While reading chapter 11 entitled: Power Down or Power Up? by Alan November in Curriculum 21, by Hayes Jacobs, a few statements called out to me. The first statement that hit me, ...“the real problem is not adding technology to the current organization of the classroom but changing the culture of teaching and learning.” This statement prodded me to think about my experience thus far with technology in the classroom. One popular statement comes to mind. "Technology for technology’s sake." We teachers have all heard this a few times, I’m sure. Any teacher who has felt pressured into adding more technology into the classroom when she wasn’t ready for it, can identify with that statement. Any teacher who has even used minimal technology in the classroom, can understand some of the problems presented when students are using the Internet. Finally, any teacher who has been grappling with wanting to add more technology in the classroom, and has then encountered the blockers to that implementation, both technologically and socially, can relate also! A confusing time for teachers. We want to take those necessary steps forward; feeling the initial excitement of all that technology has to offer and wanting to share this with students, only to be thwarted by censorship. So, I am in accordance with November on the need to change the culture of teaching and learning, with regard to the newest technology available that will enhance the learning environment.
In the midst of all the controversy and tension of cultural shifts in teaching and learning as a result of our newest technology, November believes that.... “we should be providing students with guided opportunities and teachable moments that allow them to practice and hone their research skills.” Again, another statement that I agree with and can happily add, one with which I am confident and comfortable. Confident, because I know I have provided these necessary research opportunities for students. Comfortable, because as we negotiate the waters of cultural shift tensions, waiting for the inevitable tide to turn, dealing with the blockers, controls, and censorship tendencies of the school community, at least we are doing the very best that we can to move in the direction of 21st century literacy.
..."the real problem is not adding technology to the current organization of the classroom but changing the culture of teaching and learning.” This comment is so true and it is the hardest part. We have to change the culture of teaching and learning and that means resistances. It is not easy to make technology an everyday part of teaching. We also have to realize that it works for most students but some students struggle with it just like some adults.
ReplyDelete