After reading Lowell Monke’s view on how technology is not increasing our student’s ability to learn or perform higher on standardized tests, I can, in a skewed way, see where he is coming from. I myself believe that technology is a wonderful thing in education, but I will get to that later. Monke believes that “there is a huge qualitative difference between learning about something… and learning from something” (Noll, 327). I can see his point that children aren’t getting the first-hand experiences that they should be getting, not having as many face-to-face conversations with people, etc. but the information and wealth of knowledge that they do gain outweighs it tenfold. (in my opinion) Theodore Roszak states that “an excess of information may actually crowd out ideas, leaving the mind (young minds especially) distracted by sterile, disconnected facts, lost among the shapeless heaps of data.” Some examples Monke gave of technology circumventing the developmental process are students that use spell check instead of learning to spell, and students that use calculators to add instead of learning to add. (Noll, pg. 328) Monke also stated more than once that firsthand experiences are what children need to develop, not just abstract symbols on a two-dimensional screen. I guess my problem with that is all of the different types of technology out there. Take video conferencing for example. This year my class was able to give a presentation and talk with another third grade class that was in New York City. How would that be possible without the use of technology? The students might be lacking face-to-face conversations, but to interact with a classroom across the country (or world) is an experience in itself.
Frederick M. Hess seems to share some of Monkes same observations about technology in the schools. He states that competitive enterprises are on a constant search to improve productivity, and public schools have no reason to regard technology as a tool… to rethink the ways in which they deliver education. He does, however, believe that “the tools of technology, used appropriately, can support innovation and reinvention in education” (Noll, pg. 324). Take for example, the Florida Virtual School that has over 75 course offerings and over 6,500 students enrolled in their program. This program can provide academic instruction more effectively and cheaply, freeing up resources for other needs. Teachers can more easily track students’ progress and performance at a glance with the use of technology. They are also able to create graphs and data at the push of a button, and even use essay grading software to eliminate the repetitious task of reading through hundreds of essays. I agree with Hess when he says “technology is a tool, not a miracle cure” (Noll, pg. 338). I think that all of these advances in technology have saved countless hours of paperwork and stress on everyone involved in the education system. Who do you side with? And what do you think some of the pro’s and con’s are of technology in education? Given the advancement of technology, do you believe the students are benefiting from using this on an everyday basis in the schools?
Researching technology in education on line, I ran across this video, which highlights some of the pros and a few cons of technology in the classroom. It was sponsored by the Milken Family Foundation.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mff.org/publications/publications.taf?page=269.
I have a smart board in my classroom and it is educationally beneficial to students. Being able to have instant access to facts and not have to bother with the library is a good thing. The question posed: Who do you side with? I do not side with either. I think they both have valid points. I believe that technology can be an invaluable tool that can expand ways in which children learn. I think that being computer literate in this society is imperative to students. I do not think however, that we should allow computers to replace teachers, teaching, and social interaction. I am opposed to virtual schools. There are many uses in math and science that can enable students to enhance the classroom learning experience. Supplementing classroom room instruction with hands on computer programs and research can interest, uninterested students. However, if we use the technology for drill and kill, it is no different than an extremely expensive worksheet.
Do I believe that students are benefiting from using technology on an everyday basis in the schools, my question is are they? In my classroom we have 2 computers. I have 10 students. It is the same through out the school, except on average there are 25 students to 2 computers. We have COWS (laptops that are housed in a big case on wheels)these laptops are outdated, and very slow, the students hate using them.
It has been projected that in a few years there will be a huge number of teachers retiring. With the ushering in of a large number of younger teachers, who have essentially grown up with technology, I feel that students will have more access to technology. The training of teachers to use available technology effectively in the classroom is one current obstacle. In my daughter's science class they have monthly pod casts. Now, my daughter does not like this, she says that it is boring. The teacher on the other hand thinks she is on the cutting edge. Is my daughter learning more because the teacher is using technology? I don't think so.
