It is no secret that technology is a critical tool in education. Digital citizens abound, and one might say that imagination and an Internet connection serve as the passport for the wired generation.
With this in mind, technology and education experts often discuss objectives and practices for today's technology savvy, computer literate student. One of these specialists put together thoughts about K-12 education in the 21st century.
Watch the 4-minute movie and leave your thoughts. Is the creator of this video correct? What is accurate, what is overblown? Is there anything missing here? What questions might you ask the video's creator? (HT: The Agora)
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46 comments:
Great video! I feel that or learning should incorporate the use of technology such as computers because this is the kind of stuff we will need to use in our jobs in the 21st century. This video really made me aware of the lack of technology used in the classroom.
--C. Lew
Although I really enjoyed the movie, I think that the maker should have shown the combination of both using technologyand not using it bc I believe that weshould use both in the education process.
I think that the creator is correct. I like the idea of incorporating podcasts, laptops, and youtube videos into the classroom. We are used to this technology stuff because we spend time on it. I think that its a good idea to take advantage of this and incorporate it into the learning environment.
-- David L.
I think that it is important for us to be incorporating new technology into our schooling. I think by having the blog and using the smart board it definitely keeps up in check with technology. All of our other classes primarily stick with reading books. We rarely do projects with using the internet. That is my thought of the video.
Kirstyn
4th Period
While I think that it is important to utilize technology into education, I think that technology should assist but not replace classic learning styles. I think the movie overemphasizes today’s youth using technology. Yes we are more immersed in this advanced equipment, but not everyone makes it there job and pastime. Using to much technology would have a negative effect on learning. The fact that you can sit in a chair and learn about the world cannot replace visiting those cultures. The technological learning is very monotone and one dimensional. There is no conversation or interacting between the student, teacher, and world. I would ask what do you think technology is lacking in the educational field?
Sarah McD.
7th period
Interesting video! I definitely think we should use more of the available technology in the classroom environment. We are in a generation that uses more and more technology every day, which was illustrated well in the video with how much time kids spend listening to their iPods, playing on the computer, etc. I think that the school environment needs to incorporate more of this technology in order to keep up with the times. I also understand different learning styles and how it is easier for some to learn on a computer or by listening but others need to have a book to read from and a binder to take notes in. My opinion is that we can’t rely solely on technology, nor can we solely rely on books and binders. We need to integrate the two.
Leah W.
period 5
I really liked the video!! It gave an example for us to use like if we don't want to use books, papers, and notes to learn anymore we should prove we can learn another way like the video did through a combination of pictures and video taping. I also think that technology is the way to go in order for us as students to be able to progress and learn more values that would be useful later in life.
<3
Jennifer D.
I do not believe that this video is correct even if some technological use would be good for school use,which may I say we already have at SBS, having too much tech might create a world that can't think for itself. It would be ok if tech only took you so far but with all tech then students could take their assignments all the way without thinking. I think the creator may have overlooked this and if I were to meet them I would ask their idea of how to avoid this.
P.S. tech means technology.
--Ryan B.--
I think the movie was partly correct in that technolgy definitely engages kids in learning. However, it was a little overblown in that if technology is used in every assignment and every lecture it might make students bored and they might begin to stop enjoying the course. So, technology is definitely a good thing if it is used in the right setting and used an appropriate amount.
Shannon D. P.6
I think the video did not show enough benefits of a traditional education. Although I agree that technology is vital to the learning process, I believe that a completely digital education would be detrimental. The students in the video were also lazy and didn't show determination, and that is not the goal of learning. I would prefer a balance of both techological and written education to experience the best of both worlds.
rebecca bres
period 7
I think this video really shows how America is kinda behind on incorporating technology into the classrooms. I think that learning through laptops and videos and podcast would really engage students more.
Rebecca T
I think that the video is partially correct. The fact that technology is a cure all for educational problems, I believe, is false. In this way, I think that the producer has overblown the issue. All digital things have bugs and when they pop up that makes the process extremely annoying, yet a hard copy can never have any problems unless one just forgets to turn it in or loses it.I don't think there is anything missing there but I would ask the creator why the video is about new technology and made in 2007 yet all of the computers were really old. Overall, I thought the issue was overblown and school how it is now is fine with a mixture of technology and "old fashioned" classroom teaching.
