Welcome to 7215X - Technology in Education!
Over the next few weeks, we will explore several educational software and online programs that you can easily integrate into your teaching and learning. We will look at many free Web 2.0 tools that can be used to communicate and collaborate within your building as well as globally. As we prepare our children for a world of work which will be greatly different from the one we currently know, we must also prepare ourselves to change the way we teach so that it reflects best practices, offers differentiated instruction and allows for the seamless integration of technology.
It is an interesting concept that students want to personalize their learning. "Fifty-two percent of students said online learning is an attractive option for them because they want
ReplyDeleteto be in control of their own learning." As teachers, we are always wanting to hold students "accountable" for their work; and now students want to be in control which I feel is a good thing. This can help students remain engaged in school. If they feel a sense of ownership when learning a lesson and using the (mobile) technology they want, they will be more interested in the material.
Collaboration takes on a whole new meaning when students have technology available to them. Not only can they work on a task together (side by side), but they can blog about answers or topics they are struggling with. This can lead to meaningful discussion and accountable talk which is what every teacher wants to see in their classroom. They can collaborate through social media sights such as Twitter. According to the article, "Forty-six percent of high school students have used Facebook as a collaborative learning tool."
I do see the obstacles that can be faced when using a social media site such as Facebook as a learning tool. I see the potential in it, but it needs to be heavily monitored which is a struggle within itself. Perhaps if they created a seperate Facebook account that would just be used for school then it would help the teacher monitor it more easily. Nonetheless, if students want to take control of their learning, I do feel that schools need to give students a chance by becoming more lenient when it comes to allowing mobile devices into classrooms. Mobile technology can be such a beneficial asset to a child's learning and it is another great way of integrating technology in the classroom.
It’s great to see survey data that talks about students’ perspective; students directing their own learning using technology, working with classmates, creating presentations, conducting experiments and more. There are varieties of technology tools that are available for students to choose from and find the tool that best suits their personal needs. I like the idea of having more personalized learning through the use of technology and “more than one thirds of parents would support online learning if it improves student performance” and “62 percent of the parents said they would purchase a mobile device”. I appreciate the fact that parents are supporting the idea instead of seeing it as a distraction.
ReplyDeleteThe use of technology changes teacher's role it becomes more student centered, teacher is no longer the center of attention. The teacher becomes more of a facilitator, providing guidelines, resources, walking around to support students and also monitor students on what they are doing on their computers or mobile devices as well. I think the use of cellphones in the classroom can be very distracting because of texting. It would be hard to punish students since it has silent mode and these devices can be hidden under their desks. Cell phone use can disrupt the whole class when there is incoming calls or messages. Even in college students are texting while the professor is lecturing and these are young kids, they will feel tempted to use these devices for fun. It is easy to block inappropriate websites in a computer but it would be difficult to monitor student’s use of cellphones. If students don’t take advantage of the tools and use it for educational purposes then it would be a wonderful idea to give them the opportunity to take responsibility of their learning as the teacher guides them through.
If students want mobilized technology to learn why not give it to them? Based on the article I believe students should be encouraged to use the tools that they like, and use to help them learn. It would help them to become more successful and more accountable for their work. Many times on my travel on the trains and buses I hear high school students complaining and commenting that if they had a choice to take an on-line class that they would rather than go to a boring class with an instructor that lectures all the time. I think this really kills their will to learn, because they don't feel free to learn the way they would like to and there are more than one way to learn.
ReplyDeleteI believe schools should consider creating a school based Facebook for their schools only that way some control would be met to prevent unwanted individuals who are not students or teachers. I think the elementary and middle schools should be the training ground where students should be taught how to use these mobile technologies so that they learn how to be responsible in using them and for their work so that when they get to high school they would already be trained and disciplined on how to use mobile technology appropriately. They have to start somewhere so why not at the elementary level. Some students hate school so much that they would rather stay away from class to be on their mobiles. So why not encourage them to come to class and to learn the way they would enjoy learning and collaborate with others. It would only encourage them to participate in class lessons and improve their grades.
Although this article said that students want access to their mobile devices for learning, it sounded like the theme of the article was that they really want classrooms where they have more control over their learning. Mobile devices would just be a tool for this model. The Common Core Standards are certainly encouraging teachers to use problem solving and differentiation to make students more responsible for their own learning. Cell phones, tablets, and internet access are certainly part of this model.
