Technological tools are in the
hands of today’s student all the time.
Kids walk around with cell phones, Ipods, Ipads, MP3 players, Notebooks,
and the list goes on. Capitalizing
on this mobile technology can maximize the use of technology in today’s
classroom.
When we have a need for
calculators in a project, I don’t drag the calculator basket out of the closet
anymore. Now, I just ask the
students to pull out their phones.
They love the idea because it is both handy and familiar. You can poll the class with PollDaddy
or use Survey Monkey to collect data on any topic. Students can use their mobile devices to scan QR codes to
access data for further study.
Skype and other IM tools allow easy collaboration for group project work.
There are limitations with some
compatibility problems between formats.
The use of Flash on Apple devices is one example of this issue. Instructors must always be cognizant of
a student’s access to devices. A
student that does not have a mobile device should not feel left out or burdened
to complete an assignment. Having
a series of alternatives available for checkout or library use can address this
issue.
The biggest advantage of
technological devices right now is that the Digital Native student is
comfortable and engaged in their use.
Educators need to acknowledge that phenomena and provide a link to the
classroom.
The various technological tools that you have noted will aid digital native student to learn. Some of the tools you listed are unique. Which amongst these tools do you think will be most reliable and effective for use by educators in line with collaboration, communication and content?
ReplyDeleteJeri,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that educators need to acknowledge the impact and use of technology. However, I still know educators who think this is all just another fad!! (not sure why they think so, after all this time!) I saw a picture yesterday of a little girl holding a tablet on which was written the words, "Learn or retire". Now, on the one hand, I immediately thought that was a little bit harsh. When I thought again, I realized it is not that far from the truth. What do you think about that?
Christine,
DeleteHow hilarious! See my blog for links to 2 youtube videos indicating the desire of students for teachers to learn to implement and use some type of technology (DukeMomEdTechBlogger.blogspot.com). Interaction with 21st students and improvement of student engagement will require technology, or teachers and schools are going to lose all of our kids! Many of our students are bored to death with being fed information from the front of a classroom that they must 'recall' (the lowest level of Blooms). Collaborative learning using technology should be the "norm", not the "rare exception".
Aderonke,
ReplyDeleteThat is a really difficult question. I am not sure that I could name a tool that is most reliable and effective. Each instructor and each classroom presents a unique situation. What works in one circumstance will not work in another. Perhaps the most reliable tool is the one that the instructor is confident to use.
Jeri
Christine,
ReplyDeleteHow right you are that there are some people who are not ready for this "fad" to become mainstream. Has it reached the point of learn or retire? Probably not. That does still seem a little out there, but it may draw some attention to the situation. There are some innovations that progress based on the retiring of the older generation. My concern is that there are still a lot of skills and knowledge among that group that I would be sad to lose. Hopefully we can find a happy median somewhere.
Jeri
Depending on the local educational systems web policies, the use of technological tools is another aspect of teaching. As an example, the University of Notre Dame's Business school found that using Ipads in the their classrooms increased student engagement, and access to resources using ereaders and electronic books. The topic reminds me of a shop teacher who was afraid to turn on an Apple IIE. I took his finger and helped him push it. He said " I finally figured out how to turn one of these on!"
ReplyDeleteReferences:
Angst, C., Malinowski, E.,(2011) Findings from the ereader project, Phase 1 , retreived on July 29,2012 http://www.nd.edu/~cangst/NotreDame_iPad_Report_01-06-11.pdf, Notre Dame Mendoza School of Business
The shop teacher is a funny, but oh so true, example. One of the biggest differences I see between a digital native and people of my generation is the fear of pushing all the buttons. If we could get people over that struggle, we could all learn a lot more.
DeleteJeri
Jeriann,
ReplyDeleteI love the appearance of your organizer! I believe teachers are going to have to learn a technological "nitch", and incorporate it into their classrooms on a regular basis. If they only learn one or two new things every few months, and implement it with fidelity, they will eventually be able to find ways to engage students.
I've copied my post to Christine above here because it is directed to you as well: See my blog for links to 2 youtube videos indicating the desire of students for teachers to learn to implement and use some type of technology (DukeMomEdTechBlogger.blogspot.com). Interaction with 21st students and improvement of student engagement will require technology, or teachers and schools are going to lose all of our kids! Many of our students are bored to death with being fed information from the front of a classroom that they must 'recall' (the lowest level of Blooms). Collaborative learning using technology should be the "norm", not the "rare exception".
Toni,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the links. I think that adding tools to our toolbox should be a regular part of our teaching professional development. I wish that we had more time provided to make that an integral part of our job. I think some people are hesitant because they know how much time it can take. Creating engaging work for students does required time and comes with a price tag attached.
jeri