I think that students do benefit, but here again, who is paying for this? It is very expensive, and it is not just a one shot deal. There are upkeep expenses. Across the country school districts are facing huge deficits and failing test scores. Would technology make all the difference?
My view is tempered by my age, I love technology but I think that it is possible to engage students in real life activities and have a productive learning environment without an over abundance of technology. Facing facts however it is a necessity that students be educated using technology and that schools keep abreast with the tecnology explosion... but again, who pays?
Jessica, your question--"Is my daughter learning more because the teacher is using technology?" is the key question regarding this issue, I think.
ReplyDeleteOkay so I retract my previous question "who do you side with". After reading Jessica's comment, I see that I posed too many questions at the end of my post. The one I really want to know is the last one - do you believe the students are benefiting from using technology in the schools? I see the pros AND the cons of technology. We have had more than one day this year where we were told "the server is down", and everything that I had planned to do using our technology was unavailable for the day. I can't say that the students actually ARE learning more, but I believe that the experiences they are getting are invaluable. They need to be up with the trends in technology in order to make it out there in the fast-paced "real world" after they graduate. But then again, will technology keep advancing so much that by the time they actually get there, all of their knowledge will be outdated? I think this topic actually poses many questions, not just one.
ReplyDeleteI think the ideal situation is to continue with firsthand experiences directing the learning, with supplemented technology included. However, Monke brings up an excellent point that “the call for balance within schools ignores the massive commitment of resources required to make computers work at all and the resultant need to keep them constantly in use to justify that expense” (Noll, 331). In other words, schools cannot afford to use technology sometimes, as a supplement.
ReplyDeleteI do think that students are benefiting from technology when used in the correct manner. As Hess stated, “technology is not a miracle cure, it is a tool” (Noll, 339). Molly’s example of using a video teleconference with another classroom across the country is a very enriching experience for students, and will definitely engage and interest them in their learning as well. However, Jessica’s example of the teacher posting podcasts is no different than having students sit through a lecture in the classroom, and the technology does not enhance this in any way. Maybe the teacher could use pod casts as a tutoring tool, to post them for students to look back at material already covered in the classroom to help them better learn in areas they are struggling.
I think it is important to keep technology a part of education, as Molly pointed out students will undoubtedly encounter computers and technology as a part of the “real world”. In response to Molly’s question, “will technology keep advancing so much that by the time they actually get there, all of their knowledge will be outdated?” I don’t think this will happen, because technology seems to always be building upon the old in some way. My Dad worked in computer programming and sales, so I grew up with a computer in the house and I used it a lot. To this day, I can usually jump on to any new style of program or technology and have a basic understanding of it fairly quickly. I think once students are used to interpreting technology, that basis stays with them and continues to assist them as new technology arises.
I agree that there needs to be a mix of traditional classroom tools with newer technological tools. I think technology can be very helpful with struggling students and visual learners. It is one tool that helps differentiate instruction.
ReplyDeleteHere are some ways that technology can be really helpful in a literacy class. I do feel these tools help them achieve more...
- Very unmotivated students who hate to read will read talking books online
- Students who need to improve their fluency love to record themselves and listen as they improve through repeated readings
- Students who hate to write (and even those who don't) will be much more motivated to write when they get to take pictures with a digital camera and write about their pictures
- Students who are studying about scientists can email real scientists to research information instead of sending letters and waiting a long time
- Students who are collaborating on an assignment and have a question about a word or topic are free to use the computer just as they would an encyclopedia/dictionary to look up the word/topic.
Maybe I'm just overly sensitive, but I can't believe that Hess talks about replacing teachers with technology. Does he know anything about child development? I like the idea of using technology to "relieve educators of routine functions" but not increase class sizes!!! Is Hess a businessman or an educator? I get really annoyed when he compares schools to businesses.