ReplyDeleteAs an elementary school teacher, I can see how cell phones could be distracting and inappropriate at school at particular times. If cell phones were to be used for instruction, their would definitely need to be limitations during class (such as no texting your friend who is across the room about this weekend). I have also known of kids who bring DS's into the bathroom and hide out for a half hour rather than being in class. Technology can be so fun to young students that they may not be mature enough to use technology for learning during school and personal play time at home.
On the other hand, cell phones, tablets, and access to the internet could be a great way to engage students in their independent learning. For example, as a first grade teacher I did a project using the book Flat Stanley. Flat Stanley was a boy who was flattened in an unfortunate bulletin board accident, but because of that he was able to fit inside of an envelope. My students all made a flat stanley and sent him around the world to different people they knew to collect photographs, letters, and artifacts from different places. Imagine students using technology to enhance this project. Online videos, regular emails or texts, or photos sent online rather than through the mail could give the class more information on the places.
The use of technology is the classroom to personalize learning is wonderful. It, as the article stated, “Personal learning tools in school increase collaboration and access to resources.” The way of textbooks and using the library to gather information will soon be obsolete. All the information and books you need can be easily accessed on the web and to be able to have this in all classrooms for students to use and learn from is excellent.
ReplyDeleteI do not agree with students using their own personal devices in school. I feel this is something that should be provided by the school. As many of us have seen or heard on the news, students take pictures of exams and sending them to other students. If the school provided the appropriate technology then the school has the ability to restrict what the device is capable of doing. When a student uses their own personal device the restrictions are limited.
As for on-line learning it is the way of the future, and it’s great that you can be anywhere and log on to the course, but I for one like the interaction with other human beings. I feel that there is a lack of human contact with on-line learning.
To address what you called "a lack of human contact with on-line learning," I think that on-line learning exchanges are very much human centered. Most online courses use pictures of their instructor, and one on one feedback for most assignments. My first on-line course with the Museum of Natural History in Oceanography required a lot of blogging and feedback between other students and the instructor.
DeleteThe survey in the article “explores how students want to take control of their learning and the tools they use to learn.” Although “…62% of parents said that they would purchase a mobile device for their child if schools used them for learning.” the remaining 38% of children would be left out. This calls for action by the board of education to supply schools with the proper computer equipment. Obviously, the use of cell phones in school can be disruptive, but the use of tablets and computers can be very beneficial to students. This brings to mind the use of online classes, whereby students can complete assignments on their own time as needed rather than be stuck in a teacher centered classroom.
ReplyDeleteComputer based learning can be fun, interactive, follow State standards, and take up less of a teacher’s time, like in the use of the Compass Learning demonstration we had in our class. The survey mentioned that the traditional class with a mix of teacher-directed instruction and student-directed leaning, using technology to support both was only 9% of high school math and science instruction. Nevertheless, we have to come a long way to implement this new technology in all our classrooms.
Students today are very computer savvy. I have defiantly used the internet or learning devises to learn something new, especially for school purposes. When writing a paper almost all of my work sited information always comes from the internet. Although many high school students use social media as a learning/ collaborating tool many students unfortunately don’t. The internet it very important tool especially when you need to do research for a school project. Many students have never used a dictionary or encyclopedia in their life. The internet is a very useful tool and if used properly can be endless.
ReplyDeleteI was shocked to see that only 9 percent of classrooms use traditional class with a mix of teacher-directed instruction and student-directed learning, using technology to support both. Unfortunately many schools do not allow electronic devices in the classroom. The reasoning is because many students abuse the internet privileges. Though many students like to learn there are those that ruin it for the others.
I agree that most all of students are computer savvy. What would we do without search engines like Google and Bing to check for sources for our papers? It looks like computers are revolutionizing our schools with interactive software like the software that comes from Compass Learning or other sources, and we must keep abreast with the technology.
