Ok, in reading chapter 3 in the Alvermann book I realize how guilty I have been of doing some of the very things criticized in the reading. The section starting on pg. 42 which refers to using the term 'playing' in regards to what students do on computers and with various forms of technology is something that I know I have been guilty of thinking. Perhaps this is why I am continually amazing myself (not in a good way!) with how stuffy my views were on the latest emerging technology. I say 'were' because I really do want to change them! I am trying to open up my eyes to see the educational opportunities that exist in the realm of technology. While I am reluctant to some of this change, I also recognize the importance in obtaining (and maintaining) a way to identify with my future students, and hopefully someday with my own children. I know that I speak for other [potential] teachers in saying that often this technology is threatening on so many levels, and hence it seems easier to downplay its importance or validity. It stems solely from the insecurity and inferiority of the teacher, with the knowledge that their own students have the key to this entirely distant world of information. Because it sometimes seems complex and utterly foreign, it gets knocked down and referred to as 'play'. Are the students just that much more insightful than us? Are they able to more accurately sense what our future will be like? There is truly something to be said for this innate ability in so many children and adolescents today to just sit with ease in front of various forms of media/technology and figure out how to utilize them as well as their emerging importance in everyday life.
I am loving this notion that a teacher's knowledge is no longer the sacred set of words that exit her/his mouth during a lesson, but rather an exchange of SHARED information between her students and herself. What do you think?
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2 comments:
I am in total agreement. Sure, the only reason that I am assuming that students are not being serious about what they do on computers is because for the most part I try not to be completely studious when lounging online!
However, I also think that utilizing the right-brains of our students with technology is a great asset that they will be able to use when in college themselves and/or in the work force.
Dawn
I like your last point, and I agree that I'm glad that teaching will be, for me, more about shared knowledge. Otherwise, I'd look like a damned idiot up there. I hate performing anyway.
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