the first class was quite eye-opening for me in realizing just how creative everyone could be. indeed, i did not think of half the things they came up with. as i worked on the first worksheet, i realized that each subject's technology is quite unique as different tools each have their pros and cons. preparing to teach english, biology, and psychology, i started by trying to integrate them all into a single classroom, but then quickly realized that certain things i would need for a biology lab would be completely unnecessary for an english classroom.
another particularly interesting thing was when i realized that my mind had completely dismissed the overhead and blackboard as pieces of technology. perhaps it's because i was so familiar with them that i take them for granted. but now, as i think about it, just about every one of a teacher's tools can be considered technology. from pointer sticks to maps to plastic models to lab equipment. all of it is technology, and all of it can be properly or improperly used.
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True. I think there's quite a bit we take for granted - which makes me eager to find out what other people might think is a natural part of a classroom that I have yet to incorporate into my mental landscape!
Thanks for the comment, Larry. When we look at the history of instructional technology at our next class, we'll talk some more about this broader definition of instructional technology. You are so right to remind us that, despite what we've sometimes been led to believe, technology in and of itself isn't magic, but is only a teaching resource that can be used or misused...it's still all about teaching and learning.
Hey Bro,
I totally agree. . . with the technology part, not the you-aren't-as-creative-as-everyone-else part.
Ok, but for real though, don't you think that new technologies like the internet pose a greater problem then something like a dry erase board. With one, students have the potential to engage and be engaged by people who care very little about them and their well-being.
i think that it's important to realize what we take for granted, like computer labs (which sometimes don't even get used in schools), audio visual equipment, stuff like that that is available in most schools, it's just about knowing your resources when you plan.
it's also insightful to take a look at what technology means in different types of classrooms, b/c what works best for one isn't necessarily useful to another!
xo
lauren
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