Take II indeed, after receiving this feedback:
I thought another attempt was in order, to better explain the challenges I'll be facing as a teacher in this technological trove of a century. Of course I still stand by all the statements mentioned in the last post, this is just a development upon those ideas (that idea?). Obviously now I've been submerged in the integration of education and technology I see more than simply one challenge and as proven in other parts of this website my presentation doesn't usually lack in effectiveness.
Character Education
A lot of my research throughout the semester has led me to the importance of developing strong character for 21st century living. Character development in education is not a revolutionary idea from Plato to Churchill, it has been widely accepted for teachers educate students in the "right thing to do." Since the 1960s, there has been a shifts within western societies, where upon each student should be allowed the freedom to figure out what is right for them (DeRoche & Williams, 2001; Likona, 1991). Yet, with technology as the catalyst our social landscape has permanently changed, threatening not only our sense of stability and community but our safety (Jason Ohler, 2011).
In his book Truth, Beauty and Goodness, Reformed Gardner (2012) warns against giving up the quest for a life marked by these values and resigning ourselves to the increasingly consumerist nature of the 21st century where nothing is of real value and we succumb to a facade of happiness. This paints a bleak picture indeed, To combat this we need to educate students who can not only discern moral obligation but realise when the situation most calls for it. In a word which is changing and growing as fast as ours, where innovation grows exponentially faster than the laws which can govern it, these moralistic lines can become increasingly blurred to even the most righteous of citizens. So it's important we instill values that can last longer than the lifespan of the next new gadget to buy. (Apple iWatch 42mm Space Grey Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band- $579AUD).
SMAR
effective integration
staying current
blog post mary hertz http://www.edutopia.org/blog/meaning-tech-integration-elementary-mary-beth-hertz
In his book Truth, Beauty and Goodness, Reformed Gardner (2012) warns against giving up the quest for a life marked by these values and resigning ourselves to the increasingly consumerist nature of the 21st century where nothing is of real value and we succumb to a facade of happiness. This paints a bleak picture indeed, To combat this we need to educate students who can not only discern moral obligation but realise when the situation most calls for it. In a word which is changing and growing as fast as ours, where innovation grows exponentially faster than the laws which can govern it, these moralistic lines can become increasingly blurred to even the most righteous of citizens. So it's important we instill values that can last longer than the lifespan of the next new gadget to buy. (Apple iWatch 42mm Space Grey Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band- $579AUD).
SMAR
effective integration
staying current
blog post mary hertz http://www.edutopia.org/blog/meaning-tech-integration-elementary-mary-beth-hertz
Effective Integration
Another challenging aspect of this digital age, is effective integration of technology; emphasis on effective. With the new national curriculum just recently in effect, successful integration of technology is still a work in progress for many schools (White, 2012) . What I'm worried about is not necessarily a lack in confidence in approaching tech. but utilising it incorrectly. Of course there are some excellent resources to help with this- the SAMR model for instance:
Which defines the ways that technology is used in the classroom. The ultimate aim here is Redefinition. However the easiest is Substitution and this is a trap that is easy to fall into: using tech. as a direct substitution too without any functional change. I'm always wanting to turn to computers for the answer however it comes down to remembering that just because it's there doesn't necessarily mean it's best. Mary Hertz elaborates further upon this approach in her blog for Edutopia with great classroom observations..
Updating Information
As with anything new and developmental, there will always be improvements and changes to be made! Updating software is vital in keeping up with the tech world usually our computers, laptops, tablets and phones are courteous to let us know when this needs to happen and it's a simple case of pressing "ok". But what usually goes under the radar is updating our skills along with these updates in technology.
As is continually talked about the digital age is forever expanding, that touchscreen you have in your pocket, chances are if you haven't bought it within the last 6 months, there's newer and better one on the market that have a huge increase in specs. New technology can be old and out done by within the same year! This is the world our students grown into intuitively, They don't know a world without touchscreen. Hence it is vital as educators we change and adapt to suit their evolving world. Getting comfortable with what you know is not an option. Constant change is now a major characteristic of modern day society and by failing to change with it we too might be blocked from the main frame until we can process the necessary updates.
As is continually talked about the digital age is forever expanding, that touchscreen you have in your pocket, chances are if you haven't bought it within the last 6 months, there's newer and better one on the market that have a huge increase in specs. New technology can be old and out done by within the same year! This is the world our students grown into intuitively, They don't know a world without touchscreen. Hence it is vital as educators we change and adapt to suit their evolving world. Getting comfortable with what you know is not an option. Constant change is now a major characteristic of modern day society and by failing to change with it we too might be blocked from the main frame until we can process the necessary updates.