I believe the increased use of technology in the classroom
is extremely positive and it should be embraced. The use of technology can
promote engagement, motivation and enjoyment. However, it should not be
overused as a time-filler or babysitter meaning a balance must be found. If a healthy balance is found then teachers
and children can use technology to benefit and enhance learning.
The skills children need to succeed are extremely different
to as little as 10 years ago. Children are required to have the skills to
survive in the high-tech world we live in.
Therefore, the classroom environment and teaching skills need to adapt
to this to make technology an essential part of the classroom. We shouldn’t see
the use of technology as an ‘inevitable outcome’ but more of a ‘natural
progression’. The word ‘inevitable’ suggests resistance and brings negativity
but we are naturally using more technology as it is introduced.
I recently had experience in a school that needed to improve
it’s ICT dramatically and Ofsted recognised this in their recent report. Whilst
working there, I created an interactive whiteboard flipchart for a lesson on
Victorians. The children were not used to seeing flipcharts and the engagement
and motivation it brought was incredible to see. The pace of the lesson was
much quicker and the flipchart was accessible to all children, even those with
additional needs. This shows that even the simplest form of technology, that
many take for granted in the classroom, can change an atmosphere in an instant.
However, if the children were used to seeing flipcharts every day then the
effect would not have been as great, which relates back to my first point about
a healthy balance to keep the engagement and motivation.
Therefore, technology can enhance teaching and learning is a
balance is found. The teacher needs to craft the technology used to benefit the
children. If a piece of technology is used unnecessarily then it could hinder
their learning. It’s important basic skills such as reading and writing aren’t
harmed because technology is overused or introduced too early.
My main challenge in this module will be writing critically
to my peers or challenging an idea. I want to be involved in this module as
much as possible so I think once we have responded to each other a few times,
it’ll become easier.
Ellena you have made some interesting comments, in your next posting be sure to link to your reading as this will make your posting more critically aware for example you mentioned that the use of the IWB engaged and motivated the children, if you had link this to your reading, it would have been more reflective. so for example as Higgins suggests the use of interactive flipcharts can motive children, I observed this is a class........................
ReplyDeleteHi Elle, I really liked reading your post and liked your idea of technology being a natural progression rather than inevitable. It's interesting to see your view-point on children not being used to seeing flipcharts in the classroom but to also be flexible to keep a healthy balance for engagment and motivation. I have also found teachers to be reluctant to create flipcharts and feel they need more experience of them being used correctly and successfully in order for them to have a go.
ReplyDeleteYour blog post reflected key issues within today's society and the use of technology. It was very interesting to read! I, too, commented on the inevitability factor of technology. Your idea of it being a 'natural progression' seems very relevant within today's society as more and more technology is released. Even if we don't want to become a consumer of it, over time this can be the case as we become curious - natural for human beings! I suggested that it is inevitable within today's society, but just because it may be inevitable doesn't mean that we HAVE to use it in the classroom. Although, I genuinely believe that it will enhance learning.
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