ReplyDeleteBased on the content of the article I am not in any way surprised that students are now interested in having a say on personalizing their learning, especially with the use of technology. It is clear in our society today that a great magnitude of students has had connections with a series of technologies as were mentioned in the article. The article stated that, “Outside of school: one in ten high school students has tweeted about an academic topic that interested them. Forty-six percent of high school students have used Face book as a collaborative learning tool. One in four students has online videos to help with homework questions”. These statistics have indicated that students are constantly engaged in the use of a wide variety of technology outside of the learning environment and should be able to capture their attentions if it is fully introduced in the teaching and learning process in the regular classroom settings. With the introduction of this new tool in the classroom based on the article students are proposing to demonstrate that they can be accountable for their own Learning, that is what teachers want from their students. This commitment from the students is still to be materialized since much more work is needed form all that will be involved to make this a successful integration.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the use of technology can be seen to be an excellent tool to help technological inclined students to demonstrate their creativity with their peers there are several likely obstacles that stand in the way. The article made mentioned of several of these obstacles but my major concern is on two of them, monitoring students to ensure that they are on task and the inadequate supply of computers in the classrooms. Constantly monitoring students to ensure that they are on task is a very important component of classroom management that can be very challenging at times depending on the layout of the room. Schools will therefore have to enforce strict policies that are binding among the school, students and parents/guardians that are likely to remind students that the use of technology is for educational purposes, especially when conducting class assignments whether it’s in or out of the classroom. The second obstacle is the inadequate supply of technology in the classroom that can hamper the smooth flow of assigned activities and the inability to effectively assess students’ development and needs.
Based on the content of the article I am not in any way surprised that students are now interested in having a say on personalizing their learning, especially with the use of technology. It is clear in our society today that a great magnitude of students has had connections with a series of technologies as were mentioned in the article. The article stated that, “Outside of school: one in ten high school students has tweeted about an academic topic that interested them. Forty-six percent of high school students have used Face book as a collaborative learning tool. One in four students has online videos to help with homework questions”. These statistics have indicated that students are constantly engaged in the use of a wide variety of technology outside of the learning environment and should be able to capture their attentions if it is fully introduced in the teaching and learning process in the regular classroom settings. With the introduction of this new tool in the classroom based on the article students are proposing to demonstrate that they can be accountable for their own Learning, that is what teachers want from their students. This commitment from the students is still to be materialized since much more work is needed form all that will be involved to make this a successful integration.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the use of technology can be seen to be an excellent tool to help technological inclined students to demonstrate their creativity with their peers there are several likely obstacles that stand in the way. The article made mentioned of several of these obstacles but my major concern is on two of them, monitoring students to ensure that they are on task and the inadequate supply of computers in the classrooms. Constantly monitoring students to ensure that they are on task is a very important component of classroom management that can be very challenging at times depending on the layout of the room. Schools will therefore have to enforce strict policies that are binding among the school, students and parents/guardians that are likely to remind students that the use of technology is for educational purposes, especially when conducting class assignments whether it’s in or out of the classroom. The second obstacle is the inadequate supply of technology in the classroom that can hamper the smooth flow of assigned activities and the inability to effectively assess students’ development and needs.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAdding to what Valerie said, while technology maybe engages students in the classroom, there will be students who can and will abuse the privilege of a wireless internet connection. (Using a wired connection restricts movement and in turn, restricts freedom.) I do believe technology is highly beneficial in the classroom; however before the start of any technological integration, the teacher must affirm the proper use of mobile devices in the classroom and safety precautions regarding online identity and theft as well as embedding media to an assignment and piracy.
ReplyDeletePart of me questions if what the student wants is really the best course of action take in regards to their education? Is this the most effective method they see fit, or is it the method they wish to take? In past experiences regarding online courses- it is much harder than a class within a classroom. The number one difference was communication with the professor. If anything, it was HARDER to get in contact with a professor who taught an online course than scheduling a meeting with a professor. If students do wish to get in touch with their teacher, the teacher has to respond as promptly as possible. In terms of educational material- there has to be a continuous monitoring of what sites should students be allowed to visit, and what inappropriate material to block. Facebook isn’t an educational site I would use in collaboration with my students (especially since the TOS requires students of age 13 and older) since I’ve seen students abuse gaming apps which are not in the least bit educational.
Just how does one judge the educational value of the internet? Granted, that Facebook is a social media site, but when its directed toward classroom education, it can be a powerful tool. I wonder about the internet being something like the wild west, where we often do need some type of internet policing.
