1. How does this reading impact your thinking about technology's role in teaching and learning?
As I read this chapter, the first couple of sentences were reassuring towards my thinking about technology’s role in teaching and learning. Through reading a variety of articles based upon technology within the classroom, some authors indicate that technology will “devour” schools and before we know it, we will be attending to the computer at home. However, as I read this chapter, I became less worried about that statement. On page 68, the author states that technology fits much more comfortably into the home environment, however, I would have to argue with that. Yes, I believe that technology settles better in the home, but I think it depends on what kind of technology. For example, computers are “home-friendly”, where home schooled students could access resources. However, the use of a Smart Board would be less likely because the Smart Board would have to be installed separately. I’m not saying that Smart Boards are not possible within the home setting, but it would be very difficult to arrange that setting.
Technology’s role in learning in the workforce is very beneficial. As I read this section within the chapter, my thinking was deepened. Examples that were given in the book such as, Motorola, Accenture and Xerox allowed me to see that having multiple steps in re-educating employees is beneficial. I know several people in the workforce who continually take online classes to deepen their understanding about their own position. To correlate with online classes is the understanding of distance education. Prior to reading this chapter, I knew very little about distance education. Now, I realize how well developed it is. Personally, I would think that online classes would be difficult to comprehend things and there would be a lot of reading. For me, I am a hands-on person, so I do not think distance education is beneficial for me. However, some distance education I would have to be used to is D2L or summer session courses, which are hybrid courses (in my mind distance education).
Another aspect of this chapter that I thought was beneficial for my thinking about technology’s role in teaching and learning is the understanding of learning centers. I have heard of Sylvan, but other than that I do not know much about learning centers. While I was reading this section, the author mentions that these centers primarily focus on national tests. As I read that, I began to think that having learning centers obtaining to the Praxis tests would be very beneficial! I also see learning centers that can be develop throughout the nation. For me, I believe that learning centers can be develop within one society and does not have to be nation-wide. For example, I know on campus there is a study session for the Praxis II—to me that is a learning center, but typically just within the campus. Another section within the chapter that impacted my thinking was the section on television and videos. I agree there are certain television shows as well as movies that show adult secrets, but then again it is no different than bringing your child/student into a public place.
2. What will you do differently as a future teacher as a direct result of this new thinking?
As a future teacher, I will try to provide learning centers. My learning center may not be nation wide like Sylvan, Thompson, Princeton Review, etc., but it will focus on the student’s needs within the school I am teaching at. My learning center would be an after school program that would a way for students to learn in a different manner. Also contrary to what Neil Postman says about videos and television, I will show proper videos within my classroom. I think showing educational videos allows the students to adapt to his or her thinking. Along with that I will allow my students to have access to computer-based learning software. I know there is a CD-ROM: Oregon Trail that is very beneficial to a student’s learning. Allowing the students to have access to these items will enhance my student’s learning.
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