I think the video is correct in saying that we need a push for a greater use of technology in the class rooms but the technology should never become a luxury like and ipod is. I feel that at times it is already hard for people to focus in class that some technology might even be more distracting. I know that i get distracted when Im on my computer. Even when teachers show videos most students would rather sleep than watch the videos unless they are interesting like yours Mr. S. But on the other hand the creative part of my brain would love to be able to use technology on another level at school.
- Davison 5th period
I thought that the video was partly right because technology is a good way to get kids interested in learning, but I don't think that should be the only way we should learn. Sometimes it is easier to read from a text book than going online to read something. So I think it should be balanced.
Mary Martin
I agree with the creator of this video to an extent. I believe that technology in the classroom, when used properly, can be a very effective learning tool, but we should not go overboard with it. Although technology can be very helpful, the use of conventional methods, such as textbooks, written assignments, and the use of dry erase boards can be very effective also. The best classroom environment is the one with a helpful blend of analog and digital in which the best sides of both are utilized, creating the optimal learning environment.
I feel that the creator did a pretty good job on getting his information from legitimate sources. I feel though that he should have also thrown in the downside to technology, and the upside of conventional methods. I feel that his video was too one-sided for anyone to make an unbiased opinion of moving more toward the digital world.
-Katie LeVrier
5th period
While I do agree with the video's idea that some teachers need to do a better job of holding their students attention in class, technology isn’t necessarily the best way to do so. I think that some use of technology such as occasionally using laptops and interesting powerpoints could make things more interesting; however, in my opinion, a class discussion that everyone participates in helps things click even better. I don’t like sitting through classes where teachers just stand there and talk not trying to engage the class, but lets face it, most teachers don’t have strong enough knowledge about today’s technology to incorporate it into class. But even if they did, for me at least, it wouldn’t help that much. My preferred way of learning is listening to an interesting class discussion where the teacher imparts his or her knowledge and through the discussion, the students translate it into their own way of thinking.
Betsy Williams-Period 7
This video while obviously overdone, brings up a concern that our students are feeling. Why should we make students learn information out of a book when that is the only time students read? To me this seems some what ridiculous. If our students reading comprehension level is steadily declining that seems like a great sign that we should move away from reading. While yes we still need books and hard copies of information there are better ways to envolve students in a hands on training. Personally i am more likely to pay alot more attention to a video than a lecture. This seems like a sign that i may learn better from that style of teaching.
I feel that techonology in the classroom is one element that could really benefit the development of students. The movie was correct when it stated that kids in America are not keeping up with kids in other countries such as China when it comes to educational development. Techonolgy is one way we can move forwrd. The problem with the wide spread use of technology in the classroom is funding. The public school systems are having trouble already financing the buses to pick up children because of the price of gas and as a result, the idea that students should go to school for four days instead of five has been mentioned. The one thing the movie fails to explain is a solution on how to place technology in the classroom.
Harris 5th
I feel like what he is trying to say is right to a certain extent. We need to be able to use new technology and feel comfortable doing it. At the same time i think that we shouldn't be so dependent on technology. We have to be able to use our own minds so that the things we learn, we will keep longer. Thats just my opinion.
-Seth H
I think the video has a great point! It really gives everyone an understanding that by using technology it can result in better and more interesting way of learning. I think by using all this new technology students are able to interact more which i find helpful and easier to retain information. This video made me realize schools are not acting upon these advantages as much as they should be to help their students get better.
-braeden brock:)
This video was good but it has its up and downs. I think that technology should be used for learning at school but i do not think teachers should just let the internet, powerpoint, and you-tube teach the class. I think the teachers need to explain the main points and subjects and what they see out of the presentation.
I agree with this video because I’m always willing to try harder when learning is easier. Up to date technology makes learning more fun and more convenient. It also gives students the opportunity to create new things that we would never have thought of. I always am looking for a more engaging way to study or learn, and I agree that using new technology is always the quickest way to do it.
Alex Tripp
4th period
I totally agree with him and bringing technology into the classroom. This really made me appreciate what you do with your very own blog and all of the other technological ideas you use for or education in the classroom. I also think it makes it easier for us to just go home and look online and be able to respond so quickly. You are one of the only teachers I know that uses the computer and a blog to help. I just wish all the other teachers would do this and even start at an earlier age.
