Other than inexperience, it seems the overriding aspect preventing us from the incorporation of more technology into our teaching practices is control. It is a big world out there and now there is access to it by the touch of a button through the use of the internet. This is a wonderful but also dangerous situation. While being able to access information like never before, not all of that information is good or appropriate for our students. There are many tools, which have been developed allowing for more peace of mind. There are ways to block access to most inappropriate sites (the ones we can find), history can be looked at to see where you’ve been on the internet, and you can even use split screens to view what people are looking at. While all of these help, there are still ways for students to get around these. Therefore, we need to redefine what control is in relationship to these new tools.
I think the MLTI program here in Maine has proven to work well. One of the advantages of providing students with computers is that we can set them up to block inappropriate use for the most part. It also allows us to confiscate them in the event they are being used inappropriately. The only problem with that though is it is usually after the damage has been done. I guess that is all we can really do in that case, at least prevent it from happening again. There is also a lot more education based on the use of these tools as well. Cyber-bullying has received a lot of attention because of the drastic results, which have come from it. With students and parents being aware of this there is a better sense of responsibility with these tools.
There is certainly no way to completely control the information students receive. However, we can protect them from what we do know and work to protect them from what will come. These tools are essential for the 21st century workforce, so there is no question we need to include them in our education systems.
I agree with your perspective and I think that as long as we are providing students with opportunities to use the computer for research and other activities at the very least we are moving them in the direction of 21st century literacy.We are still waiting for the culture of teaching and learning to catch up with technology use and its broad range of access for young students.
ReplyDeleteI might think also that if we keep students busy with authentic,interesting work, they might not "wander" off to sites they should not visit. I know I have been in classes where I wandered off on my laptop because I was uninvolved. Something to think about as a teacher.
ReplyDeleteThis is probably why media literacy is an emerging educational course of study. Giving students the ability to make informed decisions in the internet access and media will move away from the issue of control-hopefully.
ReplyDeleteSadly, the middle school in which my niece and nephew attend has decided to handle a case of cyberbullying by taking away all laptops from all students. Rather than deal with the root of the problem, they have chosen to "take control". I'm thinking the students won't learn social responsibility from this move.
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