The potential of technology…it’s a mind-spinning concept, especially when you apply that potential to the world of education. My experience with technology has definitely put me in league with Charles M. Reigeluth, although; I do not totally agree with his current assessment of the way schools are “sorting students”. Using technology in a school setting could change the face of education as we know it. There are several problems that could be solved with the equipment, know how, and resources available right now. Moreover, as technology advances, the future holds even more exciting opportunities.
As a teacher I have first hand knowledge of the problems with the educational process. I, too, have been frustrated to the point of tears about the way the current system does not, or should I say, cannot help students with special needs. The requirements some of these students have to meet to get “special services” are daunting. The time it takes and the way students are assessed would be laughable if it weren’t so sad. The potential for technology here is fantastic. Neil Postman in “Of Luddites, Learning, and Life” states that “(Technologies) have nothing whatever to do with the fundamental problems we have to solve in schooling our young.” I have to respectfully disagree. The main “problem” is getting students to retain information and be able to use that information in other ways. If the equipment, programs, and training were available, students with special needs could learn at a pace that would be beneficial to them and in ways that would increase retention and synthesis of that information, without the need for qualifying for “special services”. Having an individualized learning program using different technologies would do wonders for these students. Reigeluth supports this in his article “Beyond Technology Integration: The Case for Technology Transformation” when he writes, “An alternative assessment paradigm would be to have an inventory of attainments, each which reflects certain standards, and check off each attainment…(this) characterizes the learning-focused paradigm.” As you can see the potential for technology to solve problems with low learners is immeasurable.
Using different kinds of technology brings high interest to bored and frustrated students. There are several reasons for students to become bored and/or frustrated at school. One of these reasons is that the learner has already mastered the information being presented and now must sit through the lessons anyway. He/she must wait for the other students to catch up. Reigeluth states in his article “Beyond Technology Integration: The Case for Technology Transformation” that students “learn different things at different rates in different ways utilizing authentic tasks…can only be made manageable and affordable with technology.” Using technology-based programs like NOVA net—a computer class that lets students work at their own pace—could be a real advantage. Now students can advance as fast as their potential and work ethic will let them. No more waiting for Johnny to get it so the class can move on. Another reason for boredom and frustration is that a student is not being taught information in a way that he/she can easily comprehend. Let’s face it. There are many different learning styles—audio, visual, or kinetic. It is difficult for teachers to teach every lesson in every learning style. Some students get frustrated with failure when they have trouble processing the information. It is not a lack of effort, but a lack of time and resources. Technology could potentially help teachers teach the required information in many different learning styles at the same time. This would expedite the learning process, alleviate student (and teacher) frustration, and give students more opportunities for success. Using Computers and other technological devices could let each student learn the same lesson in a way that is most advantageous to him/her. The more successes s/he has, the harder s/he works to achieve his/her goals. It really is a win/win situation. Neil Postman in “Of Luddites, Learning, and Life” believes that “New technologies do not, by and large, increase people’s options but do just the opposite.” I believe that if he spent more time in the schools seeing how technology is helping students at all levels, he would change his mind.
This is my vision of the technological age in education. Using technology to help EVERY student succeed regardless of the learners level or learning style and to help all students advance as far as they themselves are willing to go. I know modern and future technology is not the answer to all learning difficulties and problems, but it would definitely, definitely help many students and teachers make the most out of education.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
kkrork
4 comments:
I agree that technology could motivate student learning by stimulating their interests with neat programs that "bring things to life". I have worked with special needs students for a couple of years now and I seen how technology has helped them. There is a reading program called Lexia which is a phonics program in which students must achieve all the squares in one level in order to go to the next. If there is struggle, the student can have the sounds repeat and squares can be taken away until they have mastered the aspect. Technology has also helped students with disabilities in communication and daily functioning as well as academics. We just have to be careful not to let the technology replace teaching, just enhance it.
Being a brand new teacher, I am not familiar with NOVA net. What is it and how is it accessed? I just went to Wal-Mart and bought an educational laptop for one of my 2nd grade students who is "waiting on the others to catch up" because I do not want him bored and frustrated. I am interesed in any programs that I can put my students on at an independant level so they don't have to wait.
Kendra
Sounds like we share a lot of the same opinions regarding technology in the classroom. I teach an advanced Microsoft class where I use an on-line training and testing program called SNAP where my students progress at their own rate. Along with this on-line piece, I assign real life text scenarios so that I can see them applying what they've learned in each chapter and apply what they know. I teach a personal computing class where, as you mentioned, sometimes we have to wait for Johnny to catch up. I use my data project a lot and demonstrate new features. If someone is having "technical" issues, I stall the class and wait for them to be helped, either by me or another classmate. I encouage all students to work to the best of their ability and to focus on quality work. My special education students sometimes are concerned about falling behind, or not being as efficient on the keyboard, and again, I just encourage them and hope to keep them turned on to technolgy and challenges as opposed to becoming frustrated from the workload. I have been known to cut an assignment out of units, if the concept is being repeated (for special ed). I am optimistic of the possibilities tecnology brings.
Kendra,
Thank you for your post on how much technology integration can help all students achieve a successful learning experience in which they can be proud of their accomplishments.
I have taught physical science for several years now, including many classes that are inclusion classes. Not only were these classes huge, but we also had to find a way in which to meet each student at his/her own learning level as well as learning style. We did this, as you point out, in large part with technology integration. It was great to allow all students to be able to meet with success and share that with their fellow students.
Thanks for the insight and encouragement that comes with others sharing their stories of success.
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