Thursday, June 23, 2011

Why We Need to Teach Technology in School

Please watch the video "Why We Need To Teach Technology in School." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VnHdqpE4RM What is your reaction? In your opinion, is the video correct or incorrect or biased?In what specific ways should the content of this video impact education? Before July 7, add your thoughts in the comments section.  You are invited to comment on other colleagues' comments.

18 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. I thought this video was great, especially the quote that we, as teachers, can engage or enrage students. The use of historical photos was not only a trip down memory lane, it emphasized the need to learn and teach how to use technology.

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  3. Excellent video for teachers and administrators who refuse to allow technology tools to be used in the classroom. If the truth is biased, then so is this video--I feel it is not biased but accurate. I, as a teacher, can better plan and incorporate authentic expectations for students with which administrators cannot argue about its value.

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  4. I wholeheartedly agree with the message in the video. As teachers, we have got to walk the walk. If we expect our students to learn, we better learn too. Not as reluctant latecomers, but as curious, eager learners. We need to accept that as teachers, from now on, we will never again be the sage on stage. Students offer a vast wealth of knowledge and should be encouraged to share it with us and each other. (Which the already do!)
    I have known people who refuse to try new technologies and as each year goes by, they are becoming more and more alienated from society, which is turning them into bitter, resentful, old people.
    It might be frustrating or inconvenient to have to keep learning new things, but technology doesn't just change. It improves and grows upon itself. As you learn, you improve too. How exciting!

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  5. Wow, how things change! I agree that we need to guide and teach the students and keep them engaged in learning about new technology. They will explore on their own and that may not always be the best.

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  6. This video opened my eyes even more to the ongoing importance technology has in our world. We as teachers need to be teaching our kids about all the new technologies. We are the instigators to get our students involved and engaged. I agree with LuAnn, in the matter that I as a teacher need to plan and incorporate more of my lessons to teach the importance of technology. If we don't teach our kids about all the upcoming technologies our future will fall behind in the learning process!

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  7. I like this video because it reminds me of how much things have changed and how teachers must adapt and change too. If we as teachers don't adapt to our students needs we will be left behind, not them. Technology is an important part of our society and it should not be feared it should be embraced.

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  8. I agree that as new technologies emerge we need to learn about them so that we can best educate our students. It was cool to see the progression of technologies over time, but kind of scary in a way toward then end when the internet with all of its networking appeared. I love the internet and the many things it can be used for, but with so much information at your finger tips you do need to enter in and analyze whats real, true, and genuine. I think it is our job as educators to guide our students on how to safely apply new technologies to their learning now and life-time learning after school.

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  9. The photos of older technologies made me think of a few colleagues who are resistant to using internet resources, LCD projectors, smartboards, student response clickers, and even e-mail... but are not at all averse to using cars, phones, and televisions! Getting the training to learn how to use these things IS an issue, but planning time to create new lessons that implement the technologies we have is crucial as well. Otherwise, teachers are trained, but then do nothing with it.
    As for the students, most of them are already enthusiastic about using new technology. Educators should use that, because there are so many options available to help students not only get information, but also analyze it, evaluate it, and synthesize it to create something of their own.

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  10. I completely agree with the ideas presented in this video, especially the ones about motivating students through technology. Thinking about the activities that I do in my own classroom, the ones that engage the students the most are the activities involving technology such as using Quizdom clickers, creating things on the internet, using flip cameras, interacting with a Smartboard, etc. I only wish I had access to more technology so that I could maximize student engagement through the use of these wonderful devices.

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  11. I agree with this video. Students today are already using new technologies on a daily basis outside the classroom. In order to engage students, we need to effectively incorporate these technologies into the classroom. If these technologies aren't used in the classroom, I feel we are holding students back from maximizing their learning.

    The video says that we need to help kids learn how to critically analyze information. I agree with this statement and think this is a vital skill for our students to have. In addition, the video states that we must change and adapt as the technology around us changes or we will be left behind. This is so true and so important- especially in our global society.

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  12. I thought the content of the video was great. We do need to teach our students as well as ourselves. I thought it was interesting the progression of technology. It's good to see where we have come from so we can see where are going.

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  13. I believe this video is spot on with why we should be embracing current technology in education. Kids are surrounded by technology everywhere, it’s a medium they’re comfortable with (for the most part) and the learning environment should reflect the world in which we live. Embracing diversity is a big part of my district’s mission, because diversity is a fact of life and makes this country what it is, so why are we not embracing the fact that our world has moved FAR beyond pencil and paper? I definitely agree that using technology appropriately would not only model appropriate and safe usage to students, but it would definitely engage them far more than common and outdated methods.

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  14. I agree with the need to integrate technology in our schools to engage our students. I think there should be greater focus placed on professional training in the area of technology. Students often bypass their teachers in their current knowledge in the area of technology which we can conclude from the video. Therefore, changes need to be made in teacher training programs and professional collaboration programs. There is also a concern with how to include students and teachers who do not have adequate resources and access to technology in the classroom. I agree that we need to incorporate technology into our lessons to engage students and build their skills.

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  15. The video teaches us that The exponential change in "technology" (which in ancient times consisted of simple things such as trebuchets and printing presses) is interesting to examine. I thought the wording was mostly inane and the graphics simple, yet it did show how technology has not necessarily affected the classroom until late history. For example, PDA's, calculators, PC's and the like give us a multitude of objects to learn and instruct upon. Teaching is one occupation where sitting on the sidelines will definitely bite you later, especially considering the pressing need to embrace technology.

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  16. The more I've thought about this video the less I like it. I agree with the content but I disagree with the with the heavy handed delivery. I think their are many parents out there tht worry about what their students are learning and this just adds to the fear factor.

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  17. I have only seen a small piece of what technology can do for students, and only wish my school had more resources to help empower them. Technology can be a great way to help students learn how to be responsible. In the school setting, if they want privileges they have to follow the rules. Most sites are blocked which eliminates that fear factor. At some point students are going to explore the internet and other technology, so we might as well prepare them as much as possible now, so they are knowledgeable in the future.

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  18. I think this video is correct. Students will go out and find the information and tools on their own if we don't provide it for them. This could lead to students using the information incorrectly and getting themselves in trouble, like the video said, we need to show them how to use it and use it safely. We, as teachers, need to invest the time and money into these things to learn them for ourselves or "get left behind."

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