Computers in the Classroom: A Mode for Achievement or an Escape to Isolation
In our discussion of Dewey not only in our technology in education class but in our records of practice discussion of intellectual characters I find a question about technology. Dewey believes that "school life should grow gradually out of
the home life; that it should take up and continue the activities with which
the child is already familiar in the home" and lets face it technology is something that most students have access too and spend a great deal of time interacting with it. But does the use of technology in the classroom foster the disciplines that are essential for intellectual character?
Intellectual character as outlined by Ron Ritchart describes "curiosity, open-mindedness, metacognition, the seeking of truth and skepticism" as keys to developing intellectual character and success in school. While these can be cultivated through the use of computers adding another element to this already complicated and this already difficult task to create this intellectual culture just seems unnecessary. There are already so many things that make teaching difficult why complicate it with technology?
On the other hand technology gives students a unique opportunity to relate to school in a new way that could potentially be more accessible. The importance of students feeling comfortable and the opportunity to relate to academics is incredibly important for students to learn. If we use technology to help students connect with different people around the world and to help them look at their own thinking then isn't foster intellectual characterer?
I know I have been rather contradictory in this post but I just am really struggling with the fact that there are so many aspects of education and it all seems very difficult and overwhelming already so why add technology to this mix if it may just confuse the situation or further isolate the students from one another and the teacher? I can see some benefits of adding technology into the classroom and I do not believe we should ignore technology as it is a major part of our society but I think it should be limited in the classroom.
Ritchhart goes on to say, “Unlike standards, ideals can’t be tested. We can’t check them off or set a threshold of performance that must be met. However, ideals can do something that standards cannot: they can motivate, inspire, and direct our work...when the last test is taken, what will stay with a student from his or her education?...I contend that what stays with us from our education are patterns: patterns of behavior, patterns of thinking, patterns of interaction.” He suggests that we as teachers are to help form the intellectual character of our students.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, there is an overwhelming amount of work to be put into the development of lessons plans, classroom management procedures, grading, participation in staff meetings, etc. It’s a good idea to consider whether or not technology can make all this easier to deal with, or whether it will simply add more to the already overflowing plates of teachers. I can attest that it is definitely helpful (and will most likely be required) to maintain records and lesson plans electronically. As far as classroom use goes, and using technology to help form intellectual character, I’m not so sure. I think I’d like to create a classroom blog; it seems to work toward the purpose of encouraging curiosity, open-mindedness, and metacognition. At least that appears to be the case here – I’m sure it will vary somewhat when moving to the high school environment. And depending on the school, the students may or may not have access to the necessary technology. I don’t really want to require students who don’t have such technology in their homes, to go to the library after a long day in school.
I am right there with you regarding the conflict. On the one hand, computers connect us in a very real sense to the global community in ways that were never imaginable before. On the other, do they let us sacrifice human contact? What is the balance, especially in the classroom? I want students to connect with PEOPLE, but I also have to acknowledge that we don't live in villages anymore.
ReplyDelete