Am I a better teacher with technology or without technology? Many thoughts race through my head. Initially, I would say of course I'm a better teacher because I'm building a foundation for learning in a world where technology has no limits. Then I think about what is really important in our classrooms. It's the relationships and trust we build throughout the year. An easy way to avoid relationships or break them down is technology. It's a great tool but it does limit the time I spend in small groups and conferencing with the students. More of my teaching involves mini-lessons which gives the students more time to learn and explore with each other. So my role is shifting to a facilitator rather than a teacher. So I'm not sure I'm better for it?
On the other hand, the parental piece is soooo much better because of technology. Sure, it's less personal but the ease and ability to get information in parent's hands is a gamechanger.
Thoughts?
On the other hand, the parental piece is soooo much better because of technology. Sure, it's less personal but the ease and ability to get information in parent's hands is a gamechanger.
Thoughts?
Maybe it's a technicality, but we could argue here that mini-lessons and conferencing (two foundational, powerful methods, as you describe!) are filled with technologies--whether its a book you are reading a passage out of or a whiteboard you are "sharing the pen" on or a paper chart where you log conferencing questions, etc. These are all old technologies and media--ones we're used to and ones that will be here for a long time, I imagine. And they'll be around for a long time because they are efficient and effective for certain tasks and activities. So, in a sense, sticking to older tech for some activities is probably the best. Long story short: I'm with you on thinking about the potentials and necessity of newer technologies moving forward, and I don't think we have to feel like we have to abandon older tech for newer tech just because its available now. We select the tech that helps us best meet our students where they are and to teach.
ReplyDeleteI often think of technology as something people create to help solve problems and make things easier RIGHT NOW. I don't often consider technology is always evolving and has been around forever. So, you're right, just because something isn't new, it actually was 'technology' at some point. So using the old with the new is probably the best way to meet the needs of my students.
DeleteYou just made me have a new ah-ha! I like that problem-solving lens in thinking about technologies. That would be a great help in reflecting on how we are using technologies: "What problem is this tool helping me solve right now?" If it can be done with a different tool...maybe one that is less distracting, less costly, less complicated with fewer break downs...then we can feel good about choosing the other (and often) older tech.
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