Thursday, January 17, 2013

Creating Networks

For those of you that may not be familiar with my blog, I like to float around in the middle somewhere, between those that think technology is overrated and has no place in the classroom, and those that think computers and the Internet is the answer to everything. I am a lover of modern technology, but I also believe there are other things we can do in the classroom that are still worthwhile. My observation is that many of today's educational leaders are pushing a computerized agenda down our throats. My instincts tell me we need to remember that technology comes in many forms; that not every old idea is a bad idea; and that personal relationships are still the best kind of relationships.

What I often worry about is the desire to get students "plugged in" while they are at school. Sounds pretty cool, until one considers that that's pretty much what they're doing all the time when they're not at school. Sometimes I think school can provide an escape from the fast-paced, short-attention-span world that children grow up in. At least for some parts of the day, for goodness sake! Some students need that break, whether they know it or not.

But this doesn't excuse the school district that thinks modern technology is just some "fad," or not worth the money it would take to effect that kind of change. We must channel every dollar we have toward providing our students with modern, real-world tools. By this I don't necessarily mean computers, nor any specific device. I have heard about districts buying iPads for their students. Although I can see some value in that, I wonder what will happen next year when the iPads you just bought are already obsolete. Just because something is popular or cool doesn't mean it's the right investment. I once heard someone much wiser than me say: "Date the device. Marry the skill."

Three things about the beginning of our PLN book that I thought were particularly interesting (I am enjoying the book very much so far): Being a former newspaper reporter/editor, I could really relate to the authors' narrative about how newspapers failed to revolutionize their product when they had the chance (p. 4). Instead, they tried to tweak it, believing their business model was still sound. Many students today probably don't even know of a time when newspapers were relevant. As is obvious today, newspapers failed to fully adapt; and their demise is legendary -- and nearly complete. I got out just in time; although I still miss it. More than accurate, the example parallels how many school districts see their "business model." The Blockbuster example (p. 6) was also insightful and relevant. I wonder when school districts will finally see the writing on the wall.

The authors make two statements that are related, in my opinion, and very useful, later in the introduction (p. 7). They say that many teachers, especially younger ones, are probably pretty good at using the Internet and social networks, but they don't necessarily understand how meaningful these types of networks can be for his/her classroom. Just a couple paragraphs later, the authors state that students are already embracing the "building blocks" of the most incredible learning tool ever invented, but they don't realize it. These are two things educators should focus on: helping teachers understand the tools that are available; and showing students how their favorite social tools can dynamically change the way they learn and understand their world.

I was beginning to get a little worried about the authors' focus only on adding technology and enlarging the students' role in the learning process. It's a worthwhile idea, but where do the teachers fit in? Should we just fire them? They just get in the way anyway, right? Fortunately, the authors make their feelings clear in a positive way, on p. 19, saying "if you think we're sketching a vision of students sitting in front of computers working through self-paced curricula and interacting with a teacher only on occasion, you're way, way off." The authors add they simply see the potential for "meaningful, experiential, constructivist learning" to occur in online interactions, just as there can be in face-to-face meetings. "It's the melding of the two that will shape our schools in the 21st Century."

Yes. Thank you. That's exactly the balanced attitude that I believe in.



11 comments:

  1. I am always intrigued by what's to come in your blog! "Balanced" is the key to everything, isn't it? As it has been said so well throughout the MET program, it's always key to shape our social understanding of technology to an educational aspect so we can use all of it to it's potential no matter our setting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely. It's the educators' job to learn about everything so we can choose what's best for our students.

      Delete
  2. I'm there in the middle with you about technology. It is a great tool but not the only way to learn. We need to be sure we are teaching our students to think and to use the technology available to enhance their learning. Since our school is requiring all students to have iPads next year, I have some concern about how quickly they may become old, hopefully we will all learn to grow with the technology.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I act like I know what I'm talking about, but I don't really know what it costs to get iPads for everyone. Maybe they lease them or something, I don't know. I know I wish I had an iPad; they are extremely cool to play with. It's just that the technology moves so fast, I'm not sure it's the right investment. Our school needs wireless in every classroom, but they look at me like I'm crazy when I suggest that. After all, I'm just a sub.

      Delete
  3. I'm glad to hear you are enjoying the book. I think it's very interesting! Nice reflection!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I agree that we need to teach the teachers how to use the tools they have. Too often districts give teachers technology tools without proper training. Just the other day I had a friend tell me that he has a Smartboard but he uses it as a screen because he doesn't see the benefit of it. I didn't even know what to say to him! I still use my white board and the kids sometimes use whiteboards for quick checks, but he is missing out on some great teaching resources!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just got my Smart Board and am loving it! The kids are much more engaged and love coming up to the board to do interactive lessons! That person is definitely missing out, as well as their students, for a different way to learn.

      Delete
  5. Rob, I enjoyed reading your blog tonight. I understand your feelings about technology and agree. Students need that differentiation piece to learn. Not all students learn the same way. Yes, technology is growing fast and you can differentiate through the use of technology, but some students may prefer to be taught with paper and pencil and other methods. I was going to blog about the newspaper quote as well. I thought that was very amusing, and believe as well, that some students probably don't even know about the newspaper or how we use to get it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I think everyone is right there in the middle with you! The quote you used 'date the device marry the skill' is very applicable to what we've been reading. All the tools we will learn during our MET courses will be irrelevant in just a few years, it's the skills we learn about how to use all tech tools and apply them and synthesize them in meaningful ways that's going to stay with us and help us as educators, which in turn allows us to give our students those skills to use whatever tool they want as long as it is applicable.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I agree that the classroom needs to be balanced, using technology as a supplement is great, but can't be the only way of teaching. There are days that the technology just won't work, and you need to be able to teach without the technology.

    ReplyDelete