currently enrolled in EDM 310 at the University of South Alabama. Dr. Strange has requested use to read you blog post and I quite enjoyed it. I could not agree with you more that it’s not just about the technology. I believe that technology is a wonderful tool when it is used right. Teachers should learn to use technology in a way to help themselves and the students. However, technology should not replace teaching. Thank you so much for the wonderful blog post. I will be writing about it on my blog which is weaverdevonedm310.blogspot.com .
Hello Kelly Hines!
I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Dr. Strange’s EDM310 class. I also believe that it is not the technology that is going to help prepare our children for the future. Thank you so much for the insight on steps that I will use in my teaching career.I will be writing about this in my blog @ http://www.reneethompsonedm310.blogspot.com.
Mrs. Hines,
I also am a student of Dr. Strange’s edm 310 class and am studying to be an elementary teacher. I agree with you that when teaching students in this day and age is important to have a healthy blend of teaching “by the books” and using some of the latest technology. Young children are so great at picking up things quickly and I feel like if we teach them how to use some of these new technologies at a young age they will grow up with a better understanding of how it works, how to use it, and how to make it better.
I can remember most of my classrooms in K-12 not even having a computer for the students to work on. I am learning more about computers in this semester with Dr. Strange then I ever have in any class I have ever taken. Students need to know that they have resources such as computers and ipods for them to use to enhance their education and teachers need to learn how to teach them to use this technology. Teachers should be familiar with many different methods because children learn with different methods. If a teacher has a strong background in both traditional methods and knowledge of the newest technologies then they will have everything a child will need to succeed in learning.
Thank you for your post and I hope to read more in the future.
Thank you,
Jessica Walker
-You can also read this post on my blog
http://walkerjessyedm310.blogspot.com/#
Ms. Hines,
My name is Kacie and I am a junior at The University of South Alabama studying Elementary Education. After reading this article I could not agree more with you. Just because kids are growing up in a world that is revolved around technology, does not mean we have to base teaching from computers but it does help. Your statement about teachers have to be learners also is so true. I am in EDM 310 with Dr. Strange and he has said that same thing every class, but it is true. We live in a world where technology is changing everyday, therefore, teachers have to learn how to use it to find the best way to teach their students.
I also agree that “technology is useless without good teaching”. Taking this EDM class is a computer based class and I am learning so much more. Having a class this hands on and not just listening to a teacher lecture is making me learn and not memorize the information. Having computers and smartboards in the classroom reaches out to all children. Every child learns in different ways and teachers using the technology for good is going to help the children succeed.
I have really enjoyed reading this post.
Kacie
Hi Ms. Hines,
I am a student at the University of South Alabama and I am taking EDM310. This class is all about technology getting educators used to using the computer. I really enjoyed reading your blog post about technology. As a future educator, technology will be apart of my classroom. Technology changes everyday.
I agree with you when you say “Teaching and Learning is not the same thing”. Just because we teach our students how to use the computer does not mean they are learning. We have to make sure the students understand the basic information before we move on to something else.
Ms.Hines,
My name is Meredith and I’m in EDM310 at the University of South Alabama. I was worried, at first, when I read the title of this post. I thought you might lead into a rant about schools moving too quickly in the tech-savvy generation. I’ve read several blogs on the topic and I don’t agree. It’s refreshing to hear your views on this subject. I recently went to observe at the Elementary school that I attended when I was little and I was fortunate enough to be able to observe my former 4th grade teacher. Surprisingly, with all of the new technology that has entered the school since I’ve been there, she still teaches the EXACT same way that she did when I was her student. The only thing that was different about the classroom was the $5,000 smart board mounted on the back wall. She openly admitted to me that she never used it because it was too complicated. This is a prime example of a teacher who does not learn with the changing times. When I become a teacher, I want to strive to be the opposite of her. I WANT to learn and change as the years go by. I hope that the other upcoming teachers feel the same. If you would like to reach me, my blog site is http://andersonmeredithedm310.blogspot.com.
