Blog #2

While reading Todd Oppenheimer's The Flickering Mind, I felt surprised by the stance that technology is not the “miracle” many people think it is.  This is a refreshing point of view because I find that many educators are adamant about technology being used as much as possible in the classroom.   I agree with Oppenheimer that technology does not present a cure for the issues that are ailing the educational system.  Oppenheimer expresses concern that students’ “ability to reason, to listen, to feel empathy, among other things, is quite literally flickering.” Both NETS-S and Tech Tonic also touch on the importance of developing students’ humanity.

Tech Tonic explains that the use of technology should reflect not what children can do, but what children need developmentally.  Alliance for Childhood insists that children should not use tools that are too complex for them to understand how they work (like TVs, computers, etc.).   They encourage more hands-on learning instead of the reliance on high-tech tools.   


Although NETS-S has a more pro-technology stance than Tech Tonic and The Flickering Mind, the goals expressed are actually quite similar in all three, including the emphasis on understanding technology, thinking critically and creatively, and maintaining a sense of responsibility and awareness.  Each expresses concerns about students maintaining their humanity, understanding of the world, and using technology in meaningful ways.

Blog #1

Since technology touches practically every aspect of our lives, it is crucial in the classroom for 21^st century learners.  Students need to be proficient and up-to-date with technology to build a foundation for success and to better understand our world.   Educators can use technology to engage students and help them build a 

positive attitude about learning.

Sometimes, I feel concerned about our reliance on technology, especially for communication. Are texting and Facebook chatting causing a lack of social skills?  Although we are more “connected” to the world today, there seems to a sense of disconnect with one another because of the impersonal nature of technology.

Educators should help students be as comfortable communicating in person as they do using technology.  Students must be given many opportunities to build relationships and connect with their peers and teachers through class activities, group work, and discussions. 

Every day, people are bombarded with tons of information, so it is essential for students to master critical thinking skills to sort through it all!  Technology is an excellent tool to help students develop critical thinking skills and be active learners.  For example:

•  An English class could make a newscast video discussing a literary piece (like Beowulf or The Hunger Games) as if the events are real and happening in the modern world.
•   An elementary math class could play math games on http://www.earobics.com/gamegoo/gooey.html? After all, technology + learning = engaged and happy students! 
• Students in a social studies class could create “Facebook profiles” about historical figures on your class website.

There are so many ideas that you can access in an instant (Internet!) to help your students (and yourself) become more technologically savvy.  Another amazing tool that is becoming more and more popular in classrooms is the SMART Board.  Kids love using the SMART Board for videos, writing, and much more!  Let us not forget “a teacher’s best friend,” known formally as YouTube.  Showing clips or videos in class can engage students and boost interest!