Based on your reading of the Zhao, et. al. article linked below, please compose five (5) thoughtful and significant queries, questions ideas, etc. that you would really want to study and discuss tonight in class. Defend the queries that you composed. (=/- 500 words).
1. It was stated that, “a fundamental issue around the interaction between technology and education is the conditions under which technology can be effectively used in classrooms to improve student learning.” This seems so logical and easy when written like this but HOW do we do this? How can those teachers who have limited technology experience, successfully implement it into their lessons? I have many teachers at my school who feel their teaching strategies without technology reach the students and engage them. I feel they are excellent teachers and cannot help but agree that their teaching methods work. If it isn’t broke don’t fix it comes to mind here. What are your feelings?
2. The three main factors associated with teachers that have been found to contribute significantly to the success of classroom technology innovations are: technology proficiency, pedagogical compatibility, and social awareness. Do you feel there are any other factors that could significantly contribute to the success of classroom technology innovations? In the article social awareness spoke mostly to the relationship between the teachers/adults. I kept thinking about our discussion last week and could not help but feel the interests of the students are significant. It is true we need to be proficient in technology and we have to connect our pedagogy to the technology. But I feel the students need a voice in order to have successful technology innovations. Any thoughts?
3. Is it alright to use a technological lesson as trial and error? This might sound confusing but something I read in the article sparked this question in my mind. It was stated that Willa, one of the teachers simply found an idea interesting and the technology interesting and decided to try it. The lesson did not turn out like she had hoped and in my opinion that is okay. In my teaching career I have learned you have to take risks and reflect on things. Sometimes when you just decided to try something it works out great and becomes a useful resource year after year.
4. One teacher said, “On my team I usually have a clear vision which my teammates support and say they understand but then when it comes to actually implementing it, they lose the glimpse of what it could be and keep wanting the comfort of that which they are familiar….” This reminded me of my school to a tee. My principal is always introducing new technology at staff meetings and everyone supports it and says they understand how to use it. They even go as far as saying they are excited to use it. But then time comes to implement the technology and the majority of teachers back out and want to teach how they have been. How does your staff feel about becoming more technologically advanced? If you received a grant like in the article would your staff be excited or more hesitant?
5. After reading the article I reflected upon the idea of technology in schools. I asked myself if technology is essential in improving student achievement in schools or if technology is just a tool in aiding student achievement? I feel one could choose either side. We are living in a very technological era and therefore I feel it is essential in improving student achievement. However, then I think…I do not use technology everyday and my students are learning and improving. They enjoy lessons that do not use technology and that is not a bad thing. If you had to choose one side which would you choose and why?
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