Study touts benefits of a wired classroom

Study touts benefits of a wired classroom

“To wire or not to wire, that is the question.” While my school has decided to ‘wire,’ much debate is occurring in an effort to determine the ‘how’ aspect: ipads? Smart Boards? Mimio? Laptop carts? iPods?

With interactive technologies (Ex. Smart, Mimio) being in wide use at the moment, ideally, they must be utilized in ways beyond the traditional stand-and-deliver method of teaching. Schmid (2012) states that, if used in the traditional way, the result is that “[they become] not really much different from a blackboard or an overhead projector or printed page,” with things such as PowerPoint presentations not having much of an effect on students’ learning or attitude (Schmid, as cited in Branswell, 2012). One would hope that these types of interactive tools would be utilized in far better ways than previous technologies (ex. blackboards, overheads) given their capabilities.

Overall, the type of technology is not typically what matters. Rather, the author cites how technology, in general, makes an impact, “ when it actively engages students, when its used as a communication tool, when its used for things like simulations or games that enable students to actively manipulate the environment” (Branswell, 2012). Being able to interact with one’s environment in ways not possible with text, such as computer simulation, provides conditions that allow for manipulation to begin (Schmid, as cited in Branswell, 2012). If a teacher’s use of technology has a “small to moderate positive effect on [student] learning and attitudes” when utilization of the technology is at its highest, it becomes critical for technological tools to be used by teachers in ways far beyond the traditional sense.

Schmid notes the greater gains achieved through more recent, sophisticated applications over older applications. If this is a continuing trend, with new(er) version of applications occurring with ever greater frequency, how does an education system budget for constant change in the technological sphere? In an effort to achieve maximum gains in regards to student learning and attitude, is having the newest and greatest an attainable goal? Is the newest even really necessary if the technology that is available is being utilized to its greatest potential?

The need for technological leaders has never been greater. With staying ahead of students in regards to software, and what’s ‘out there,’ being a high priority, teachers must have on-going support and training in order to effectively utilize technology in order to stimulate and engage students in learning. Perhaps training teachers well in what technologies are available is more effective than dropping technologies every year for the next best thing.

The need to teach using technology is a non-negotiable. Grumberg (2012) states that school’s can’t meet the needs of students if they are not taught in the way they need to learn, which is “through the manipulation of these technologies” (as cited in Branswell, 2012). I am currently in the midst of learning how to effectively utilize new and exciting interactive software. Having the time this year to immerse myself in learning, and being free to explore and manipulate various software and technologies, has been a privilege. This privilege of time needs to be afforded to educators.

In an effort to encourage the highest level of engagement from students and teachers, we need to begin to think creatively about what we value regarding technology and the intentions we have in respect to its utilization in our schools. As we continue to expand learning beyond the imaginable, we must keep in mind the dependence we have developed upon, and the value we place in, technology in society. 

Cheers,

Theresa 

Brandswell, B. (2012). Study touts benefits of a wired classroom. Calgary Herald. Montreal: Post Media News. Retrieved from http://www.calgaryherald.com/technology/Study+touts+benefits+wired+classroom/6181234/story.html

Digital age affects family time and relationships

Digital age affects family time and relationships

After reading this article, I wanted to look at the changes in the way we communicate with our families from a positive perspective. Living in Calgary, thousands of kilometers from my family, technology has been a life saver. "Advances in technology during the middle of the past century reflect just how gradually change use to occur" (Thomas & Brown, 2011, p. 40). Many options beyond phone calls and letter mail are now available, all within an extremely short period of time, relatively speaking.
While I still write letters (yes, handwritten and mailed via Canada Post!) with a dear aunt, and with phone calls still being a high priority at least once a week with family, newer forms of technology have opened many opportunities and possibilities for keeping me close with the ones I love.
Because of Face Time, watching my nephew grow up has been exciting despite the fact that I do not see him often, in person. Seeing each other in real time, from a multitude of devices, allows us to keep in touch wherever we are (home, traveling, etc.) without having to be at home in front of a laptop on Skype (although Skype is great too!). The convenience of being able to communicate with my family in such a powerful way results in me often 'forgetting' how far away I am from them. New technologies really make them feel so much closer than 'a phone call away.'
Digital photos have become a huge form of communication from my sister in law. She has created a digital archive of my nephew, taking a photo of him in the same chair every month in an effort to document his growth, then instantly uploading it for me and her snow-bird parents to see. She also sends me other random shots of him doing something silly, looking super cute in a new outfit, or even using a toy or book that I have sent him.
Text messaging has allowed for quick 'on-the-run' chats with family and friends, reducing the amount of time that would be invested via a phone call. The asynchronous nature of texting works for many communications, whether it is simply checking in and saying hello, or sending a funny quip read in the paper or daily anecdote. Responding immediately is rarely expected, which works well when time differences are a factor.
With travels in my foreseeable future, technology will be of great use for keeping in touch with family and friends. With communication being possible across international boarders (for free!), I have a wide range of options to choose from: Blogging, email, Skype, Google chat, to name but a few. Gone are the days of touching base with loved ones every couple of weeks because of phone call costs or time differences. Again, the asynchronous nature of many technologies allows for participation when it is convenient, with participation by both parties not having to be at the same time.
Even locally, with lives becoming so busy, and the city being so vast geographically, it can be hard at times to keep in touch with local friends. Texting, email, and face time have become great modes for keeping in touch when its just not possible to get together in person or perhaps chat via the phone.
While I do utilize many forms of communication technology in my daily life, I do make an effort to remember that texts are not always 'urgent,' and that I have voicemail for a reason. When I travel for the weekend, I leave my phone at home, serving as a reminder that being connected 24 hours a day, every day is a convenience, not a necessity. Finding a balance with all things in life is a constant struggle and an admirable goal - technology use falls under this philosophy as well.
As the "world roils in a state of constant flux" I eagerly await the newest communications technology (Thomas & Brown, 2011, p. 40). I realize that when "change comes slowly, adaptation is easy," yet I eagerly await the newest technology and adapt as best and as quickly as I can if it means that communication is enhanced with the ones I love (Thomas & Brown, 2011, p. 42).

Cheers,
Theresa