Sincerely,
Meredith
Hello Ms. Hines,
My name is Erwin Coleman. I am a student in Dr. Strange’s EDM 310 class majoring in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Science. He wanted us to read your post and comment on it for his class. I absolutely love this post because you are aware we need to be technology savvy in the classroom, but the teachers have to be willing and it is more than just about technology.
My favorite section of your post is the “Teachers must be Learners”. A lot of teachers forget they are in the classroom to learn also. Not just the subject but the students in their classroom. When a teacher can learn their students they can be better equipped to teach the students. Also, I agree with you about technology is useless without good teaching. A teacher can demonstrate all day how to use a certain software but if the student is not engaged in the subject matter then why waste a computer or Smart Board. You can read my blog at Erwin Coleman’s Blog. Thank You!
Hi Ms. Hines!
My name is Courtney Holifield. I’m a junior and elementary education major at the University of South Alabama. I’m currently enrolled in EDM 310. I definitely agree that the technology advance over the next few years will definitely be incredibly useful! It’s great that technology is advancing so much and in a multitude of ways. I can honestly say that I’ve had many teachers in high school who were given smart boards for their classroom that never used them once. It’s very disappointing that some teachers won’t take advantage of the new learning strategies through technology. I guess it’s better for a teacher to not even use the technology at all rather than use it incorrectly. I think it is important for teachers to be taught properly how to use things such as a smart board rather wasting money. I also agree that teachers must also be learners. Teachers need to make sure students learn the material rather than just having been taught the information. Student will struggle in school if they aren’t learning new material. I enjoyed reading your article! I will be posting a link to my blog where you can read my summary to your article. Thanks!
My Blog
Mrs. Hines,
I am a elementary education student of EDM310 at the University of South Alabama. I really enjoyed this blog post because it is so very true! Technology is not going to teach children alone, it takes a teacher that is creative and innovative enough, and also has the drive to better these children to make it work. I cannot begin to tell you how many classes I have had where there was a whiteboard right behind them, and it was never touched. I think this is a sad situation! It is exactly what you said, money wasted. Please come to my blog for my full thought on this subject!
Hello Mrs. Hines
My name is Ashley Cohen. I am a student at the University of South Alabama currently enrolled in EDM310. I will be commenting on this post on my blog. I loved the post. Very interesting!
Hi Kelly,
I am a student in Dr.Strange EDM310 class I will be commenting on your article on my blog gilescassandraedm310@blogspot.com
Hey Mrs. Hines, my name is Faun and I am in EDM310 at USA. I really enjoyed your article. I think there is definitely an attitude in the educational system that equates technology to learning. I absolutely think that once you become a teacher, the learning really starts. Teachers should always be learners first. If that goal is the focus for the teacher and student I do not think you can go wrong.
Mrs. Hines,
My name is Adrienne Babb and I am a student of Dr. Strange at the University of South Alabama. I really enjoyed reading this post because I have shared some of these same thoughts about the education system with friends of mine. I have been taught by teachers that held the same beliefs that you shared in your post. Those teachers did not care if eighty percent of their class was failing because they believed it was the student’s responsibility to understand the lesson, not the teacher’s. Educators have to be learners, constantly trying to develop new ways to teach and reach their students.
Mrs. Hines,
In my last post I forgot to leave a link for my blog, in which I will be posting more comments about this post.
Blog
Hey Mrs Hines!
I am a student in Dr Strange’s EDM310 class at South Alabama, and I am a Secondary Math major. I fully agree that teachers need to be willing to be innovative and creative with their teaching strategies. Otherwise, how can we ever expect them to learn to develop these characteristics? I am also inclined to agree that teachers who are innovative can benefit greatly from technology being introduced, and I think that all teachers should strive to be great. However, we all know that there are many teachers out there that have lost their inspiration, and they simply teach to get a paycheck (small as it may be). I think that although these teachers do not care, maybe they too could benefit from technology because it could possibly help children to be creative on their own since they are not getting any supplement from the teacher. So, I feel like some level of technology should be present nonetheless.