I agree with Jen's last paragraph and her ideas for using technology to motivate students. I especially like the digital camera one. I think that as Katherine says using technology in the right way is key. I also think that training teachers is so important, many teachers do not feel very comfortable using technology. I also believe that with the advent of the virtual school computers are replacing teachers... I know that there is a teacher behind the computer, but ...
ReplyDeleteJen don't you think that schools are run as businesses?
I do believe students are benefiting from using technology in their education. More and more schools are receiving smart boards and active boards. I use technology all the time when I teach. It's a great tool to get involvement and interaction from the students, however; I do not feel technology should be a replacement on the overall system of learning. As stated, "Technology is a tool not a miracle cure. Used wisely, it can help professionals to take full advantage of their skills, slash the time spent on role tasks and concentrate resources and effort where they are needed most." (Noll, p. 339) I do not think Jen is being overly sensitive either. I do receive the impression that Hess wants to replace teachers with technology. Technology will never never give a child a true meaning towards learning something unless they experience it multiple ways besides through technology. I tried an internet class as an adult through my undergrad and I felt I was missing out on the whole experience from the student/teacher relationship, not to mention it was for parent involvement...how can you incorporate parent involvement in the class room when the you are behind the computer? I'm still adjusting to the switches in this class so I can only imagine what a child might struggle with by not having all of their learning needs met through a computer rather than in person with a teacher.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Jen's list of resources for use of technology for literacy. Technology helps reach visual learners. I know for myself I am always looking for things on the web to create and use for my lesson plans at school. However, if a teacher is not comfortable using technology because she has never received proper training, then technology will hinder the learning environment and cause it to be stressful. As Jessica had stated in class this past Thursday about applying for a virtual school and writing IEP's for students. I find that to be very challenging. Although it's great to be able to have the luxury working at home in your pajamas and not having to leave your house, where's the social interaction and how does a child build trust with their child that they never see only communicate through emails? It's very difficult to agree with Hess's views on the use of technology. More and more these days, the students are receiving more uses of technology at home than ever so it is crucial to still stick to the basics of hands on involvement and incorporate technology where it is best fitted to meet each student's need.
ReplyDeleteNot only do the teachers need to be educated in the use of technology but I believe the students need to have technology taught to them as a requirement in school. Monke makes an excellent point for calling it "technology awareness" and preparing children to make wise decisions about their use in the future." (Noll, p. 332)It does not substitute for the value and meaning behind learning something first hand, but it allows the students to be resourceful and finding information to their own questions on their own as well as the ability to teach someone something new.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else, when used properly technology is very effective, engaging and exciting. When it is not it can be draining. Using the smartboard: love it. Being in the computer lab with twenty six-year-olds all calling your name, all having different issues; not so much.
ReplyDeleteI understand Monke's issues with children becoming dependent on spell check and calculators and I can relate but I believe that we should use tools that are available to us. I think it is interesting that Monke thinks that one year of computer in high school can be as beneficial, perhaps more so, than using computers in elementary, but in 2009 it is hard to fathom not even introducing them.
All the amazing activities we can do I believe should build upon what we are doing already in the classroom. We should build our curriculum and then insert technology where it fits.
I agree with everyone else, when used properly technology is very effective, engaging and exciting. When it is not it can be draining. Using the smartboard: love it. Being in the computer lab with twenty six-year-olds all calling your name, all having different issues; not so much.
ReplyDeleteI understand Monke's issues with children becoming dependent on spell check and calculators and I can relate but I believe that we should use tools that are available to us. I think it is interesting that Monke thinks that one year of computer in high school can be as beneficial, perhaps more so, than using computers in elementary, but in 2009 it is hard to fathom not even introducing them.
All the amazing activities we can do I believe should build upon what we are doing already in the classroom. We should build our curriculum and then insert technology where it fits.
Ali is right, I also thought it was weird that Monke thought the “general computer skills a youth needs to enter the workplace or college can easily be learned in one year of instruction during high school” (Noll, 329). I cannot imagine leaving computers out altogether, with the exception of one year in high school. It would seem like a huge waste to not use technology in a positive way to benefit students, and in this day in age a large percentage of students probably are already being exposed to a computer at home (with exception of the disadvantaged, which fits into our other issue).