DeleteI think the use of personalized technology is a controversial issue. There are pros and cons to it. I think it's important to teach students responsibility when they are using their personal gadgets. Just as they can bring in a toy or other inappropriate items to school to distract, their cellphones can be used as such too. With that, they should learn to use it wisely and appropriately. This will obviously require discipline from the teachers part as well.
ReplyDeleteOnce used in the classroom, I think it's a great tool to collaborate learning. Students need to realize that what they learn is not just mere pages from their textbooks, but relates to the real world.
I think the use of personalized technology is a controversial issue. There are pros and cons to it. I think it's important to teach students responsibility when they are using their personal gadgets. Just as they can bring in a toy or other inappropriate items to school to distract, their cellphones can be used as such too. With that, they should learn to use it wisely and appropriately. This will obviously require discipline from the teachers part as well.
ReplyDeleteOnce used in the classroom, I think it's a great tool to collaborate learning. Students need to realize that what they learn is not just mere pages from their textbooks, but relates to the real world.
Personalized Learning sounds like a great way to connect to with our students and ultimately teach them. Given the changes our society has made over the years, it is only natural that the education system is required to adapt as well. It is also expected that students themselves request this change as it seems the only place where technology is not prevalent nowadays is in the schools.
ReplyDeleteI have heard about schools that give their students IPads and I’ve always thought of how great idea that must be. The use of technology in and of itself is motivation enough for mostly everyone. I am also not surprised at the fact that students are tweeting and using Facebook for academic purposes. With the availability of so much of information at our fingertips it is only natural that students would want access to it at school. It is actually motivating to me as a teacher to know that students are taking this much interest in their own learning. Additionally, I was intrigued by the STEM connection. Science, technology, engineering and math are areas that many shy away from but it makes sense that through the usage of technology in the classroom students are more open to delving into these fields.
Although I am particularly pleased with the fact that parents seem to be taking initiative by advocating for personalized learning, I would have to agree that I don’t think students should be allowed to use their personal mobile devices in class. Not only does it present an issue if everyone does not have the access to a smart phone or other mobile device, but one cannot control what students are doing on their own devices. I think that in order for personalized learning to be a true success, these devices should be owned by the schools or districts and be used solely for educational purposes.
Personalized Learning sounds like a great way to connect to with our students and ultimately teach them. Given the changes our society has made over the years, it is only natural that the education system is required to adapt as well. It is also expected that students themselves request this change as it seems the only place where technology is not prevalent nowadays is in the schools.
ReplyDeleteI have heard about schools that give their students IPads and I’ve always thought of how great idea that must be. The use of technology in and of itself is motivation enough for mostly everyone. I am also not surprised at the fact that students are tweeting and using Facebook for academic purposes. With the availability of so much of information at our fingertips it is only natural that students would want access to it at school. It is actually motivating to me as a teacher to know that students are taking this much interest in their own learning. Additionally, I was intrigued by the STEM connection. Science, technology, engineering and math are areas that many shy away from but it makes sense that through the usage of technology in the classroom students are more open to delving into these fields.
Although I am particularly pleased with the fact that parents seem to be taking initiative by advocating for personalized learning, I would have to agree that I don’t think students should be allowed to use their personal mobile devices in class. Not only does it present an issue if everyone does not have the access to a smart phone or other mobile device, but one cannot control what students are doing on their own devices. I think that in order for personalized learning to be a true success, these devices should be owned by the schools or districts and be used solely for educational purposes.
I don't see anything wrong with students using their own technology in the classroom. I know that it is illegal for students to bring their cell phones in school in NYC. I also know that my principle doesn't allow to use personal devices or to bring them in. I believe that idea of personalized learning will be accepted by school authorities in the nearest future because parents and students are involved in using technology at home and it can help to make learning process more attractive.
