When I think about my own school memories, they are all basically the same. A large room with a chalkboard, desks in straight rows, and everybody is quiet because they don't want to get in "trouble". We might be taking turns reading out loud in our Science or Social Studies book or doing another of the never ending worksheets.
Computers? We hadn't heard of them. (yes, I'm old!) In elementary school, we didn't even use calculators for Math. That would be cheating!!
Today, I wonder if teachers teach the way they were taught except most of them are trying hard to learn, improve, and refine their methods. I say that because some desks are still in straight rows, but there are also a lot of other configurations. Sometimes rooms are quiet, but somtimes they are noisey depending on what's going on at the time. Reading out loud from Science and Social Studies books still takes place but so do projects and presentations.
Computers? Yes, we have them. The thing that saddens me is that I don't believe we use them to their maximum. Why? Unfortunately, districts have spent a great deal on labs but not enough on professional development for teachers. :(
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I really agree with your last comment. It will be critical for our current students to have as much exposure as possible to technology in order to be competitive with other countries. There seems to be regression in schools ability to keep up with technological changes and unavailable funds and training. I would love to be trained on the new MS Word, Excell ect.
ReplyDeleteHere I go again. The first comment is lost somewhere in hyperspace, which seems to be the story of my life with computers. Yes I know our students need to be brought into the 21st century with technology because that is obvisiously the way the future is being directed. However, I'm not sure I am going to be the right person for this job. I can instill the love of learning, demonstrate respect for all individuals, and help with critical thinking, problem solving, and working cooperatively with each other, but as for understanding and utilizing technology, help!
ReplyDeleteI remember the days of school with no computers and we did manage to learn the basics. Today we are expecting kids to learn the basics plus everything else. I believe there is a time for technology in the classroom and that middle school and high school are about the right time to allow students comupter/technology freedom but at the elementary level, kids still need the basics. Yes, I believe that we can teach students keyboarding skills and allow them to play some learning/practice games on computers if computers are available but children still need to be taught how to read and do math at the elementary level.
ReplyDeleteYes, It would be great for teachers to have the technology available in the classroom that would make teaching easier and more student friendly but at the present time funds are available to make these things a reality.