Ch.2: The Technology Enthusiasts' Argument

1). How does this reading impact your thinking about technology's role in teaching and learning?
As I read chapter two, my thinking about technology’s role in teaching and learning slightly became questionable; questionable in the sense that I was questioning my own thinking about technology. My thinking was being altered specifically as I read the interaction section and game simulation sections. Before reading this chapter, I believed that technology does play an important role in teaching and learning. However, I also believed that technology can have a negative impact among students, especially at the elementary. An example I thought of (and stated in lab discussion) is, students handwriting would not be able to develop because he or she would always be referring to the computer and not be able to practice their handwriting skills. Therefore their handwriting would not be readable because of the lack of practice. Conversely, as I read this chapter, I was in total shock to find out that word processors helps students write well! I still have a hard time believing this, if you will. I believe that practice, practice, practice is a key concept, especially at the elementary level.
What I have trouble understanding is how technology can improve one’s ability to write clearly/well when it is all done without actually writing. If one was physically writing, he or she would be able to practice their writing abilities, instead of just “seeing” their words. Overtime, I will come to understand this concept. I am glad this chapter was able to alter my thinking.
In the game and simulation section, this section allowed my thinking about technology to deepen. Before reading this section, I believed that games were a good way to enhance a student’s learning. As a read this section, I found my thoughts matching the author’s perspectives. What I was able to grasp a better understanding of, is that games allow students to deal with conflict and things that are dealt with on a regular basis.
As one section altered my thoughts about technology, one section also deepened my thinking about technology’s role in teaching and learning.


2). What will you do differently as a future teacher as a direct result of this new thinking?
As a direct result of this new thinking and as a future teacher, I will engage my students in more technology. Instead of being hesitant to adapt technology in the classroom, I will be more confident that my future student’s skills will not be tampered by technology. Incorporating more technology within my classroom will further my student’s skills because he or she will get direct feedback, this will allow my students to understand his or her mistakes quicker. Another thing I would do differently is incorporate more educational games. Including more educational games will allow my students to deal with conflicts in different scenarios and be able to adapt to those scenarios. This chapter allowed me to get a better understanding of technology and helped me rethink what I would do as a future teacher.