The time is now to integrate technology within education. I have worked in the field of education most of my professional career and people have always viewed me as technologically inclined; but the truth is, I just apply myself to whatever resources are available to me. I've gone to conferences where educators, that work in schools that integrate technology in every aspect of learning, are far more advanced than I am (technology-wise); so much more advanced that I feel out of place.
The world is ever changing, students teach themselves about technology most of the time; but the technology they use, we usually forbid in our classrooms, halls, even on campus! It is time to integrate technology, The Time Is Now! We find ways to increase salaries, buy departmental transportation, my school even bought a tractor. Don't ask me why, it's not like we have an Ag department for the students to learn how to use the tractor. Anyway, it's time to use some of those funds to upgrade technology for the future of our youth.
I have a computer lab in my classroom and all my students know how to do is type because most of the websites are blocked. They can hardly perform research. When will we stop being afraid to let our youth explore and accept the fact if we don't allow them learn about "the world" then they may just get a rude awakening when they officially become a part of "the world".
These are my thoughts about technology within our schools. In fact, I think I'm going to add into one of my lesson plans the opportunity for students to bring their favorite tech item to class and present their favorite functions. I can create a great writing assignment from this experience. Please, share your thoughts and concerns on this topic.
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Although I agree with you in theory, I am one of the teachers who is wary about letting students on the web without a filter. So many times I hear them discussing what they wish they could view - and it has nothing to do with research! I do think you are more in touch with the direction we're heading as an educational community, but I'm a little slower to follow without filters!
ReplyDeleteYou have very valid concerns regarding the safety of filter-free surfing. These technologies are available outside of school, in most homes across the country. How are young people going to learn to proceed with caution? Well, in most cases, trial and error. Thanks to liability issues and whatnot, no body want to take that proverbial first step... during which a teacher could model safe and proper use of internet browsing and tools. Sure, young minds wander, but in most cases, they'd wander back once their curiosity has been peaked. Should we encourage this?...absolutely not. But what's the worst thing that could happen? A kid checks out a porn site and gets horribly embarrassed for getting caught by his teacher!? Pretty humbling, actually.
ReplyDeleteIf the kids had access to facebook and myspace in the classroom, and were friends with teachers & counselors; we, as educators could model safe and cautious online behavior for them...and maybe they'd be less likely to accept that friend request from "that creepy old guy" that they've never even met before...or post threats to someone else in school because she looked at someone wrong...
Just a thought.
Hi LaTonya,
ReplyDeleteI can really hear your frustration with the lack of trust (?) at your school. You seem to be on the extreme end of ensuring security for the students. I don't want my students to access social sites on my watch, but I do appreciate the amount of freedom our school gives. Many sites are blocked, but many are not and students have ample opportunity for research. Maybe you need to go to a PTA or board meeting and share your concerns? It does sound like you are trying to do the most you can with what you've got so, good going!
Donna
LaToya,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as if you are experiencing the same filtering issues that I faced in my school. The stricter the filter is, the more good sites are blocked. And yet, students still ran across inappropriate pictures and content through Internet searches. There is no way to adequately block everything that is inappropriate without blocking everything else. We must teach our students how to safely navigate the Internet. I think students are much more likely to respond appropriately to inappropriate Internet content when they are surrounded by fellow students and their teacher than they would in the privacy of their own homes. Schools teach students to drive a car safely; we should also teach them to use the Internet responsibly. You are right, LaToya...the Time is Now!
LaToya,
ReplyDeleteI got caught up in my thoughts and forgot one other thing I wanted to add. In my system, we finally received permission to override the filter with a password if we felt the filter was blocking something useful. We did this with the knowledge that our browsing was being monitored and that inappropriate browsing by teachers would not be tolerated. I thought this was a big step in the right direction. It enabled me to display websites with my LCD projector. It still didn't solve the problem of student access in the lab unless I went to every computer and typed in my password.
Jeanne,
ReplyDeleteTeachers at my school do get the opportunity to override blocked sites; but quess what, once overridden a prompt appears telling us that the site will be reviewed for future use. Now the students, they know how to override. They use a site called vtunnel that works better than my override code. We need to face it, we can teach students to properly use their skills because we can't keep them from knowing.
LaToya,
ReplyDeleteYour comment reminds me of the child-proof caps for medicine bottles. Often children can remove them when their parents cannot! You are so right that we have to teach students how to use the Internet responsibly. If we don't, who will?
Latoya,
ReplyDeleteYou made an interesting comment that makes me very frustrated in education. " We make rules to limit technology". Hall Davidson has even mentioned on his web site and at many differnt conferences, where. That educators all are excited to integrate technology in the classroom and then we make rules prohibiting it in the school. This makes as much sense as posting a no food sign in the cafeteria or no books in the classroom. Pencils and scissors can kill people, but we allow every student to have them even kindergartners. I think we need to educate the user, not punish the technology. The problem with teaching is that kids learn. I teach science and much of what I teach could hurt my students if used improperly. I do my best to educate them on safety, but someday one of my students will not head my warnings. We teach kids to spell and sometimes they spell bad words, spelling is not the problem. This is the perfect time to integrate character education.