So after my little rant about technology in the classroom, I started thinking about my personal experiences with it in past classes. I specifically remember when my grade school got a Smartboard and how cool it was and never being allowed to touch it unless the teacher was standing next to us. Now, almost every single classroom on campus has a Smartboard. If they don't then there is some type of projector connected to the computer so that we can access the internet as a class. Basically, without realizing it my educational life is extremely centered around technology. One interesting part of this though is the variation of use from professor to professor.
I've noticed that age has absolutely nothing to do with the use of technology in the classroom. I have older professors who use very little technology, and other older professors who use it in almost every aspect of the class. In fact, I had a class last semester in which D2L and VoiceThreads were used weekly. It was a different way to get the information to the students, and I did end up really enjoying it.
On the other hand, I have had professors who refuse to incorporate any technology at all. My first adviser actually would not even set up his email. His inbox was continually full and he insisted on using a land line to communicate or a face-to-face meeting (which was set up by going to his office and writing your name and time on a list). This radical difference is interesting to think about as both a student and aspiring teacher. What made my one professor use so much technology and gain so much education about what she used? What made my one adviser refuse to use it at all? The fact of the matter is, technology is a big part of our education now. It does aid in understanding and becoming interested in the topic being discussed; however, I am not sure if I have noticed a difference in my success in the class based on what materials were used.
That is an interesting concept to ponder. Does this new tool in education have a great impact on the student's success? What do you guys think? Just curious!
Like you Sam, I have had the same experience with professors on campus. Some were great with technology and it was really helpful. Others though were not helpful at all because they lacked digital medias. What i have found out is professors and teachers need basic digital medias in order to be an educator of the modern age.
ReplyDeleteWhat i would say is necessary is email, word, powerpoint, and an ongoing knowledge of the prohressive digital medias so a teacher will be aware of the technologies avaliable.
The Internet definitely has become a tool that allows us to do a lot in education as well as our personal life. I think it's absolutely ridiculous that your adviser wouldn't even set up his e-mail. That type of communication with mass amounts of students is crucial.
ReplyDeleteI feel it has mixed effects on our success though. Depending on how it's used.