Tech-No?

Most that this course has taught us thus far is that the world is moving quicker and quicker into the digital age. We are surrounded by technology in our everyday lives and our dependence on it grows tremendously. Although, there are many times where technology “refusal” can be useful.

The use of technology is the classroom often times causes it to lose its “unity”, “personality”, and “spark” (Leander, 2007, p. 67). The last thing we want our students to become are zombies with the lights from a screen shining on their faces. Sometimes the technology can create an actual physical barrier between students and teachers that makes it difficult for educators to see their students’ faces (Leander, 2007, p.68). For a teacher who truly cares for their students it can often times make the biggest of difference to be down on a student’s level to look at them face to face in order listen to what they have to say.

Although I believe that these things are true, I also believe that when technology is used correctly that it can enhance the classroom experience for students. Teacher’s roles are clearer in a traditional classroom setting (Leander, 2007, p. 67). I can’t help but believe that many educators are worried about not knowing what their role is in a different setting. With the use of technology in my classroom I see kids work much better independently and collaboratively. As the teacher, I become a guide to activities which in turn lead to learning. It is so much different and very difficult. The hardest thing is planning how to use the technology the right way and knowing when to let a student figure things out for themselves and just not disturb their thinking. When listening to and reading about educators who feel the technology is a distraction or danger I can’t help but feel as if that this is their way of keeping from having to change with a new age of learning. These fears are just of the unknown (Leander, 2007, p. 62).