There was so much information in chapter one that really had
me thinking in a way that I have never thought before. So many people,
including teachers, see technology as a horrible change in children’s lives. I
myself even have had negative views on technology, but after reading this
chapter my view has been transformed. This chapter really brought to my
attention that whether technology and the internet are negative or positive for
a children’s learning, the fact of the matter is, is that it is not going away.
Whether a teacher believes in it or not, technology is only advancing and it
will only take over education more and more, so to help children learn and
develop into the best adult they can be, it is important to use technology in
your curriculum and teach children how to appropriately use and learn from it. I
have never thought of technology in this way and I am so glad that I was
introduced to this new way of thinking.
Throughout all of chapter one, the page that really stuck
out to me was page 12. This page basically described how teachers are not
always the most educated when it comes to technology, and that because of this,
they often feel “intimidated” and decide to pass all the technological
teachings over to the designated computer teacher. The author’s response to
this was very true, as the time spent with the computer teacher is not nearly
enough time to prepare a child for the world of technology they are entering. I couldn’t agree more with the point the
author made here. Teachers need to stay up-to-date, and educate themselves on
as many digital and technological resources they can incorporate into their
student’s learning as this is how students are learning today. Instead of
feeling intimidated teachers should learn to take what the children offer and
research it, because chances are, it could be a great resource that children
will take a lot away from.
The most important and enlightening lesson I learned from
this chapter was that whether myself, teachers, or anybody else likes it or
not, the digital world is taking over and it is better to prepare students for
this than to stick to our own beliefs and set children up for failure in their
future. Literacy is just one of many areas that are going digital, and
accepting this and using it in the classroom will only benefit children for
their future.
Phoebe, while reading your blog post I noticed some similarities in our reactions to the first chapter of Reading, Writing, and Literacy 2.0. My initial feelings towards technology, especially in the school environment were negative. But as the chapter continued it opened my eyes to some of technologies positive aspects as an educational tool in the classroom. I also agree with you on the idea that the time students spend with their computer teacher is not enough to fully and thoroughly prepare them to be able to use technology in a positive way. I personally remember only going to “computer class” one or twice a week and most times in class the lessons did not really allow us as students to further our technological knowledge past what we had already known at that age. Teachers definitely need to start become more technologically educated to be able to pass on this knowledge of technology onto their students to show new and different ways of incorporating technology into education. Technological advances are inevitable and we as people, students, and teachers must constantly work to keep up with it and try our best to educate ourselves on how to use technology as a positive learning tool.
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole,
DeleteI am glad I was not the only one in the dark about technology! I just felt that it wasn't necessary to introduce to children in the classroom as they spend enough time at home using it. Thank God this chapter opened my eyes because now I see how truly important it is that students are introduced to all the great ways we can use and learn from it. It is definitely going to be challenging to keep up with all of the technological advances throughout our careers, but it is important for the children!
Interesting beginning with catchy title!
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