One thing that I learned from the article was about the art of asking better questions. The idea that teachers are asking more questions may not be the best way to get a quality answer. If I reflect on my own teaching I guess I do have a predetermined answer in my head and expect the student to come up with the answer I am looking for. We should require students to answer questions longer and with more words to prepare for explanations in the real world. For example a boss may ask why an extra worker was called in for the evening shift the student/future worker should be able to respond with a complete and justifiable answer. On some level I believe this will also bust their confidence and improve employability skills.
The article brought up the idea of teacher versus pupil control in the classroom. An Idea I have never been exposed to. Just how much control should the two players in this arena have? After all Dewey suggested that both parties arise from their learning experience with something to take with them. Either positive or negative. The author goes on to speak about different levels of interactivity in the classroom such as lecturing, funneling, probing, focusing and reflection. My own belief is that a combination of many or all of these is the best way to manage your classroom. The teacher can control the knowledge learned that they expect from their students when teaching at some of the lower levels. Also, the student can still formulate his/her own opinions, thoughts or ideas when using some of the higher level of teaching.
Lastly, that technology in the classroom has to be used correctly to be effective. Just by using a power point presentation in your classroom may not be the best use of technology. It would be better to allow the student to be more actively involved by coming to the interactive white board and working with it themselves. Another example of poor use of technology is using the interactive white board as a projector. Today, in class, I was “forced” to use the white board in class for the first time. I think it helped alleviate some fears. Thanks!
Do interactive communication tools lead to interactive learning? Why or why not?
Yes. If used properly.
The best evidence I can use to answer this question was today’s assignment. I was never so engaged in a class than I was today. The presentations began, and before I knew it, I was standing, clapping, picking someone to pick someone else to answer a question and writing on the IWB.
I learned about bugs, saving energy and American Indians all in one class.
I used and saw technology like I have never seen before. There were exciting words, sounds, pictures, movies and games. People were laughing and volunteering to be a part of the lesson!
In summary by taking what I have learned, using the computer and the interactive white board made for the best interactive class I have ever had.
How can educators be sure to use interactive communication tools to their best potential? List and describe three main ideas.
First I believe educators need to become educated themselves in the use of technology. They need to take classes such as this one, and maybe more, to keep up with the changing trends in technology. Teachers need to be interested in changing the way they teach and encourage themselves to increase their knowledge and use of technology in the classroom.
Teachers need to be backed up by funds and supported by administration. Adequate funds for proper equipment such as computers, IWB’s and software need to be able to be purchased to use them. In class this was probably the obstacle I heard the most.
This also includes a technology department that can support the staff in these transitional times.
Teachers cannot become stagnant in the use of computer technology. Do not just be happy using the IWB as a projector but push themselves to learn more and have the students become more involved. My hope is someday soon we can see the benefits from studies that show increasing interaction and technology in the classroom today prepares our students for a better tomorrow.
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The issue of control in the classroom will be one you will always have to consider. Often, it will change from year to year as the character of your class changes. Be flexible, and give up as much control as you can!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this post very much. You did a good job bringing all of the main points of the article together. I'm glad you mentioned the idea of classroom management being an issue. So often people forget that the main thing a lot of administrators look for when they observe is classroom management.
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head with proper use of IWBs. Teachers need to continue to learn and keep up with the latest technology. They also need to select appropriate use for the technology.