ReplyDeleteThis topic also raises discussion about how to manage educational use of personal technology. It is not a secret that a lot of students use their personal devices only for social network and games. So whenever this problem of controlling of non-educational usage of personal devices will be solved then more and more schools will allow their students to use them during classroom learning.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with this article. I think that students should be allowed to bring in mobile devices in to school if it’s for learning purposes. There are so many possibilities of what can be done in the classroom with technology. Most students are accustomed to using technology on regular basis outside of school, so using it for learning purposes would be very useful for their learning. As this article points out, sometimes what can be done using technology is limited because of the small amount of devices that are available for each student in the class. This problem can somewhat be alleviated if students who owned these types of devices were able to bring them to school. I know that behind this idea of bring these items to school also has its own obstacles. These may include devices getting lost, stolen, or damaged on school grounds. But I think there are ways to work around this, such as having these devices locked away by the teacher and only taken out when needed.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading, I also found it interesting that students are tweeting about things they learn about in school and using Facebook as a collaborative tool. In this sense, students are using technology as a means of learning outside the classroom as well. In addition, I learned that students who have limited amounts of technology included in their education tend to stray away from jobs in the field of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This can be quite a downfall for the future of our students because it limits interesting career paths that they could be missing out on.
Derice
ReplyDeleteI must say that I have to agree with this article. I cannot tell how much more richer and interactive my lessons would be if I was able to use more technology. The use of technology is at an all time high and the students are much more savvy with the use of technology. I agree that the classroom where there is more technology used the students show an higher interest in the STEM subjects. It is not hard to see how this would affect the students learning. Think of a classroom where the teacher is teaching about the inside of a volcano. What would be more interesting, the videos that show this or the textbook? I do not even think it would be a fair choice as most if not all of the students would prefer the videos. I believe that each student should have some responsibility for their learning . They want to use technology and they want to feel that they are doing something for themselves so how else are we going to do that without the use of technology? It would be a shame to waste all the talents of the students and deprive them of what is rightfully theirs. Their education.
Donald
ReplyDeleteThis article clearly encapsulates the cry of our young tech savvy learners to incorporate technology in their education. They all own or have access to mobile devices that they have a desire to use to facilitate the way they learn. They are demanding that their devices be more freely utilized in their education. Even parents support the use of mobile technology in their children's educational lives despite opposition from school administrations.
Data shows that these young learners want to customize and personalize their education by seeking online classes, discussion boards, online videos, and educational gaming that peak their intellectual curiosity. These same learners are also apt to seek careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
This article is clear validation for the use of technology courses like 7215 that we are taking here at Brooklyn College. These upcoming tech savvy kids that the article talks about, are creating a ground swell of demand for the advancement of learning through technology. I think it's time we hear them.
After reading this article it surprises me that most parents and students want more technology based learning, but schools are limiting this. I can understand why schools would not want the use of personal devices in the schools. When children have electronics it is likely that at first they will be using them to communicate with each other, rather than for academic purposes. On the other hand, by allowing students to use their own devices, it cuts cost to schools. Considering that children and teens already know how to use I Pads, IPODS, tablets, Smart phones, Nooks and other E Readers, it would be fairly easy to use them to instruct. If enough protection and firewalls were put into place, perhaps it would be more foreseeable for students to use their own electronics. This article clearly shows the disconnect between schools, families, and our fast changing society. Although careers in the future will require knowldge of electronic devices, schools are still teaching the three R's in the same old fashion.
ReplyDeleteThis article clearly indicates the usage of technology in our everyday lives. Students are using different personal devices to access the technology outside the classroom. As mentioned in the article, students prefer online studying and they want to be in control of their own learning, which is a great thing. Students using technology are more open to investigate in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, as far as the personal mobile devices in the classroom are concerned, I believe it puts a lot of responsibility on students as well as on the teachers. Great classroom management skills are needed from teachers’ side to keep the students engage and be on task as personal devices can distract the students. Students should be able to use the devices properly and wisely.
Moreover, not all the students are financially strong enough to keep up with the latest technology. Low income students can have inferiority complex when their peers are capable of bringing expensive devices in the same classroom. However, I don't see any drawback in using the technology if it is provided by schools to all the students.
The article seems to highlight the fact that technology is the current mode of learning. Students are vastly engaged in leaning in creative ways via any electronic/technological device available to them. While students are embracing and using technology at home, the schools and the education system need to comparatively integrate technology into the curriculum to support the students' interest. By personalizing their learning through the use of I Pads, IPODS, tablets, Smart phones, Nooks and other devices,students are setting the stage for the rise of technology in the class because they are already equipped with the 'know how' to use it. The fact that information is only a click away on their devices, students are motivated to online learning than the traditional classroom settings.
