Week 1 discussion: Integrating Technology into the Classroom

While reading each article, I found concepts in both that I agreed and disagreed with. As a teacher interested in preparing students for the future, I agree with integrating technology into our schools. Reigeuth and Joseph, discuss the sad truth that many factory jobs are disappearing. I see this first hand with relatives and friends that have lost their jobs with Steelcase after 25 years. Students need to be kept updated in various new technologies to better prepare them for the real world and a competitive job market. No matter how hard individuals try to avoid technological growth, it is still going to occur. In order to meet the needs of students, we need to change the idea that one-size-fits-all. I believe in focusing on each student’s strengths and creating a personalized plan whether the student has disabilities or not. Undoubtedly, this is an overwhelming task; however, educational systems need to concentrate on using technology to assist teachers in making this happen. An effective method for using technology in the classroom is to use software designed to implement differentiated instruction. This will offer a variety of learning options through which students can demonstrate their knowledge. Options that would include research on the internet, creating power points, producing videos, building a model, or developing a website. I recently began using differentiated instruction in my middle school science classroom. To date, it has proven to be very effective in reaching each student’s needs. Each unit is set up to look like a daily assignment sheet which offers a variety of choices for activities with varying point values. Each lesson has a mix of activities that will reach different styles of learning. At the end of the unit, students are required to earn a set amount of points. Additionally, I agree that “report cards” that simply state letter grades do not provide enough constructive feedback. Standards based report cards help to demonstrate the specifics of the student’s knowledge in each content area which we us in our school. In our organization, we use additional alternative methods for reporting such as a language arts folder. The folder which is started in Kindergarten follows the student every year with new examples of work added to it each year. This allows teachers to review the file before having the student in their class so that they know what to expect and focus on. I am hopeful my school system will discuss using technology such as software programs to assist in organizing students academic levels electronically for easier access.

While reading Postman’s article I tried to maintain an open mind but found most of his theories extreme and without supportive evidence. I did agree with new technologies driving the old technologies out of business. I see fewer “mom & pop” shops and more superstores. Skilled trades seem to be used less often and more often we find mass produced manufactured goods and services. Throughout most of Postman’s article, he generalizes negatively about the many advances of technology and yet fails to describe in any detail why he believes advancements in technology are the problem. For example, his comment about the use of computers in the classroom will stifle student’s intellect and social capacity. In reality, the world is full of new and exciting technologies that will grab the attention of students no matter what their interest. I see this first hand in my science classroom. Every Friday one student shares an article from various sources about something new in science. Most of the articles pertain to new technologies in science. Students not only learn something new but in turn converse and ask questions. I find it difficult to believe that Postman would not support the idea of new technologies if ever it benefits him personally. There may be a time when either he or a loved one needs an organ transplant, chemotherapy, or to make a call to the fire department for help with a burning home. To the question Postman so commonly asks, “What is the problem to which “this” is the answer?” will be, “technology is the answer which saves lives and often makes life better.” In my opinion, Postman never really proves his point and has very little evidence to back his ideas.

In conclusion, I found myself not fully agreeing or disagreeing with each article. I do agree with integrating technology into my classroom as often as possible. I also truly believe technology will help my students to be better prepared for the real world and be able to compete in a competitive, global economy.