Technology resources vary greatly from poor schools and neighborhoods to wealthy schools and neighborhoods. How can we help students find technology resources that will help them achieve? How can we best prepare them to make optimum use of available resources?
Educators need to look at the research on technology and student achievement and factors that affect learning goals. The technologies available in classrooms today range from simple tool-based applications (word processors) to handheld computers in classrooms. Even the cell phones that many students now carry with them can be used to learn. Each technology is likely to play a different role in students' learning. It is important for teachers to think about what kind of technologies are being used in the classroom and for what purposes. Students are no longer limited to computer labs or specific devices; technology access is increasingly centered on the individual learner’s experience. Lastly, it is important for students to become familiar with the different forms of technology and what they are interested in. It is imperative for students to become comfortable with technology so they are able to utilize it effectively for an educational tool.
ReplyDeleteI think it's important to educate children on where they can access technology, whether it be in the school or the outside world. Remind students of the computers and other technology available at the public library, like the portable audio books that include the listening device and headset. As far as in school is concerned, at this point most school have at least a few computers available to their students. Even if there aren't enough computers for the whole class, teachers can organize their literacy block so that the computers are a station. If computers aren't available, then teachers can provide students with audiobooks or video clips to help enhance visual literacy. I think the most important thing is that, no matter how scarce technology may be, it's important that teachers work to infuse it into their classroom because every exposure will help increase students' comfort-level with the tools. By making technology available, and teaching students the appropriate and correct way to use the tools, we will enable them to make optimal use of the technology resources.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Janet and Melissa, there is a lot of different forms of technology and teachers need to use what ever at their disposal to assit students optimumly learn. I know from my own observing and student teaching experiences the difference between the haves and the haves not with regards to technology. I feel even encouraging students to use local libraries for computers or finding other mediums of technology can benefit students learning.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what everyone has said so far. There are many forms of technology that teachers have access to. Even in the small school districts that may not have access to a lot of different technologies, at least have something that students can access. I think regardless of the technology a school district has access to, it is important for teachers to use the technologies and show the students the various ways students can use them to become more successful. I think it is important to show students that various forms of technology can help them be successful in school and out of school.
ReplyDeleteIt is very important for teachers to become familiar with their school's technology resources. Schools often have resources available that teachers do not even know are there. Once a teacher has become familiar with what the school can offer, they can then begin to plan activities around it. Even districts with minimal technological support can still offer technology supports to students through interactive websites that are educationally sound. There is a wide range of websites available to support student learning that are free of cost to schools. It is the teacher's responsibility, however, to create time for students to explore with them. If students are aware of expectations and discover their comfort level with technology, students can then begin to use these resources to support learning.
ReplyDeleteI have had the opportunity to teach in a variety of schools in districts varying from high-needs rural settings, to suburban well-funded schools, to private schools with student tuition as one of the only funding factors. I have seen quite impressive use of technology in each and every one of these unique settings. Apart from how much money a school has to spend on technology, there are always ways to incorporate technology into student learning. At the very least, computers are usually accessible. However, if they are not, many libraries are beginning to loan out laptops. Field trips to public libraries are often great opportunities to let students use technologies with no cost to them. Sometimes, many forms of technology are available, but students are not properly trained on how to make optimum use of these resources. It is KEY for teachers to instruct students on becoming technology "literate". Even if they do not have direct access to educational websites or technologies in the classroom, they will undoubtedly come in contact with them at some point in their lives. It is our job to make sure they're prepared to make the most of the technologies our students encounter!
ReplyDeleteI have been in many schools where most of the students receive free or reduced lunches. All of my observation hours for undergrad and one part of students teaching were all in the Rochester City School District. The schools that I had gone to had computer labs that the students could use but none of the classrooms had computers in them. When I student taught in Greece, the classrooms had at least 3 computers in them as well as a computer lab. I think that if students have the opportunity to use a computer they should. The computer is a great resource for writing as well as looking up information on the internet. Now, most suburban schools that I have been in have some SMART boards throughout the building. One district that I substitute for has one in every classroom. I think SMART boards are another great technology resource that students enjoy using and learn a lot more from because it is interactive. If a district doesn’t have SMART boards we should teach students about them so they have some background knowledge so if they ever encounter one they know what it is and how to use it.
ReplyDeleteA big part of teaching and something that often seperates educators from those in other fields is our resourcefulness and flexibility. Sometimes you have to plain and simple make the best of what is around and get creative in the way that we integrate our resources into our teaching. With that said, we have to be sure to always educate ourselves on the technology that IS available to us as well as the needs of our students. The goal then is to effectively apply the technology to the students' needs as learners so that they can reap the benefits and full potential of what is available to them. We also need to keep in mind that there may be other technological resources available in the community that may be used outside of the classroom as education goes beyond just the six hour school day. There is also always the possibility of obtaining grants to increase the amount of technology in schools.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is important for teachers to be aware of all the technological resources that are available to them. In all the schools I have been in there is always a computer lab and usually a couple computers avaiable for student use inside the classroom. I recently became aware of the fact that Greece district has a Professional Learning Center where teachers can sign out and borrow different technological devices, such as an Elmo projector. I think that teachers need to take the extra step and do the extra work to find out how to get these resources for their classroom since they are so coming of age and such a motivator to students. Teachers that do not have access to these types of things need to take the extra step and write grants that can get their classrooms new types of technology. Students need to have access to new ways of learning beyond textbook teaching. In order for students to be able to get the optimum use out of these resources they need to have as much practice using various forms of technology at a young age so that as they become familiar with them as they get older. Students should have alot of access to word processing in the elementary ages, so that when they are older and expected to type up papers it is not so difficult.