ReplyDeleteThe current obstacles that prevent students from using technology at school include inability to access social media, lack of computers, important websites being blocked, and the inability to student student-owned mobile devices. This problem can be overcome by government polices as well as, finical support from the business sector to fund technology in the schools. Also, parents and school administrators need a collective approach on this topic to ensure students success.
The article seems to highlight the fact that technology is the current mode of learning. Students are vastly engaged in leaning in creative ways via any electronic/technological device available to them. While students are embracing and using technology at home, the schools and the education system need to comparatively integrate technology into the curriculum to support the students' interest. By personalizing their learning through the use of I Pads, IPODS, tablets, Smart phones, Nooks and other devices,students are setting the stage for the rise of technology in the class because they are already equipped with the 'know how' to use it. The fact that information is only a click away on their devices, students are motivated to online learning than the traditional classroom settings.
ReplyDeleteThe current obstacles that prevent students from using technology at school include inability to access social media, lack of computers, important websites being blocked, and the inability to student student-owned mobile devices. This problem can be overcome by government polices as well as, finical support from the business sector to fund technology in the schools. Also, parents and school administrators need a collective approach on this topic to ensure students success.
The use of technology and integrating technology into our classrooms is extremely important right now. Students are growing up in a world where technology comes as first nature to them. They are glued to their smart phones, iPads, and tablets, and many of them know how to work and navigate around these gadgets a lot better than adults can. Although many parents believe that the less time students spend playing with their iPads and smartphones, the better, they might want to think about that again.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the article about 50% of students from elementary school all the way up to high school use technology as a learning tool. This article proves that when there is technology integration classroom, students become more interested in subjects such as science and math. Many high school students agree that technology intervention in the classroom better helps them with their academics. I think the more technology in the classroom, the better, and most students would agree. The one thing I still don't fully agree with is the use of mobile phones in the classroom. Smart phones are too distracting to many students. Most times it is used incorrectly and inefficiently with the students.
The article examined student interest in technology use within the classroom. There were many studies and majority of these findings indicate, most students would rather use technology in the classroom rather than old traditional teacher directed instruction. The article went further with the suggesting that students would be in favor of the use of there own personal technological devices. I assume that these studies weren't done in Brooklyn, especially in the High Schools. I say that because many students are afraid to bring their devices to school in fear of being robbed. I've worked in law enforcement and dealt mostly with high school children, the reality of the situation is many of these student would not be able to afford a personal device. This article points out that majority of parents stated they would buy their student a device to use for school, this excerpt is definite proof that these researchers didn't speak with inner city youth and their parents.
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong I believe technology is important in education, I just think the schools should supply the materials. It's unfair to assume all students in every school across America would be able to purchase a $600 personal device for their children. These researchers have to think of every confounding possibility. I know that many students would be elated about the idea of using their own device or Facebook in school or outside of school, for homework or classwork, however how do educators make it possible for all students.
The article examines the use of mobile devices in the classroom for teaching and learning. The article states, “Students are using technology in school for a variety of reasons, including creating presentations and media, to play educational games, and to conduct virtual experiments.” So students are already experimenting with technology in the classroom, they have a good idea how these devices can transform their learning and make their learning personalized. With the increase use of technology, and more students, parents, and teachers having access to or owing a technological device, students learning can be personalized using these devices. Teachers can incorporate mobile devices in their teaching. Students can use them for research, to take pictures, make videos, set reminders for upcoming school events, assignments, and take notes.
ReplyDeleteAnother important aspect of using mobile devices to personalized students’ learning is the use of social media to meet their learning needs. Some Elementary students use blogs and wikis; while older students use Face Book to converse with friends at school. Nevertheless, there are some concerns with student using their own mobile devices at school. There is the risk of distraction, theft, internet safety, and invasion of privacy. Students would have to be constantly monitored to make sure they are using the mobile device for the intended use, and teachers have to examine the educational software that they will use in their teaching to make sure that it supports students’ learning of the topic being taught.