My name is Audrey Carrio, I am a senior at the University of South Alabama majoring in secondary-science education. I am also in Dr. Strange’s EDM 310 class.
I really enjoyed your post. I have to admit that I am not a “tech savvy” person at all. I completely understand the need for technology in our classrooms and schools however. Your post was really inspiring; I absolutely do not want to be that teacher that puts the technology in her classroom to waste! I had teachers like that throughout school, which might have something to do with my lack of skills, but I refuse to be one of those teachers. “The lack of comprehensive and curriculum-related professional development for teachers is why schools have thousands of computers that are being used as game systems and word processors.” Our school system cannot only put the technology into the classroom they need to educate the teachers on how to use it. Our children cannot benefit from a smart board if the teacher is unable to use it effectively.
Your statement, “technology will not be effective vehicles for instruction without an evolution in mindset.” Really hits home for me. I need to change my mindset, and open my mind to new ideas and expand my grasp on technology. I like your ideas that teachers need to be perpetual learners too, just because we are older than the children doesn’t mean that they can’t teach us anything. “Teaching in the 21st century is going to be about working smarter and not harder.” Teachers need to get to know their students and figure out the best way to educate them, not every student will learn in the same way but we need to adjust to ensure they learn everything they can. I wish previous teachers of mine would have read this article while I was still in high school, students in my graduating class would have benefited tremendously if they had.
Hello Mrs. Hines,
I wrote about your post on my blog and this is what it says…
It’s Not about the Technology made me think of my high school, EHS. On March 1, 2007, parts of my hometown were completely destroyed by an EF4 tornado. My high school was also destroyed and eight students lost their lives. However, in just a few weeks school resumed for the high school students in various locations of our mangled town. For three years following that horrific day, the high school students went to the junior college, an elementary school, the service station, trailers, and to the practice fields of our non existent high school building. We didn’t have the resources to have smart boards, new computers, nice and new projectors, and many other up to date technologies. But we did have pencils, paper, and amazing teachers that pulled through a terrifying and scaring experience to give the BEST education anyone could ever want or ask for.
Mrs. Hines’ blog is absolutely true; I know because I have lived it. Would my high school experience had been better if all the latest technologies of that time had been available? I believe my education would have benefited if that had been the case. However, I would not trade a classroom full of technology for my amazing high school experience. My teachers taught me more than math or french. They taught me to learn for myself, to strive for the best, and to never forget where I come from. Can you teach that on a smartboard?
If teachers and schools have the resources to provide technology then do it. However, make sure the quality of teaching does not decline as the value of technology increases. Practice what you teach, teachers! If you want your students to learn, do a little learning for yourselves!
Thank you for your post. It made me remember the value I place on my educational journey as well as part of the reason why I want to become a teacher.
Sincerely,
Mary
http://bishopmaryedm310.blogspot.com/
Hello! My name is Kristen Phelps and I am an Elementary Education major at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. I am currently in Dr. Stranges’s EDM 310 and part of our assignment this week was to read and comment on your post.
I enjoyed your post for many reasons, one of them being your comment that “Teachers must be learners”. This is so true and I truly believe that not all teachers see it this way. I have been in so many classrooms that the information being used to teach seems like it is years old! I actually had on teacher tell the class I taking, that the handout “goes along” with the old book but it’ll be fine. I was astounded! Isn’t our job as a teacher to teach our students the most current and up to date information we can? I think so.
Another part of your post that I found interesting was when you said, “if a student has not learned, no matter how much effort has been exerted, no teaching has been done.” Very well said! I couldn’t agree with you more. Our job as teachers is to figure out how we can relate to ALL of our students, not just the majority. And with all of the technology that is available to us, I feel that we should be able to relate to all of our students and help them learn whatever way is best for them. Like you said, we can do this by learning ourselves and using the technology that is becoming available to us so rapidly, to better the learning environment for all students.