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned, it is important that teachers are aware of the different types of technology that the school provides. Most schools offer computer labs and other technological resources for teachers and students to share, so it is essential that teachers are flexible with their lesson planning. Teachers also have the option of writing grants that will provide them with technological resources to use in the classroom. If students don’t have access to computers or other technology outside of school, public libraries offer computers and other technological resources that students can use. In order to prepare students to make optimum use of available resources, is important that teachers inform their students where they can get access to such technology resources.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the notion that we must make use of every opportunity to integrate technology into our classroom environment. Technology is a part of our lives- more and more so all the time. The sooner children understand the importance of it and how it works and how it can support and help them, as learners and citizens of the modern world, the better off they will be. It is a dissservice to children for them not to have access to technology- in some form or another. Whether it is assistive technology or learning researching strategies online, children need to know what is available to them and how to use it responsibly and productively. I agree with Janet that we must provide our students with an understanding that they can take advantage of their local libraries for technology use. Classrooms in poor schools are often absent of essential technologies, so, it is critical that we let our children know what is out there for them. We have a responsibility to bring in what we can, introduce it, let them get their feet wet, generate enthusiasm and then give them the pathway for adopting it into their lives- for educational value, as well as fun- hopefully both.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most important aspects here is whether or not teachers are technology literate. If you have a teacher that is not tech savvy, even just a little bit, it will be much more difficult for students to become acquainted with technology. I also feel that more often than not, teachers don't know what is available to them. All students need some exposure to technology whether it be low-tech or high-tech. Working with a keyboard, audio tapes, or computer programs can be very beneficial for students. One thing teachers need to remember is that any technology used within the classroom needs to have some purpose.
ReplyDeleteI think no matter what resources you have you can always change and adapt what you have to meet the needs of your students. The simple items may be just enough to help a student succeed. If you are lucky enough to have the latest and greatest types of resources then it would be beneficial to find ways to make them usable at home even by using common things that many students may already have. Also collaboration between teachers is crucial. We get some of our best ideas from one another. As a teacher you need to keep up with what your district technologhy has to offer and implement it into the classroom so students can have exposure and parctice, but if you are in a district that lacks technology also make use of what you already have or ask for technology with any surplus funds.
ReplyDeleteAlthough technology is more available in wealthier schools, due to an increase of resources with tax dollars, it should also be noted that poorer districts receive additional grants, and qualify for gov't assistance in which the wealthier districts cannot. One of the problems that I've heard about is that the wealthier districts tend to also have excellent grant writers, and yet the poorer districts don’t seem to focus enough resources in making that a successful part of the district plan.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, Christine had mentioned that she had filled out a grant a while ago, and received some technology. When she changed programs, the new teaches didn’t use the technology, and it way essentially put into a storage closet. Not only was it not being used, but because she was not from the same department anymore, she no longer had access to them. This is a typical problem within our districts today. Even in my school, we have a laptop cart full of older imacs, along with 40 -50 alpha smarts that are only being used by ten kids on average. This is a terrible misuse of technology!!
I think it is important for school districts and teachers to know their students, there are a wide variety of technologies out there that are simple, and then ones that are more complex. Before just ordering a whole new set of different technologies, districts must assess the students and their achievement and put research into different technologies to be able to see what specific technologies will benefit the students and what technologies will simply be a waste. There are different amount of money available to poorer districts, but the state must be able to see that there is a need for technologies in those districts as well especially depending on the students needs and how much technology would help those students to succeed.
ReplyDeleteAs everyone knows, technology isn't cheap. There is simple technology at cheaper costs and more complex technology at more expensive costs. I think all teachers and schools should provide some sort of technology for students to use or be aware of and available to use. Simple is sometimes better for students to succeed. As a teacher, you have to be aware or up to date with what your district provides for technology, so your students can be aware and also use the technology available to them.
ReplyDeleteI think that in the world today technology plays a crucial role in education our children. The fact that some students have to go without based on where their school district is located is totally unfair. Teachers in those districts have to be aware of what is still out there and push for grants or awards or something that will give their students access to that technology. Schools who do have different technologies could possibly share with those who do not, kind of like the programs/resources BOCES has. I think that when students do get any sort of technology they should get to know it and use it the way which helps them the best. Teachers should know basic ways to use different technologies to help many students. Students who do have access should know that not everyone has this technology and that they may not have it forever either, so it should be an aid for as long as they need it but their goal (if possible) should be to go without.
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