Technology in School - In Class - 11/12

The readings this week brought up many interesting points with regards to the use of technology in schools. There most definitely exist some new technologies which can be applied to the classroom. Some of the free grade book and rubric making sites can be helpful to teachers. Free Technology for Teachers also offers many useful links to a variety of technologies which I could see being used in the classroom (I discussed some of the applications in an earlier blog). There are many technologies out there which are cheap, and that can make the learning process easier for both teachers and students. These tend to be however, the less innovative technologies. Things like online documentaries and map making tools make teaching easier, but aren’t necessarily that radical of a thing to include in a classroom. The technologies that really push my thinking about teaching and learning are things like video games and social networking sites, as well as other things that are not typically thought about as classroom appropriate. I’m somewhat torn as to whether I am willing to welcome these new technologies into the classroom. On the one hand, if they can help aid learning, I’m all for it. Part of me however, likes to think the role of the teacher is to inspire and I question whether or not this can be possible if technology takes over the classroom. To be honest, I envision myself as being the type of teacher that stands in front of class and tries to engage the students by combining lecturing and lively discussion. Advancements in technology make me question how future learning might be different from the current style of teaching.