Rethinking Education Ch. 3

**How does this reading impact your thinking about technology's role in teaching and learning?

                How this reading impacts my thinking about technology’s role in teaching and learning is the reading puts my thinking at a hesitant level. Prior to this reading, my thinking was altered slightly; however my thinking about technology has stepped back in the previous state of uncertainty.

                In previous readings I learned that the use of technology, specifically computers can benefit student’s writing by making the student’s writing more legible. However, as I read this chapter, the author states that there is research that supports computers weaken student’s scores when it comes to paper and pencil writing test (p. 37). This statement supports my previous thinking, however, as I stated, in previous readings there is research that supports that computers improve writing. Now, I do not know where to stand and how to properly benefit computer use in the classroom. From previous observation experience in the classroom, I have found myself understanding that holding writing centers benefits the students. Writing centers contain the generic pencil and paper writing without computers. At that time students are engaging in active learning in which, she or he, is able to properly understand/fix the correct way to write. So, at this point I am back to agreeing with the statement stated in the book on page 37.
                Although I believe computers do not benefit the students in the writing subject, I do believe that computers often aide students in better understanding in different subject areas. After reading this chapter, I have come to realize that many students do not have the opportunity to engage in computer use in school, mainly because of cost. With the economy today, it is hard for schools to maintain budget through the ordering of technology such as new laptops or even SMARTBoards. When I am observing the classroom, I find myself observing at the traditional level; traditional level meaning that it is hands on activities and not “computer hands on” activities. Due to the cost of these things, schools I observe at can not afford the cost of computers; therefore that allows me not to experience growth among students, which aides in my reasoning.

                Classroom management is something that, I think, majority of teachers struggle with, especially at the elementary level. Typically teachers are so engaged in what they are doing that the teacher usually loses track of time. So, to say that classroom management would be difficult with the use of computers is just an excuse. There are often times where classroom management can be difficult without the use of a computer. Becoming accustomed to computers within your classroom or allowing appropriate time for computer use will benefit the students and also deepen their understanding. As a teacher, I think, having computers will also allow the teacher to see how much more he or she needs to be organized in order to have a successful and cooperating class.

                As I continued reading, I grew to understand that using computers on a regular basis challenges may occur, but what teacher does not face challenges? When using computers, it is hard to keep the student’s attention, but if the teacher is well informed about the curricula and what task(s) that students should be performing, then there should be no reason to give the students a step by step instruction. Instead, the students should be able to incorporate “that” into their lesson which would aide the students in proper instruction. Again, computers can often be a big distraction, especially at the younger age which could arise the question, who is the educator—the computer or the teacher? However, that again relates back to knowing the curricula better and obtaining previous knowledge. This reading really boggled with my mind and had me thinking are multiple situations.

What will you do differently as a future teacher as a direct result of this new thinking?
                As a future teacher I will incorporate “computer time” within my classroom and within each subject area when necessary. I know I do not know the exact school district I will be put into, but I would be very hesitant to ask for computers due to budget reasons, but I would at least suggest it. I would also take a deeper look at Plato. Through my quick understanding, this websites seems to benefit student’s learning as well as the teacher’s learning. Another thing that I would do when involving computers in the classroom and making a rules chart. I think it is very important to go over rules of the computer, so your students are able to know and understand the proper use of computers. For example, I would indicate that he or she should only be on the given website, he or she is not to browse any other website unless previously told so or if they ask me, etc. Making those rules will set boundaries for students who may not use computer often and better yet, set boundaries for all students.

                When applying computer use to my classroom I would also make sure I know and understand the curricula. I would take specific courses needed to enhance my understanding to ensure in proper education for my students. I will use the computers as an aide and not as a “break” or “catch up” time. Computer use should strictly be used in active learning that way the student does develop bad habits. There is a lot of new thinking to apply to my future classroom due to this chapter.