This article indicates the percentage of technology use in school environment which also reveals the future hope of using more technologies for academic use as well as personal use. I strongly agree that the school and department fund technological devices for students and teachers for educational purposes in school. However, I wouldn't recommend each student own mobile devices, though school uses them in learning. I have been seeing many elementary school children are provided with devices by their parents such as iPad, Tablet for entertainment and supplement for studies. Children would get distracted easily by spending their time playing on iPad at home, that they may not be willing to finish their homework assignment. They are too young to own luxury and not every parent will enable to afford the monthly expenses for their children. School is the place where children get to learn social communication skill and team work so they understanding how important being responsible and independent is. Technological devices will be only use for games, and other supplements. I think it's important to derive a message that not everything is given as it is. If each student owns a device, that will possibly bring up other issues such as financial burden, robbery, perspective of materials and concentration ability.
ReplyDeleteStudents are use to using different types of technology and personal devices in their everyday lives. So it makes sense that they would want to use them in school. It also makes since that parents support personal devices in school. They see their children using them and able to understanding them, so they think it would benefit them in school. Students also have a desire to control their own learning and technology allows them to do so. Technology also gives them the opportunity to do things that a traditional classroom may not.
ReplyDeleteMy fear is that not all students have access to this technology, so they will not know how to use it in school. I guess you can say this is a great way to introduce them to it, but what about when they go home. I also fear student’s ability to be responsible when they are using these devices and actually doing their work. They may become distracted, interact with others and not follow the lesson. I think this is where classroom management comes in.
There are many pros and cons to technology in the classroom. You just have to be careful and think them through.
The statistics presented in the article revealed the growing need among students and their parents to have personalized mobile devises in the classroom. Though I support having technology in the classroom, my concern with students using their own devices is that it would create inequity among those who are able to afford them and those who are not.
ReplyDeleteThe article said "more than 52% of district administrators do not currently allow the use of any owned mobile devices in schools." I am assuming that the reason for this is to lessen the anticipated disciplinary problems that could occur. The greater good however is "increased interest in STEM careers". I am therefore suggesting that these administrators design a system for their students to have access to mobile devices in class. They could purchase the devices wholesale and have them managed and maintained by their Technology departments.It would lessen issues of theft, create equity among students,facilitate better classroom management for teachers and integrity of students' work. The long term benefits of advancement in Science and Technology is worth the effort.
According to the article, many students own personalized mobile devices such as tablets. These devices are allowing students to become independent, skillful and knowledgeable of the technological age. Students are using these devices outside of school to take notes, conduct research at any available time, access online textbooks, store, and retrieve information, communicate with fellow peers, and even play games as a form of relaxation.
ReplyDeleteThe article also indicated that students want to use their personalized mobile devices at school. Even though, I strongly support the use of mobile devices at school because we are living in a technological age and the devices can increase collaboration and access to resources outside of the classroom. The devices can also foster the development of education. I would only support the use of personalized devices at school if there is a system to monitor the students’ usage and access to certain sites. Students may want to use their devices to communicate with friends and access non educational sites during school. I have seen students used their phones to access Facebook during school. This practice can diminish the purpose of allowing personalized devices at school.
I agree that technology should be used within the classroom, and I agree with personalized learning. Students should be able to use their personal devices to aid them with learning. I loved the fact that they took a poll from actual students, and were able to get a feel for their thoughts on how they like to learn. There is a lot that the school system would have to do in order to make sure that the students are safe while able to use the internet, but I am sure that can be worked out. I am excited for this technology movement.
ReplyDeleteMany students like the idea of using their personal mobile devices to help them learn but at the same time how could you regulate the access to certain content that would be inappropriate in the classroom. Parental privacy controls allow minimal access to the internet and apps within the device not permitting them to content they may need. With mobile device in the class room how can teachers know if a student is paying attention or playing angry birds. The upside to having the technology at their fingertips is that teacher should always have the correct response if all they have to do is Google it providing that there is sufficient internet access and WIFI throughout the school and the student has a device to begin with. Tablets can be anywhere from 300 to 800 dollars depending on the quality, the make, and the model. Who is going to pay for all of this; Apple, IBM, Barnes & Nobles, Microsoft, Sony; these are billion dollar companies that are not just going to give every child whose family can’t afford it a brand new I Pad or Tablet.
ReplyDelete