Keeping with the times

With the new age of technology, come a new generation of technology-savvy kids. Students these days spend a whole lot of time on the computer and on the Internet. They talk to friends, socialize with others who may not be their friends, and pursue their personal interests. They have the freedom to teach themselves what they want.

            As MacArthur points out, and Will Richardson reiterates, kids learn many skills while they are online. They learn a lot about social skills: how to talk to others and how to respect one another. They also learn about facts and subjects that they are interested in. If a student finds he/she has a particular interest in something he/she is able to look it up, find more information, and find people with similar interests instantaneously. Online, students are also able to learn from one another, rather than only from an adult in the classroom.

            One of the best ways to keep kids engaged in the content of learning in the classroom is to present it in new and innovative ways. Teachers should utilize what students know and are interested in to teach them about new things. Instead of fighting against new technology, teachers should take advantage of it.

The Education Arcade article believes the same thing. They point out the hesitation of teachers and schools to use computer games, or really any other technology in the classroom. One interesting thing they point out is the use of digital games in many professional fields. They are used for training purposes for doctors and military personnel. But schools try to cut out this whole aspect of a child’s life when they are in the classroom.

            As we have seen throughout this class, there are endless amounts of ways that a teacher can incorporate technology into the classroom. A teacher can find the one that works best for them and use it to make learning fun, new and engaging. The one thing teachers need to be aware of is the parameters in which they are working. They have to make sure they know what they are asking of the student and they know how the program they want to use operates. While we do want students using their knowledge of technology to gain even more knowledge in various subject areas, we do not want it to get out of hand. There should be some censoring involved. Another thing to be aware of is the idea that technology does not “take over.” There are many things that cannot be learned on the Internet, for example, in-person social skills. Interactions with people and self-presentation are very important parts of learning that should not be disregarded for this new way of socializing.