In the article Taming the Chaos, the author pointed out several interesting ideas to introduce technology in the classroom. Before reading this article, my opinion was that cell phones and other technical devices were distracting in the classroom. It was creative to understand how students could use phones to access assignments, due dates, and reminders for school. I think this is a great idea since students are more likely to keep up with their phones than to keep up with a notebook with school “stuff”. Also, allowing students to prevent distractions by using their phones and devices to complete further assignments. One unique statement was when they spoke about special needs of al l children. It should be that all students should be challenged in school so that they will learn. If they are bored they tend to get into more trouble.
I understand the authors dilemma concerning this new wave of technology, and personally I feel some of the same ways they do. I have learned to embrace technology but only in its place. Some students are just rude in what they do in class. I can understand integrating technology into the classroom but there must be limitations. I have found it to be disrespectful for students to allow their cell phones to go off in class with these offensive personal ringtones that disrupt the entire class. I understand some of these policies and support them. Texting every 5 minutes disrupts the other students who are trying to learn. I’ve seen the effects of laptops in class… if not utilized properly. Now recording lectures, I do it myself. Using podcast is a new way providing alternatives in learning and feel are great. Technology is good… it just has to be monitored.
I think that the author is on point about the distractions that electronic devices bring into the learning environment. I know that technology has changed the way we learn, teach, and communicate, but it's as if these other resources have all but replaced the need for more traditional methods of instruction. I remember a time when we actually had to go to the library and look up information in BOOKS! Now, I can hardly recall the last time I was in the library and saw someone looking up information from a book. It's like the computer is the first frame of reference and written literature is secondary. With the advent of smartphones, computer and online access has been compressed and made even more convienient for the this generation of tech savvy students. But, getting students to stay on task and remain focused on the objectives is more of a challenge because there are so many other things in the virtual world that divert our attention.
When I was first reading the article on "taming the Chaos", I totally disagreed with the article about using the different technologies in the class room. Call me old school, but I find it very disturbing when someone is pecking away at a computer when I am trying to learn about the lecture being taught. I also do not like it when a college student is trying to be sneaky (which is so obvious) and text on the cell phone. I feel that if technology’s such as smart phones, and high end lap tops are allowed to be in the classroom, the students that cannot afford these items will feel left out, and will not be able to focus. After finishing the article, I will that if you can’t beat them, join them. I feel that having funny YOUTUBE clips are a great way to incorporate technology in the classroom. I feel it breaks up the boredom of the class, and feels refreshing. Another way to use technology is to allow students to play education games on the computer. At 29, I still remember Oregon Trail, and feel it was very educating.
I agree in the sense that over utilizing technology is a nuisance rather than a benefit. Embracing it is a good thing but when it becomes a distraction for one or more students in a classroom we must rethink our position. Using tecnology is great as long as we keep it in check and we do not allow it to become the major focus of what actually is important.
In the article Taming the Chaos, the author pointed out several interesting ideas to introduce technology in the classroom. Before reading this article, my opinion was that cell phones and other technical devices were distracting in the classroom. It was creative to understand how students could use phones to access assignments, due dates, and reminders for school. I think this is a great idea since students are more likely to keep up with their phones than to keep up with a notebook with school “stuff”.
ReplyDeleteAlso, allowing students to prevent distractions by using their phones and devices to complete further assignments. One unique statement was when they spoke about special needs of al l children. It should be that all students should be challenged in school so that they will learn. If they are bored they tend to get into more trouble.
I understand the authors dilemma concerning this new wave of technology, and personally I feel some of the same ways they do. I have learned to embrace technology but only in its place. Some students are just rude in what they do in class. I can understand integrating technology into the classroom but there must be limitations. I have found it to be disrespectful for students to allow their cell phones to go off in class with these offensive personal ringtones that disrupt the entire class. I understand some of these policies and support them. Texting every 5 minutes disrupts the other students who are trying to learn. I’ve seen the effects of laptops in class… if not utilized properly.
ReplyDeleteNow recording lectures, I do it myself. Using podcast is a new way providing alternatives in learning and feel are great. Technology is good… it just has to be monitored.
I think that the author is on point about the distractions that electronic devices bring into the learning environment. I know that technology has changed the way we learn, teach, and communicate, but it's as if these other resources have all but replaced the need for more traditional methods of instruction. I remember a time when we actually had to go to the library and look up information in BOOKS! Now, I can hardly recall the last time I was in the library and saw someone looking up information from a book. It's like the computer is the first frame of reference and written literature is secondary. With the advent of smartphones, computer and online access has been compressed and made even more convienient for the this generation of tech savvy students. But, getting students to stay on task and remain focused on the objectives is more of a challenge because there are so many other things in the virtual world that divert our attention.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was first reading the article on "taming the Chaos", I totally disagreed with the article about using the different technologies in the class room. Call me old school, but I find it very disturbing when someone is pecking away at a computer when I am trying to learn about the lecture being taught. I also do not like it when a college student is trying to be sneaky (which is so obvious) and text on the cell phone. I feel that if technology’s such as smart phones, and high end lap tops are allowed to be in the classroom, the students that cannot afford these items will feel left out, and will not be able to focus. After finishing the article, I will that if you can’t beat them, join them. I feel that having funny YOUTUBE clips are a great way to incorporate technology in the classroom. I feel it breaks up the boredom of the class, and feels refreshing. Another way to use technology is to allow students to play education games on the computer. At 29, I still remember Oregon Trail, and feel it was very educating.
ReplyDeleteI agree in the sense that over utilizing technology is a nuisance rather than a benefit. Embracing it is a good thing but when it becomes a distraction for one or more students in a classroom we must rethink our position. Using tecnology is great as long as we keep it in check and we do not allow it to become the major focus of what actually is important.
ReplyDelete