Hi Mrs Hines,
I am Jeffrey Dorsey a student in Dr. Strange’s EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. I feel that technology is good to an extent also. It helps those who are more of the smarter types but what about the ones who are hands on? I feel that teachers should come up with a way to benefit both not just the ones who are good with technology because it’s not good for everyone. My blog is named Jeffrey Dorsey blog. I will be following.
Ms. Hines,
I am also a student of Dr. Strange’s EDM 310 class at USA. I am and Elementary Education major and hope to start teaching kindergarten within 3 years. I enjoyed your post in it’s entirety but really love the part “Teachers Must Be Learners.” I completely agree that teachers in today’s classrooms are baffled by students not getting what they are “teaching” and that they should learn more ways to get through to the students.
I also agree that it’s not about the technology and that teachers need to find ways to connect with their students in the class room that will help them be more effective teachers and the students more effective learners.
I forgot to leave a link to my blog in the last comment : http://stovalljeniedm310.blogspot.com/
Hi Mrs. Hines!
My name is Lindsey Harville and I am a student in edm310 here at the University of South Alabama. Your post on technology is fantastic! The points you have mentioned have really made me think about technology and the impact it has on people. Some people are taking full advantage of what technology has to offer, while others are just not getting involved at all. In my opinion, in order to succeed in the teaching field, being technologically literate is a must.
I loved your point, “Teachers must be learners.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. They have to be willing to learn, just as the students have to. It seems as if every week some new tech gadget is being put out on the market. As teachers, it is beneficial to be up to date on these new advances. Who knows, this new invention could be the one thing that helps the students comprehend even more.
I also agree with you on the fact that “technology is usless without good teaching”. If the newest, most expensive smartboard is just sitting in the classroom, not being utilized, what good is it? It is the teacher’s responsibility to learn about it and share his/her knowledge with the students. These gadgets are only out there to help the school system. Teachers have to put the effort into tehnology to get something out of it. Technology helps classrooms all around the world!
Hi Mrs. Hines! I am a Junior In Dr. Strange’s EDM310 class at the University of South Alabama. I definitely agree with your blog post. What is the purpose of technology in the classrooms if the teachers do not even know how to use it? I have had a class with smart boards and other newer technologies that the teacher has never touched. I think that the teachers should be well educated about technology before they share it with the student.
Also, I agree that teachers should be willing to learn. Staying up to date on new technology is a great way to stay in touch with the students. It is very important that the teacher can connect an relate to the class.
Good evening, Mrs. Hines!
To point out what my other classmates have said, I am also a student in Dr. Strange’s EDM 310 class at the University of South Alabama. I am a junior and while I am used to the technology and ease of having my laptop when I need it, I am definitely seeing it in a different light since reading this post. I could not agree more with what you are saying! Especially after just a few short weeks in this class. We can heap thousands of dollars worth of technology onto teachers, but if they are not equipped to utilize it to the fullest extent, then the money really is wasted. I think this also falls back on the school systems themselves. Not only do teachers need to be willing, but school systems need to be ready to give their teachers this knowledge so they may teach and do so effectively.
The rest of what I have to say will be on my personal blog.
Hello Mrs. Hines,
My name is Charlie Argo and I am a student in Edm 310 here at the University of South Alabama. My major is Secondary Education, specializing in social science. Your blog was very interesting. I agree we need to implement technology into the classrooms. When I was in high school, we had the latest technologies, but the teachers never understood how to use it so it went to waste. I feel we should reeducate every teacher and help them become more technologically literate. I also agree with you that being a teacher, I should never stop being a learner also. My blog is http://argocharlesedm310.blogspot.com/.
Thank you,
Charlie Argo
Hello Ms. Hines!