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing as Jen in that Hess was thinking teachers could be replaced with technology. Hess gave the example of “virtual schools”, and said they “make it possible to provide some academic instruction more cheaply and more effectively, freeing up resources for other needs” (Noll, 335). I think instead of “more effectively” he should say more efficiently. Having K-12 schooling exclusively online in a virtual manner would be missing many pieces and parts, as Jen stated, “does he know anything about child development”. Technology is good for making teachers’ lives easier and taking some burden off them of the everyday “housekeeping” tasks.
ReplyDeleteMaybe schools are run like businesses in some aspects, but I don't think they should be. Children are not products that we create and try to sell. Some people may think they have that much power over another person, but I don't. I hope that educators respect children more than that.
ReplyDeleteI understand that the superintendent has to use some aspects of business and we have to sell our school system to the community, but in each individual school, students should be treated as individuals who are free to express themselves and construct meaning based on their own prior experiences. They are not items that we can alter and control and force to pass specific tests because we need them to. Am I making any sense?
Back to technology - If it's too expensive, then I think it should be left out until junior high or high school. Kids have them at home and elementary teachers can get by with 1-2 computers to assist in differentiating. I don't think money should be spent on computers if it will cut out art, music, gym, gifted, or any other educational tutoring with REAL people involved.
I agree with Katherine and Jen the idea of teaching little kids through the computer(solely) is ludicrous. Especially special needs students- didn't someone in class mention interviewing for a distance learning special needs job? The only class I have taken (well besides this one) on the internet was Biology. I hated it and did horribly in it.
ReplyDeleteJen is completely right on all counts. SAVE THE ARTS!!! I think if technology is going to be a trade off for art, music, gifted programs,sports etc. than it isn't even a question. Like Jen said let them get it later or at home if possible. And if it isn't something that is available at home you can bet arts, music and the like aren't that focused upon at home either (all the more reason to keep them in the curriculum) Also teachers can always write grants to obtain technology. Or perhaps we could use those performance bonuses..
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about Dewey and how he talks about learning as a social experience. Don't you think technology (in the place of teachers) takes away that "social experience." I know we're having a discussion as adults and I'm learning a lot through the use of technology with this class, but for younger children and even adolescents who are still learning literacy and communication skills....Also, what about reading nonverbal cues and things that just can't be learned without face to face interactions?
ReplyDeleteWhen I found myself first thinking about the question in general as to whether or not computers negatively affected student growth, I was adamant that my answer was no. After reading Monke's argument though, I discovered that my thinking aligned with his a lot. While I think that computers are a valuable tool to use in the classroom, I agree with Monke that there is no substitute to actual human interaction. He says that people need to find "a fundamental appreciation for the world apart from the machine" (Noll, 331) which to me signifies the importance of experiencing something first hand. When learning how to do a math problem, it's best to learn how to do it without a calculator because you never know when that technology could malfunction or break. Also, it's important to be able to have the knowledge to complete a task on one's own, without the use of a computer, because you never know if the technology will be available to you or not. Furthermore, understanding how to solve a problem without the use of a computer will promote life long learning and wanting to discover more without the use of technology.
ReplyDeleteHowever, having said that, I do still feel that there is a use for computers in the classroom as a supplement and a tool. Where Monke references the idea of Oregon Trail not sufficiently teaching the students, I think it is a great tool to use to get students interested in the lesson. The more interested and connected they are to the lesson, the more motivated they will be to learn about it. Also, computers offer great benefit in the classroom because they can reach a variety of learners. For students who learn better visually, pictures can be dispalayed, and for those who learn better through auditory, they can listen to a poem being read, and so on.
