It has been suggested that today's school-age children think and process information differently than their parents. The reason for this fundamental difference is the availability of technology. Smart phones, computers, and unlimited access to information are things that our children simply view as part of life. For them to imagine life without them would be like me trying to imagine life without vehicles or electricity. There are serious questions and responsibilities for educators and parents when dealing with technology and children. What role does technology play in today's elementary school, and how would you like to see technology used in your child's education?
Friday, August 5, 2011
The Role of Technology in School
It has been suggested that today's school-age children think and process information differently than their parents. The reason for this fundamental difference is the availability of technology. Smart phones, computers, and unlimited access to information are things that our children simply view as part of life. For them to imagine life without them would be like me trying to imagine life without vehicles or electricity. There are serious questions and responsibilities for educators and parents when dealing with technology and children. What role does technology play in today's elementary school, and how would you like to see technology used in your child's education?
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7 comments:
Technology! We can't fight it, so we need to adapt.
I believe that technology will be beneficial when it comes to textbooks. Imagine not having to carry around all those books. With one light weight piece of technology, they can have access to every book they need. In addition, the days of "I left my homework at school" will be gone forever. And think about all the trees and natural resources that will be saved.
Our teachers (and parents) now have access to unlimited information, from around the world, which help them be more successful in educating children. ALL children can now be taught to think globally and be more aware of the world around them.
Technology should be an integrated part of the education process and not an add-on like computer lab or technology free time as a classroom reward. It certainly can be intimidating for educators who may feel as if the students are more tech-savvy than the teacher. But with an open mind and willingness to adapt, teachers can embrace the world where pencils & papers are nearly a thing of the past and allow students to learn using media that is familiar and relevant.
I agree with Lisa. Every discipline should be taught with digital technology at some point in the year. The world is changing faster than ever. Digital media is integrated into every aspect of my life now. I can't even imagine what it will look like when my kids are grown. We need to ensure that they are comfortable with the present technology so they can adapt to what comes next.
I see tech. classes as something that should be moved to the classroom, making room for visual art classes which should follow a similar path. Our children will need the creative skills taught in visual art to compete in world market of their future. Our teachers were not necessarily brought up with the art skills needed to integrate art education into the classroom; just as years ago our teachers were not necessarily brought up with the tech. skills needed to integrate tech. into the classroom. It is time to move forward and Step Up to Art.
Oh, one more thing...
I saw this very cool thing that changes a regular white board into a board that interacts with the computer at the TXPTA Summer Leadership Seminar last month. It's called Mimio. Check it out at mimio.dymo.com
Thank you for your comments. Our goal this year is to put more technology tools in the classroom and into the hands of students. We hope to accomplish this through fund raising and with partnership with PTA.
I'm a computer programmer, so clearly I see a lot of value in technology. I also think that it dangerous to let it replace hands-on experience at primary school levels – particularly in areas like the Sciences, where a Flash demo on the computer is no substitute for seeing a real experiment to really grasp the concept of a chemical reaction, or physics principal.
(PS, welcome to WCE - love that you are communicating this way!)
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