Technology is now embedded in many classrooms. How technology is used differs in every district, school site, and classroom. I heard a teacher at my school site say she is planning to retire early due to using technology. She is afraid of it and will not use it. The buzz word Adam used early on is FEAR. Fear invokes many behaviors, mostly in those who are digital immigrants (administration, and many teachers). Fear regarding technology often occurs with how the school site or district implements the use of technology. Most often, as Adam stated, it occurs once a year and is fronted by the company pitchman who sells the sizzle, but, does not cover how to make it meaningful in the classroom. An example is the smart board. Our school had smart boards installed in several room. The teachers were never trained how to connect them to their computers, how to use them, or if there is a problem what or who to contact. Another example is we have several carts with laptops. Teachers are aware of them, know how to check them out, but there is no training on how to use them in a productive way in the classroom.
The math department's curriculum requires the use of the laptops so the students can master the content. My curriculum that I teach requires the use of technology, especially in STEAM. In this instance, the district spent both the money and the time to train the teachers who will be teaching the curriculum. We have be given all the needed technology and the robotic systems to be successful.
An area that I agree with Bellows is the use of phones in the classroom. Many students in our school have smart phones that could be used in a productive manner in the class. As with computers, students are easily distracted and want to watch videos, play games, or use social media. My school site has very explicit rules regarding phones. If they are out in the classroom, they are to be confiscated and taken to the office where they must be picked up by a parent or guardian. I would love to use phones as part of a group assignment, but I am unsure if the school would allow it. In summary, technology is a two edged sword that cuts many directions.
The math department's curriculum requires the use of the laptops so the students can master the content. My curriculum that I teach requires the use of technology, especially in STEAM. In this instance, the district spent both the money and the time to train the teachers who will be teaching the curriculum. We have be given all the needed technology and the robotic systems to be successful.
An area that I agree with Bellows is the use of phones in the classroom. Many students in our school have smart phones that could be used in a productive manner in the class. As with computers, students are easily distracted and want to watch videos, play games, or use social media. My school site has very explicit rules regarding phones. If they are out in the classroom, they are to be confiscated and taken to the office where they must be picked up by a parent or guardian. I would love to use phones as part of a group assignment, but I am unsure if the school would allow it. In summary, technology is a two edged sword that cuts many directions.