Computers in schools are very useful in the process of learning, as one tool in the toolbox of education that can applied in the classroom. There is one component of technology that has not been touched upon and the use of cell phones and texting. The advent of technology brought us computers as well as the cell phone "features." The important point that I want to make is that our children are not communicating with one another verbally or in written correspondance. Many students have limited verbal skills in which they keep on repeating the word "like" and "um."
ReplyDeleteI have incorporated the use of the computer with the Senior Class at St. Eds in assisting them with the skills needed to write a resume and prepare for an interview. The Alumni Association is trying to reach out and help the Seniors in the preparation for college, the trades, and/or life after high school. The Seniors have to use the computer to write their resume, investigate internships or summer jobs through our alumni website and the internet overall. Then we have them do a "mock" or practice interview using their resume composed on the computer and answer questions from an adult alumni volunteer. The questions include, "tell me something about yourself," "what are your strengths and weaknesses," and "why should I hire you." We videotape their interviews and review how they answer the questions and review their non-verbal communication in answering those questions. I think Childress would be proud!
We are using all aspects of technology, but emphasizing the importantance of one on one communication with a possible decision maker, thereby increasing their confidence in themselves in the process.
You can only imagine the reluctance in doing this project or program with 18 year old young men. But, in the end, even though some stated "this a waste of my time" in the beginning, come back at the end of the program and admit the value in getting them prepared for adulthood. (Comment One for Issue 19)
The advance in technology in the school will only enchance and/or compliment the student's education. It will also assist the teacher with his lesson plans on many different levels. Children learn in many different ways and technology is another option in reaching the student. The computer can help with Learning Centers within the classroom in relation to differentiated instruction. It can open a brand new world for the child to learn and grasp a subject. Technology and the advance of the computer is just one more way for the teacher in reaching their students with a difficult subject or topic.
ReplyDeleteIn closing, I was wondering if people dicussed the introduction of the car radio and the concerns of safety while driving. Right now we are discussing another new tool for education with technology, the cell phone, etc. I think people are afraid of change that could be interpreted as a threat to their normal rountine in the classroom.
There is no replacement of the teacher in education! Nothing can replace the classroom and the classroom discussion with students and teachers! The human factor will never go away in education. There are more things to life then tests, grades, and rankings. There is the human factor that communicates one on one in the use of words and non-verbal cues. Someone can write a comment, an opinion, a poem on paper or on a screen, but until that written word is spoken with human emotion and feelings, the full message is never really truly communicated and absorbed by the heart and soul of others in the true classroom of life.(Comment 3 on Issue 19)
ReplyDeleteMegan, I agree with you about using computers to motivate students. If I find a site about a topic we are studying and use it during my lesson, they get excited and pay much more attention to the visuals if it comes from the computer. I think it all comes to how you use it. If you just use it to lecture through a Powerpoint and kids are sitting too long as passive recipients of knowledge, then it is not helping them achieve more. If you use it to supplement hands-on activities and/or use it for quick mini-lessons that that will help them accomplish a purposeful goal, then they will achieve more.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Tom's comment about the cell phone: we just had an inservice about using cell phones and ipods in the classroom. I do not feel this would be a beneficial practice for elementary students. I just think they would prove to be more of a hinderance than an asset. I do not want to text with anyone, least of all an eight year old. I still think using paper and pencils once in awhile is a good classroom practice.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I do feel that students are benefitting in some way to technology in the classroom. In the article written by Hess he states that "technology investments enabled the US Postal Service, under pressure from FedEX and UPS to trim its workforce by 16,000 in 2003. These cuts followed layoffs of 23,000 employees over the preceeding two years (Noll, pg. 333)." In the next few years, you would want you students to learn how to use that technology so they can be more marketable for a position. However, I feel that using it to only teach your students hinders them. According to Monke in his first section "the need for first hand experience (pg. 326)" Students need to use hands on experiences, to go on field trips, to complete worksheets, to use manipulatives to gain knowledge. Rather than stare at a computer screen to teach them about how to complete a mathematical equation.