Kevin Smith
4th Period
I think that much of what the video was trying to get across, pretty much hit the nail on the head. in my experience, teachers have mostly stuck with one-dimensional teaching rather than utilizing and taking advantage of his or her broad amount of resources. Though text book learning is a proven product, i think other teachers need to broaden their horizons in terms of teaching methods.
Connor Wood p.4
I think that the video is good because it promotes more technology in schools. However, I think that it implies that technology is the only way to educate students. I think that this really downplays the advantages of traditional teaching methods, like hearing the lecture in real life and learning through class discussions. Although some schools may be lacking, some are also overloaded with technology. I think that using technology for convenience and in moderation is ok. However, we should only use technology to supplement are existing methods, not replace them.
- Dan Dao P. 7
I feel as if the video over emphasizes the beniftis of technology. It only appeals to students when it should also appeal to parents and tax-payers who will have to pay for all this new equipment. This technology enforces laziness and impatience, offering information way too easily. I think incoporating technology would be fine, to a certain extent. After all, we will eventually have to keep up with the technologically advanced Japanese and Chinese. However, won't kids eventually get bored of technological learning like they have of learning from books?
~Susan
5th period
i really liked the video and i think that the use of technology is lacking in a lot of schools and that in order for certain students to learn, technological use is the way to go. I feel like we learn a lot from reading out of textbooks but that we would stay more focused and be more engaged if we learn by using more technology.
cj
per 6
While I believe that the correct use of technology is vital for a student to learn, I also beleive that we cannot dispense with our core values for education. The level of educational intimacy received from in class discussion cannot be reproduced through a computer screen. I believe the figures shown in the video were out of context, regarding the number of honor students in China. For starters, China has a much larger population. It only makes sense that as China devolops their educational system would advance also. On another note, the digitization of the classroom wouldn't solve our current graduation and dropout dillemnas. Furthermore, the cost of such a huge leap foward would be astronomical for a educational system that is already feeling fiscal pressure. In conclusion, the use of technology in the classroom is a great thing for students; however, we cannot forget the importance of fundamental learning practices.
I enjoyed the video today. It really shows how our world is changing and how the education in 2008 is very different from the past. But I thought that the message the video sent was somewhat inaccurate. The video kind of made it seem like the only way that our American children become smart is through the advancement of technology in the class. Like we discussed in class, I don’t think that technology is what is able to produce “geniuses” or smart kids. Children and teens develop intelligence based on other things. The intelligence of Americans is not entirely dependent on whether someone has a laptop or not. However, the technology in the 21st century does provide a fast way to obtain knowledge, which is why so many people use it. But sometimes, learning about a subject through the “old-fashioned” way of sifting through books in libraries can be very beneficial, too. All in all, I still thought the video was very interesting and the way it compared the old to the new.
Jenna H. 7th Period :-)
I think that this video kept me interested in the topic of technology in the classroom. The creator tried his best to prove a point that better technology will lead to children making better grades in the classroom. However, I disagree with him on some parts. It would be nice to use some high tech equipment like laptops and interactive videos, but technology would go to far if students soon had to use online textbooks.I believe that a mixture of class discussion and the use of technology would be key to the success of a 21st century child. --Leslie S.
7th period
Technology has become a major part of our lives, so much so that our lives seem to revolve around it. For instance, most people would admit that they could not go a day without their cell phones. I feel that bringing technology into the classroom would only further our dependence on it. Also, not all people learn the same way or are as advanced in electronics as others. For example in the video they mentioned “Wikis” and before history class I had never heard that term before. For me, I learn and remember things better when I write them down, not when I type them into a computer. Lastly at the end of the video the kids held up their dry erase boards that said “teach me to think, to create, to analyze, to evaluate to apply . . . engage me” these things can be accomplished without the use of technology.
--Ellie Rosenthal
I think the creator’s hope for students in relation to technology is unrealistic. In the past, great scholars have learned and benefited from book-learning. The introduction of technology may facilitate learning in that it is more convenient, but it will not produce brighter students; on the contrary it could make lazy ones who become accustomed to instant gratification. A traditional classroom environment not only teaches the student the curriculum, but also teaches the student discipline. Of course it is good to keep up with the urban world, but America will not suddenly acquire more honor students than China simply because its teachers use computers more often.
