Classroom appearances are rapidly changing. Students sitting
in rows facing the board taking notes while the teachers stand and lecture are
a thing of the past. The 21st Century classroom looks much different
than classrooms in which most teachers grew up. Students are typically seated
in no logical order or place. Students are on computers or other mobile devices
with headphones and learning not from the teacher but from other sources. Technology
is here to stay and is ever evolving. The need for schools to support digital
learning is as important as their need to support traditional learning. Herold stated
that in 2015-2016 more standardized tests for elementary and middle schools were
given on computers (2016).
Teachers, just
like students, get excited about something new. New programs and new devices
are like new toys and when a teacher finds one they want to try they get over-the-moon
excited to try it. Not all devices and programs are appropriate or can be used
in every school. Whitehead, Jensen, and Boschee stated that technology should
be used to improve education not distract from it (2013). Teachers and
administrators are slowing accepting the idea that technology is part of
education just like textbooks, paper, and pencils. Administrators and
technology coordinators work closely with teachers to obtain the latest and
best devices and programs that are supported by the school’s infrastructure.
In the past
administrators have worked hard to provided funds for textbooks. In the 21st
Century school funds are equally as important for technology and digital
support. As a technology coordinator I am faced with decisions regarding the
best way to spend the funds that are allocated. The goal is to provide students
and teachers with the tools they need to smoothly combine technology and
instruction into their daily experience (Whitehead, Jensen, & Boschee,
2013). The FCC established E-rate
funds in the 1990’s to help schools improve their infrastructure to support growing
technology needs. With the addition of these federal funds schools from all
demographic areas are able to supply their students with technology so they may
become digitally literate. The struggle is the continuous evolution of
technology and infrastructure and being able to keep up with the evolution challenges
school systems every day.
References
Herold, B. (2016, February
19). Technology in Education: An Overview.
Retrieved from https://www.edweek.org
Retrieved from https://www.edweek.org
Morgan, J. (2013, April 15).
21st Century Teacher versus 20th Century Teacher.
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com
On Demand
Learning in the 21st Century Classroom | Kayla Scheer | TEDxABQED.
(2015, June 12). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com
(2015, June 12). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com
Whitehead, B. M., Jensen, D.,
& Boschee, F. (2013). Planning for technology:
A guide for school administrators, technology coordinators, and
curriculum leaders. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin, a Sage Company.
A guide for school administrators, technology coordinators, and
curriculum leaders. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin, a Sage Company.
Hi Mrs. Johns,
ReplyDeleteI would be interested in your specific thoughts about this comment, "Not all devices and programs are appropriate or can be used in every school." Which devices are "inappropriate"? Obvious the use of a device might be inappropriate- both for the student and teacher. But we see in education, cell phones especially, are being used in classrooms by students and teachers alike (whether for on-task behavior or not). The direction of "future-proofing" in this case is more societal than academic. If teachers and parents cannot demonstrate the appropriate use of technology, then how will students be able to, no matter the level/grade. Commonsensemedia even gives parents advice for the parent (not just the student) when they say, "Generally speaking, kids should use their phones sparingly and only when permitted, before and after -- but not during -- the school day, such as when they need a ride, there's an emergency, their plans change, or Mom or Dad calls. (And parents, although it can be tempting to text your kid during the day, resist the urge unless it's truly urgent.)."
Reference
Commonsensemedia.com (April 6, 2019). What are the rules about using cellphones at school. Retrived from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/cellphone-parenting/what-are-the-rules-about-using-cell-phones-at-school