As just about everyone knows, technology in schools has become more common and less surprising. Kids love this stuff. Noises are made about “21st century learning” and the need to prepare kids for the future. All that is true enough, but the bottom line is that technology in schools just makes sense.
Think about it. Kids today are simply surrounded by technology in some form: phones, laptops, mp3 players, and computers. What’s more, most students today know exactly how to use those things. They are on Facebook, they are involved in online worlds such as Second Life; they are texting, chatting, exploring, and manipulating the tools they have.
A few years ago, having technology in the classroom was the exception. Now, schools are working hard to make it the rule. Teachers have to create all new lessons to go with the increase in technology. But with great technology comes great power (to borrow from Spiderman’s uncle). Now we also have to consider Internet safety, not to mention what to do with all that information that is flooding the web. Students have to learn what information to trust, and what not to trust. Students also have to be taught a whole new way of thinking – just as teachers have to learn to think in a whole new way about education.
It’s not easy. As much as I love technology in my own classroom, I am also quick to admit that it is work to begin changing everything you do. However, in response to those who might ask, “Why should I change when what I have always done has always worked?” My answer is simple. We have to change because the students have. These aren’t the same kids who were limited by space and distance and sharing a home phone number with the family. These kids are constantly in touch no matter where they are. They tweet, text, and play games with friends all the time. To place them in a room and expect them to learn the same way their parents did….well that simply does not make sense. They are not their parents.
I am not suggesting that technology will solve all our problems. However, I would like to suggest to you that we make way for this way of teaching and learning. Personally, I’d like to get rid of my desks, get tables and chairs, have my own set of laptops or computers in my room, and create a collaborative learning environment. I know that won’t happen any time soon – so I push my desks together, encourage “learning partners” and get the laptops as much as I can. Does it really make a difference? You bet. If we give them permission to solve their own problems, and give ourselves permission to not have all the answers, then the classroom dynamic changes completely. It’s amazing, it’s fun….and the kids are engaged and learning.
What’s not to love about it?
Christine Moore currently holds a degree in education and psychology from Howard Payne University and has a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. She is now working on her Ph.D. in Educational Technology at Walden University. Married with four children who attend Brownwood schools, Christine teaches 6th grade reading in Brownwood and has been working in education at various levels for the past 15 years. Christine welcomes your questions and comments and would love to hear from you!
