Then vs. Now- Are we getting anywhere? (0)
February 13th, 2010 by kathymaske, under Critical Issues, Ed Tech.
This was the scene one Tuesday morning last week as I began to teach Music. Ironic? I didn’t even notice where I had set my Blackberry at first. When I turned to pick up my phone, there was the scene. Past and Present. And not even a past that was that long ago. It started my mind racing with thoughts of technology and how far we’ve come. I am the oldest child in my family, born in 1979. We had a phone similar to the one seen on the left. However, now I don’t even have a landline in my house! I can still remember having a black and white TV. Our family didn’t actually get a color TV until the mid 80’s. It’s crazy to even think about now. The first computer our family had was purchased in the 90’s. And Internet…can you say “Dial-up”? This is virtually unheard of now.
So, as the title of my post states- “Are we getting anywhere?” In teaching? Well, are we? I would say yes when it comes to the technologies that are available. We have so much at our fingertips, literally! But are we using the technologies to get anywhere? I sometimes struggle with this. There are so many websites, devices, software and hardware choices to choose from that it is hard to know what can be of the most benefit to our students.
There are new things to learn, new technologies to try, and students who crave the interaction with these technologies. They crave engaging learning and interactions.
“It takes time to learn new technologies”
“I have enough to worry about”
“I don’t think I would use it”
So, I ask again- Are we getting anywhere?
Integrating technology isn’t about using technology to teach. It’s about engaging our students. It’s about changing something in the way we teach. Instead of reading about the people in Russia, we can talk to them via Skype. Why not engage the students in fractions via You Tube. It means taking our teaching to the next level.
Does this require some work? Yes! When we decided we would be educators, we committed ourselves to life long learning. And if you didn’t, well…maybe you should take a second look at what you are doing with your life! It is part of the calling of being in education. There’s learning involved. What I am writing is probably not a shock to anyone. However, there aren’t too many who may say it out loud.
Looking back a the photo above, I can tell you that both phones will get us in touch with the people we try to contact. The old ways of engaging students versus the new ways of technology- both ways will get the information across. Are we getting anywhere? Yes, slowly. However, how we get to where we are going is up to us!
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