Every generation must teach a new generation who has so many new things to learn and so many new ways to learn them. The current generation is being labeled the ‘Digital Natives’. We are challenged to teach a generation that is growing up with instant gratification: instant mac and cheese, movies on demand, 24 hour news cycles, etc. The use of multimedia in teaching this generation would seem like a no-brainer, yet schools have been slow to integrate technology into the everyday classroom. There are many reasons for this. First and foremost is the cost factor. Multimedia in the classroom is an expensive endeavor for schools that can barely afford up-to-date textbooks.
One of the biggest benefits of allowing students to learn with the aid of technology is its ability to help meet the multiple intelligences. The movie, ‘Digital Youth Portrait: Sam’, helps illustrate this point. Sam obviously learns best in a way that does not follow the typical learning mold of school. By allowing her to learn outside the box and create projects that are in the realm of her interest while still meeting the objectives of the lesson, her teacher is helping her become a life-long learner. In ‘Schools Use Games of Learning and Assessment’, schools are using simulation games to help students learn. It also discusses the use of simulations for training purposes for future pilots and doctors. These are wonderful ways to incorporate technology and get students motivated to learn. It might seem cost prohibitive, but the long term benefits and cost analysis should be looked at. It may seem cost prohibitive, but might prove cheaper over the long haul.
Students respond much better to things they understand and are familiar with and whether we like it or not, computers, the internet and fast moving information is what they know. It would be smart for educators to work outside the box to find ways to connect learning objectives with available technology. Sam and the students in the other movie are examples of the positive reaction students have when they can use technology to aid in their learning. It is important that educators make sure that learning is occurring. This can be one of the more difficult issues when integrating technology. Using simulations does allow for learning to occur. Training programs can be helpful, giving students real life experiences without the fear of causing some serious harm to others.
The book discusses so many options for integrating technology that it allows for the use of the multiple intelligences. The many choices available allow for teachers to structure unit objectives that fit in the box that the student feels most comfortable in.
I agree with everything you had to say and am trying to focus on the positive when it comes to integrating technology. I feel soon there will be new and innovative ways to use technology in the classroom available to teachers that is not something we have seen before. It could be something like the movie about simulations but I realize that just using technology isn't enough and does not address higher order thinking skills automatically! The future of technology in the classroom is inevitable but school districts need to play catch up fast in order for it to be effective and current!
ReplyDeleteI think that first we need to decided just how MUCH we want to relinquish to technology, then just WHAT it is we want out students to gain from it, before we go moving into the computer lab. We cannot lose our kids to digital forces if the cost (and not monetary costs) is to high.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you talked about instant gratification. Isn't that the truth. Everything is in speed mode, and you are right, as educators we need to meet the needs of each student according to the ways THEY learn best. It is hard to break out of the paper and pencil mode, but this is a different world. Great blog posting. It was very informative.
ReplyDeleteTami
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ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right when you say that today’s generation is used to instant gratification! As teachers who are not digital natives, it may be difficult for some of us to “speed up” in order to meet the needs of students according to the ways they learn best. Sometimes I wish that we could take the time to slow down; however, we must adjust our teaching practices to meet the needs of today’s learners. It is also important for schools to acknowledge that technology has taken learning to the next level. In order to continue moving forward, schools must be prepared with the right equipment to implement technology correctly. Unfortunately, cost is usually the major factor preventing schools from acquiring the most up-to-date software and computer equipment.
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