“Technology Literacy and the MySpace Generation”
By Susan McLester
I do not think I was ever against students using technology to enhance their learning. However, because I am a digital immigrant, I can be a little intimidated by some aspects of technology. After reading this article I can see the benefits of students becoming more involved with technology. The future of our country will be based on technology and how we can adapt to its constant changes. We need students who can be creative and innovative with technology. This can be obtained by students learning and being exposed to technology at the elementary level. We also need to develop students who can think globally and are aware of the existing cultures that surround us. With technology I feel students can gain a better understanding of the world and its cultures.
I did hesitate to enter the 21st century and all its wonderful technology. But that is only because I am a digital immigrant. I have never really been taught anything about computers and its technology. It can be very overwhelming for a novice like my self. I do not want my children feeling the way I feel with technology, and they do not. They have no problem sitting a computer and just exploring. I am completely for students learning all they can about technology because that will be the way of the world in their future.
Q1: What kinds of technology can a teacher incorporate even at the young Kindergarten level?
A1: Making use of a computer in the class with software that supports curriculum being taught within the classroom is one way an elementary teacher could use technology. An example would be math and reading program to enrich the teaching. I would also encourage research on topics that could be looked up on the internet. Even playing games on the computer is introducing technology with some students.
Q2: Is the computer going to replace the teacher?
A2: No! Students need the socialization of daily interaction with each other face to face. I do feel that the classroom environment will become more global because of computers. But there will always be a school for students to physically attend.
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4 comments:
Hi Karen, I can relate to your post. I am also an immigrant. I do not want to be left behind and am looking forward to learning all that I can to keep up with the middle school students I plan to teach. I am specially excited about being able to open a world of cultural exploration for my English Language Learners and and Foreign Language Learners (Spanish). I know that technology will assist me with making my lessons more interactive and interesting. However, I agree as you mention that technology should never replace the teacher. I was however, listening to the news the other day, and students are getting tutored by teachers in India because parents cannot afford the cost places such as Sylvan! This is a situation to ponder about. What is the future of technology going to bring to those educators who are assisting students one a personal level?
I really enjoyed your blog. Congrats!
Lorraine Geisterfer
Educ 422
I agree with Karen I think that it is very important for our students to be aware of what technology is out there. Now with the growth of technology people need to have a good understanding of technology do succeed in many fields. It is prevalant in our society for digital natives and immigrants to become knowledgable about the latest technologies.
I agree with your first question!! It is so important for children to start using the computer right when they start school. In addition to your comment, kids would love to play games on the computer that are geared toward their grade level. Teaching children the basic comp. skills at such a young age will definitly benefit them in the future
In regards to your second question, I can't help but admit that I sometimes wonder if the teacher may be replaced by the computer! Like Lorraine's comment above, I read about the outsourcing of tutors from India. The social skills children develop with each other in the classroom is one of the biggest debates in the homeschooling vs public/private school issue. But homeschooling advocates seem to have an answer for that too!
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