This quote has been in my mind since I read it several days ago. I think it says so much about the current state of classroom technology integration.
In my opinion, many of the people teaching today do not really grasp the role technology plays in the world outside their own.
Few of the teachers I work with really embrace the integration of technology in their own lives. Things like RSS, social networking, cloud computing, and so on are mysterious quantities to many of these people.
Few teachers who have been in the classroom more than 10 or 15 years text. Some don't even own a basic cell phone. I know teachers who have a hard time coping with even the most rudimentary use of email.
They've never watched a TV show on Hulu or a movie on Netflix. Never IM-ed or Skyped with anyone, read an ebook, wrote a blog post, or uploaded a video to YouTube. Have not paid a bill or done banking online.
It's not a question of being aware of technology as a casual observer. It's a matter of how significant a role modern technology plays in one's life. Is tech a natural, comfortable, effortless extension of your life? Or, does it seem contrived, ill fitting, and forced?
You can sit on the edge of the pool and dangle your feet in the water, but that doesn't make you a swimmer.
Kids have grown up seemingly always knowing computers, mobile phones, digital cameras, iPods, social networking,Google, and so forth. These things are not novel to them.
What you may see as an "Ohh! Ahh!" moment may be, to your kids, rather "Ho, hum."
Some teachers impress themselves by using a basic PowerPoint in the classroom with black text on a plain white background. No color, images, sounds, or animations. If you think this is going to capture the interest and imagination of today's students, well, good luck with that!
Sure, you need to start with baby steps, but you better soon be running quickly if you hope to keep up.
So, now that we're a decade in, have you made it to the 21st century yet? Or, are you still wearing "floaties" and a nose clip in the kiddie pool?
5 comments:
Maybe we need to start asking what technologies that people use in their daily lives on the application form.
Kelly, that's not a crazy idea. For many jobs, they ask about basic computer skills. In education, that is something that is not really considered, but maybe it should be. I remember a ed tech class I took in college in 2002. The class was filled with older teachers and the first lesson was turning on the computer. I'm not kidding. Some people will continue to dangle their feet while others jump in.
I guess our job is to be swim instructors and lifeguards. Whose got the sunblock?
I going to agree with your opinion that many teachers today do not grasp the power of technology in respect to teaching and learning. Teachers need the activities within their classrooms to remain relevant to today's students. However, in an age where information is created at a faster rate than it can be consumed, the importance of the process behind accessing that information is more important that the actual act of doing it. I believe that teachers should focus more upon the skills associated with Digital Literacy, and not worry so much about technology integration.
I, too, have observed many teachers who do not use technology tools outside of school and are therefore uncomfortable and even fearful at the thought of using them with students. But even the teachers I know are using facebook, cellphones, texting, Hulu, YouTube, etc. in their personal lives are unable to see how they can transfer these skills in their classrooms.
The reasons? Most likely because the tools aren't anywhere in the curricula and they don't have models to follow, they just don't think about using technology. I think teachers are afraid to venture outside the script because of the pressure to produce favorable test scores. Until that pressure eases, I don't think we'll be able to have teachers willing to experiment and take the risks required to try new methods and tools.
I like the comparisons you make to a kiddie pool :). I see many teachers who are still there "trying things" without really trying.
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