My name is Morgan Clark. I’m currently a junior at the University of South Alabama majoring in Elementary Education. I’m currently enrolled in Dr. Strange’s Edm 310 class. I enjoyed reading this post. You made very valid points in learning and technology. You are absolutely right about technology and the importance of it in the classroom, but also knowing how to use it correctly. Teachers should want to be more educated in technology with all the advancements it’s made over the years. I agree that the new tools and technology is pointless in the classrooms if not used at all or correctly, nor the teacher being educated. To be educated in technology is so important in today’s society. Our world is becoming so advanced in new tools, ideas, and ways of learning the teacher should keeping up. I didn’t realize how much our schools and society depend on technology. This is why I’m so glad to be taking the EDM 310 class, so I can become more aware and involved with technology.
My favorite section in your post was the section on learning and teaching are not the same thing. The post spoke on teachers complaining about the student not understanding. Instead of complaining on the matter of how or why the child did not understand they should help solve the issue. I love the fact that you said we must look at learning as the product of a successful day. All educators should want at the end of the day is for learning to be the main goal no matter how you look at it. Your post had many interesting points. Everyone should take what you have stated and use it in the future! I know as years go on I definitely want to learn new changes, things, materials on technology as I can. I know in the future I want to learn about technology as possible in order to help better myself and students. I enjoyed reading your post as I said before. If you would like to view my blog I’m leaving you the link!
http://www.clarkmorganedm310.blogspot.com
Thanks, Morgan Clark
Hi Mrs. Hines,
I am an edm310 student in Dr. Strange’s class. Before reading this post I had mixed feelings about the importance of technology in a classroom. It is obvious that there are benefits that come along with technology. I was not sure whether or not the benefits were great enough to fix the flaws in our school systems. After reading this I realize that technology can only do so much, it is up to our teachers to use the technology in a manner to help improve students learning. Teachers have to be technologically literate. As you pointed out teachers must be willing to learn to be able to stay current.
The point you made, that learning and teaching are not the same, is something I believe many people struggle with understanding. One of the most interesting parts of this post is the area where you discussed how you can push an object numerous times and if it does not move then no work has been done. You said this is the same as if a student has not learned after effort has been made to teach them. This means no learning has been done. This is true and maybe the way of teaching needs to be altered so that the student can learn the material, therefore, our teachers must be learners to find new ways to teach the material.
Whitney Watson
watsonwhitneyedm310.blogspot.com
Mrs. Hines,
My name is Alyssa Jackson and I attend University of South Alabama. I am in Dr. Strange’s EDM310 class. I really enjoyed the article on “It’s Not About the Technology.” I agree with you 100 percent, because I do not think it is all about the technology. I like what you said about how it is not useful to use technology in the classroom if the teacher is not fond of the technology. I also agree with you when you say that learning and teaching are no the same thing. I had a lot of teachers say I went over this problem ten times and you still don’t know how to do it. Well it was because I did not learn anything.
Since I want to become a high school teacher, I am really going to keep what you said in mind. I want my students to be open minded and creative. I want to be the teacher that motivated my students and really get them to learn something new. I want to thank you for writing this article and I will be posting a comment on my blogger at http://jacksonalyssaedm310.blogspot.com
Hello Mrs. Hines,
It eases my mind to know that an advocate for technology in the class room has a genuine heart to teach. I have witnessed teachers who were more than willing to learn and utilize contemporary technology in their classroom. However, these teachers used it as a crutch and became more like drones and allowed the technology placed in their classrooms to “replace” them. Teachers still need to be able to connect with students on a personal level and find innovative ways to use new and upcoming technology to assist in a student’s learning process.
Hi Ms. Hines.
I am currently taking EDM310 where I was directed to read your article. I loved everything you had to say. I believe technology has little to do with learning; it is all about the teachers learning and willing to teach it. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Ms. Hines,
My name is Brooke Thompson and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. I am currently taking EDM310 with Dr. Strange and he asked us to read your article “It’s Not About the Technology” and then write a blog post about it.
I absolutely loved this article! I agree with it completely, the teachers must be willing to not only incorporate the newer technology into their classrooms, but to also use it in a way that it will help the students to learn. They cannot just use it as a crutch where they can just act like drones, as one of your commenters has already said. Technology is an amazing thing and if you know how to use it correctly it can and will do amazing things!
Thanks,
Brooke