"The pros and cons of digital classrooms." Globe & Mail [Toronto, Canada] 29 Aug. 2013: L2. Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 16 Oct. 2013.
Link.
Students have found success with using tablets in the classroom. As such, tablets also provide a resource to be lazy. If the teachers are not educated about tablets or if they use tablets too much, then the technology can work backwards. Some think technology should be learned at home. Regardless, tablets are a minor cost that come with extra rewards if used correctly.
I believe that in the classroom you can control the most important variables of learning. Teaching kids with tablets seems like a perfectly good idea provided the system works. In order for it to work, you must have technologically competent teachers. This is my primary concern, but I believe it is surmountable.
I think this topic is perfect for your op ed since there are many technological advances in this century. With the new technological advances comes the new technology they also provide students with to learn in new kinds of ways. I'm sure many others will be able to relate to this topic since we're all college students and there are many technology that we use in class to learn as well. However, you should include that with new technology comes new responsibilities, and that the student should use it wisely and not to abuse their technology privileges.
ReplyDeleteAlso I think it would be nice if you included some examples of the different kinds of technology they use in the classroom. You can include which ones work and which don't, etc. Also you can include how they are planning on preparing the teachers so that they know how to use the various technology in the future. You can also include ideas on how to use the technology to their full advantage to encourage students to have fun while learning.You should also define in your own words what you consider for the system to work.
My Two Cents:
ReplyDeleteSpeaking as a teacher who has periodically tried to incorporate tech in the classroom (to only marginal success), I agree that it really comes down to competency. Although I appreciate technology, I make no claims to being any kind of authority.
In all my years in academia, I've had *maybe* 45 minutes of training on classroom technology. In order for there to be a tech revolution, we would need to either put a LOT of resources into professional development for teachers or wait for the less-tech-savvy generations to retire. There is a gap between the old paradigm (using typewriters and blackboards) and the new paradigm (using computer-based word processing and educational platforms). There are a lot of old dogs who'd need to be taught new tricks.
As for tablets being a *minor* cost, when we have public schools that are literally falling apart and budget cuts often mean doing with basic necessities, tablets are only a pipedream.
VET
ReplyDeleteErin Millar writes for The Globe and Mail, a paper I already mentioned an author from. Specifically, she writes about Canadian creativity and innovation in education.