OK, I have the computers, now what?
I often wonder why some teachers and administrators hesitate to adopt technology. When you think about human nature, though, it makes sense. With the emphasis on test scores not just locally, but nationally, if not globally, technology can feel like an additional burden. "These computers have been delivered, but what do I do with them? How can they help me with my students' test scores? And, besides, I don’t know HOW to use this stuff.” Happens in almost every school.
It is not always easy to mesh technological tools with the "basics" that students must have in order to develop higher-level thinking skills. Teachers can feel overwhelmed. This is especially true if a glitch develops with the hardware or software, and glitches will happen, usually at the worst time.
So, we have this equipment, but how do we, as teachers, learn to use it? I think one of the best ways to reach reluctant, and sometimes fearful teachers, is to show them how technology can be useful and easy to use in their own lives, with their families and friends. The simplicity of creating a professional looking slideshow of their own photos with music and beautiful transitions can cause the lightbulb to go off. The same with digital movies, and music. Technology has made it possible for a person to create amazing works of art, music, etc. and when a teacher or administrator understands this in their own lives, they can start seeing ways to enrich their students' lessons. Takes away the fear.
I often suggest to technology naysayers, that they should make a list of the skills needed to create a digital movie, on a curricular topic, of course. The list is long, and detailed. Everything from pre-writing, to storyboarding, to research, to the actual video shots, usually resulting in student cooperation, teamwork, and learning to make the project the key focal point. The best part is that the students, while developing the project, become "experts" in the topic. They are very much focused on the outcome, and the content sneaks in I have done this in the classroom, and it works. Keep it in mind. More in the next blog entry. Thanks for reading!
Dr. Dan
It is not always easy to mesh technological tools with the "basics" that students must have in order to develop higher-level thinking skills. Teachers can feel overwhelmed. This is especially true if a glitch develops with the hardware or software, and glitches will happen, usually at the worst time.
So, we have this equipment, but how do we, as teachers, learn to use it? I think one of the best ways to reach reluctant, and sometimes fearful teachers, is to show them how technology can be useful and easy to use in their own lives, with their families and friends. The simplicity of creating a professional looking slideshow of their own photos with music and beautiful transitions can cause the lightbulb to go off. The same with digital movies, and music. Technology has made it possible for a person to create amazing works of art, music, etc. and when a teacher or administrator understands this in their own lives, they can start seeing ways to enrich their students' lessons. Takes away the fear.
I often suggest to technology naysayers, that they should make a list of the skills needed to create a digital movie, on a curricular topic, of course. The list is long, and detailed. Everything from pre-writing, to storyboarding, to research, to the actual video shots, usually resulting in student cooperation, teamwork, and learning to make the project the key focal point. The best part is that the students, while developing the project, become "experts" in the topic. They are very much focused on the outcome, and the content sneaks in I have done this in the classroom, and it works. Keep it in mind. More in the next blog entry. Thanks for reading!
Dr. Dan
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