This week what got my eye the most was about Carol and his classroom that went all media. This in ways can be a very good thing because he taught his class the importance of finding valuable sources on the computer and how to make it a useful tool.
However, at what cost is the question we must ask ourselves. True he taught them about digital tools and had his students wanting to do work more easily but when it came time for a paper test their performance was all much lower then in past records.
At times like this we need to find time and reflect on what we want our next generation to know and what can be left out because we have found better ways.
Although, students need to know how to write on paper and think other then behind a screen.
We need paper but we need to be able to do more then hint print for it to have words.
The thing is yes we need to teach our students to be able to take a test and to do everything we have known for generations but we also need to keep striving for better faster - answers.
So as teachers I think we need to find a balance on how to teach and what we need to teach them to benefit society.
Hi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see that you are now able to post successfully...looks like you are getting the hang of the blog! I agree with this post that we need to find balance. In my experience with this course, and other courses like it that I've taught....I have found that students are focused in one of two ways.
1. They get excited and want to do everything with technology.
or
2. They are quite resistant and find this to be a trend.
I think you are correct in saying that a balance is key. I mean, while I am teaching you all a whole lot about digital literacies, it would be impossible, and even a disservice to conduct an entire class digitally. Of course we need traditional assessments, and pen to paper assignments. I'm glad that you understand the purpose of the course and the readings....which is to become exposed to what is out there and to pick and choose what to use in the classroom.