Lucy Spicer
7th period
I did not find the movie to be true at all. I think that education should use only traditional means of conveying its ideas. Almost all thoughts can be put into words, and words can be recorded in a book. I believe that technology should be confined to the laboratories, and should not go any farther than that. The video exaggerated every point and relied too heavily on the average. And as for the argument that the use of technology is preparing students for their future jobs, it is not true. There are many companies that refuse to do business electronically. If one needs such technology, they can learn to use it outside of school. If indeed this technology is the future of commerce and this is what education is turning to, then gone are the days when a deal was made over a handshake and signatures were signed in ink.
Tyler Thomas
I believe that while this video brings up the point that students would pay be more attentive in class with more engaging methods, I do not agree that technology is the absolute solution to those issues. Technology can definitely be used as an element in the classroom, but I believe that students sometimes benefit more with open class discussions or physically taking motes rather than relying purely on the digital workd to further our knowledge. I feel that the group of students who believe that a technological education would solve the issues in our nation's schooling methods is a dramatic minority.
Emily Boyd Per.7
The use of technology in the learning space is a great tool for teaching and also to incorporate the tools used on a regular job basis in the present day. The video was a good eye opener to new ways to captivate students, but if a student is not going to pay attention in class I don’t think it matters by what means the student is educated he still will not learn. I also thought that from the video it portrayed that students are only capable to learn from the latest technology and too little of teachers are utilizing the new digital tools available. From my personal experience at Second Baptist these main facts do not hold true, but maybe my view is partial because of my schools personal means of education.
-Sekaly
i believe that learning should encorperate technology, but only when used in moderation. in science new technology is praised and almost always adopted, but in courses such a history and english, based on words and the meaning behind those words.
hey, how's it goin...I thoroughly enjoyed the video today. The author voiced his opinion in a very createive eye-catching manner. Though I do believe technology is a necessity, especially at the rate the world is growing, I think it needs to be used in moderation. Technology can make for a more efficient means of getting work done yet not all students learn best by digital mehods. So, yes, the author is correct to an extent. It's a good idea. Thought provoking.
shoot. i forgot to put my name on my post......the last one was my mine. sorry. i'm new at this. and sorry for apologizing. twice
amy p.
I believe this video is partially correct. Although, I think technology will help better teach students, the real motivation cant be a computer, or certain activities a class does, but the student must want to learn. Thinking that computers will teach students better is wrong. It helps better engage students and supply resources for learning, but it cant learn for them.
-Jeff Price Period 4
Good video, I think that it could be well-applied to today's school system. Computers have lately become a very important part of society and pretty much every kid in America can and does use a computer. Using the integration of technology as a way to make school more interesting for kids is a great way to get them more involved and more interested in school.
-- Andy Malone --
He states technology as a source to engage students and inspire them. But, to me, to truly grasp something usually requires more than two senses. In terms of online classrooms, I think the ways of which children learn are too diverse for one to only give them a screen to see and speakers to hear. I believe this is more of a lack of engagement than the presence of a tangible classroom. Though when the technology is used in the classroom with the teacher guiding (ie powerpoint, videos, sites) the students, the essential human connection and interaction remains and technology is then beneficial.
Anna B.
The use of technology is great becuase it is an easy way to gain knowlege about the world. However, the use of technology should now replace traditional learing methods. I belive that interation and discussion promotes the best learining as opposed to a totally virtual classroom.
I thought that the video was very true and it makes us open our eyes a little bit more. I never knew how much of a lack there is in technology in classes. As far as knowing how much it would help us out in the "real world", I think it definately gives a real jump start. It's obvious that a student who had made a project in high school with access or powerpoint will probably be more confident on work in college than someone who has not had that experience. Some may think that this may start a distraction, but I think teachers should trust us on whether we choose to take notes or just play on the internet. We are in a growing country and a modern generation. If all our time outside of school concerns technology, then why shouldn't it be incorporated during school time as well? Not only will this engage the students more, but this method could give us a better understanding of whatever we're learning.
-Iris Bslmaceda :)
Period 4
I find technology very important in a student environment, as college expectations amount I believe that today’s high school student should be very practiced in the use of using a computer daily for various functions and projects. This will make classrooms run smooth and expectations more clear.
I Webre
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