I am a firm believer that technology should be chiefly used to complement the content and pedagogical knowledge domains as teachers strive to educate children. The potential danger of technology is the arbitrary insertion of it into the classroom simply because it is the newest, best thing on the market and we wouldn’t want to be seen as depriving our students of having it. This is the very attitude that leads to wasteful spending and low rewards. Technology’s main function should be that of a conduit or bridge that allows students to achieve their learning goals in the most efficient and beneficial way possible.
While observing an actual third grade classroom I discovered that a significant number of the students had trouble expressing their ideas in small group situations. Since my unit and lesson plan features collaboration among students, it concerned me that this was happening. Being third graders it could just be a case of shyness and not feeling comfortable enough to speak up in a small group. Whatever the reason, their non-participation in group discussions would hinder one of the lesson goals which would be to practice successful collaboration with others. A solution came to mind in the form of a Wiki, the existence of which I was unaware of prior to taking this class.
By having each student to individually contribute a response on their class wiki to each structural area of their group’s argument, it would give the more reticent students a non confrontational environment to communicate their ideas. In essence it allowes the knowledge of technology to have a positive impact on the pedagogical domain or knowledge of how I teach to best benefit all the students.
In thinking about the various aspects of my unit and lesson plans I’m somewhat concerned about how well all the students will be able to transition into using the various technology aspects to complete their assignments. I wouldn’t want the inability to manipulate a certain technology aspect to adversely affect their acquisition of the content they are to learn. Since I have set aside class time to help familiarize each student with the technology, I don’t believe that this will be the case. However as a conscientious educator I would stay vigilant to ensure that none of the students are left confused.
I would have to agree that technology should be used to compliment the teacher and lesson, however another problem along with using it just to show new technology's is the mandatory use of newer technologies. If within a school and teacher id forced to integrate some arbitrary amount of technology could that take away from the effectiveness of the lesson. Also, as I see the advantages of using the Wiki to create group discussions, that group dynamic is necessary for all children, even those who are recluse in nature. all students need to learn how to interact with others and discuss a topic to create a collaborated group consensus.
ReplyDeleteI really liked your lesson. It is a great idea to use wiki as a discussion forum. Students can freely communicate their thoughts. It may take some time for students to transition using this tool but I think that in the end it will be very beneficial for them.
ReplyDeleteOne thing about the TPCK model is that it reminds us that _all_ teaching involves technology in some form (e.g., printed books, chalkboard, desks, electric lighting), and as reflective professionals, we consider how the technology is affecting the content and the pedagogy. That being said, I agree with your point about "new technologies". I also like your observation that new technologies can be seen as equalizers in the classroom -- allowing students to have a voice who might not otherwise have one.
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