ReplyDeleteTechnology has its ups and downs in the classroom. I feel that it can be beneficial for future learning purposes, I would use it in my classroom like I do other 'daily living skills' like folding laundry and washing dishes. I wouldn't use it to teach my students about the Great Lakes region when we live right here.
While computers are a great tool to use in the classroom, I think we sometimes forget that not all students do have access to a computer. If using a computer in class to supplement teaching, that's great, but computers are expensive and there are still some people that cannot afford them. I feel that some teachers try and make their classes all technology based to keep up with the times, but we also have to remember to focus on our students and make sure that they have access to computers if we are requiring them to use them outside of class. Hess says "improved technology has now made available to the general public what was once the preserve of the elite" (Noll, 335) I think the key phrase here is general public. While I don't think we can deny the fact that computers have allowed for significant changes in the classroom, I think we need to still to be sure that those who are not in the "general public" are still learning and growing as students without having to use computers constantly.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Tom on his comment #3, the need for one on one human communcation to learn social skills, to learn facial expressions, to learn how to write your name you can't really do that on a computer I remember a few months back hearing that schools were beginning to take away cursive handwriting because the students aren't using it, was scary to know that the students aren't doing that and computer education is taking that place, really bothered me.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Jen B's statement, that it is another learning tool. I do feel that it can be added to a classroom but not the only tool and modality for learning.
ReplyDeleteHuman interaction is a part of the learning process so I agree with Tom and jjones that it is important to make sure the students are learning without having to solely rely on computers. Social skills are a very important part of school and if students are solely working with computers, then they will miss this part of the learning environment.
ReplyDelete"We should build our curriculum and then insert technology where it fits."
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, Ali.
Yes, I think technology is beneficial in schools. After all, we live in a time when technology is use in almost all fields. I do agree with McLuhan's process of "amplification and amputation(Noll,p.328). I have witnessed students who can use a computer or calculator to perform math procedures i.e. addition, subtraction, division amd multiplication. That same student could not perform the same math procedures accurately by hand. I think that is a big problem. I also agree with the concern that "young people sacrificing internal growth for external power"(Noll,p.328). Although we live in a technological society there is still a need for students to develop social skils and the ability to work with others. These two things I think suffer from the great use of technology. Monke does have a good point by stating "the purpose is to infuse them with a set of values that support the high-tech culture that has spread so rapidly across our society"(Noll,p.329). It reminds me of the old saying too much of anything can be harmful.
ReplyDeleteI disagree and appreciate Hess' point of view that "used wisely, informational technology does have the capacity to help schools become dramatically more effective"(Noll,p.335). We need to define "used wisely". there are charter schools that use computers for everything (lifeskills centers,2005). There is no instruction from a person just someone to assist students if needed. Hess talks about the computers helping the teachers by allowing "teachers to spend less time on trivia while adding more value"(Noll,p.338). More does not mean better. I hope the trend does not try to replace teachers with computers, I think that would be devestating to our young people.
ReplyDeleteThere are pro's and con's in the use of technology in schools. I agree with some of the pro's sited for instance, "to provide children with the computer skills necessary to flourish in a high-tech world"(Noll,p.326). That is a great ideal, however, I don't think it should encounter students becoming dependent on computers. "Information technology does have the capapcity to help schools become dramatically effective"(Noll,p.335)is another good use of technology.This use could assist in assessing students ability. Being able to "instanly share full information on students performance and school performance"(Noll,p.338) is also a good use. On the other hand technology does tend to cheat students out of the "first-hand experience"(Noll,p.327). This experienced is usually replaced with students receiving "mountains of information"(Noll,p.326) "with no personal concrete experience with which to connect".(Noll,p.327).Then are students learnig or being programmed? I have also witnessed students becoming so dependent on technology that their hands on skills and ability to communicate verbally has suffered.
ReplyDeleteI curious more interest in some of them hope you will give more information on this topics in your next articles. https://get-latest-snaptube.webnode.com/
ReplyDelete