After looking back on past comments and past subjects one thing keeps peaking my interest. We talk a lot about how much is too much and getting away from the basic things that were taught in the "old days". As most of us can see, technology is not going anywhere. If anything it is going to grow even more. So my question to you is how, as a teacher or parent, do we get that equal mix? Is their a hybrid way of teaching where we can incorporate both old style and new styles to get to that one main goal of fully functioning individuals in society? I have seen a lot of negative talk towards technology but how can we incorporate it into curriculum to help benefit the old styles of teaching?
40 Comments
Nick Camp
4/16/2012 11:15:32 pm
Personally, I think there can be a way where you can split up days/weeks/months of how much technology is allowed to be used while teaching curriculum. Students need to learn how to use technology while learning but they also need to learn material the 'old fashioned' way. I think taking students to a library and having them do a project not using any technology would open the eyes of many students who rely heavily upon the internet.
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Casey Costa
4/17/2012 03:21:43 am
Having them have to research using an actual library is a good idea. This laziness from using too much technology causes them to use it more at home I feel like, which is causing more issues that even harm the health of kids
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Jeremy Esry
4/17/2012 10:28:33 pm
Great point on the library, I think students would have a new appreciatoin for researsh papers and such if they went to a library and learned how to look up articles the old fashioned way.
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Ryan Mansfield
4/18/2012 02:48:53 am
Agreed. The only problem with that is the fact that most libraries now days no longer have the card catalogs, research books or in some cases have even eliminated large amounts of their research material do to the fact that everything is now online and no longer have a need for it.
Robert Thomas
4/19/2012 08:43:28 am
Your right Coach Esry it is so much easier these days to look up and find information. With the rapid changes of technology libary's will be almost outdated or a thing of the past that doenst get used. Kids these days and in the future will use libarys less and less.
Stacy Crommie
4/18/2012 12:36:50 am
I have seriously thought about coming up with two projects a year. The first semester have the students do a project without technology and the second semester do a webquest. Have each be large enough to take the whole Fall and Spring semester and be worth many points. This will give the students something to do when I am absent or there is some event that messes up our regularly scheduled classes; like a pep rally or assembly.
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Melea Shimkus
4/19/2012 12:49:39 pm
I think this is a great idea! The students will probably complain about how difficult the assignment without technology is, but hopefully it would make them appreciate how easy it is to access information with technology. I think it would be interesting to ask the students to compare the two projects and which one they found to be more difficult, and rewarding.
Audrey Crabtree
4/18/2012 03:57:02 am
This is a great thought and something I remember doing often as a student!
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Kelli Miller
4/18/2012 12:56:23 pm
The library has, in a way, become obsolete. Students don't really access it as they should. There research and homework can be done at home on a computer, iPad, and even a cell phone. I agree that going to the library should be an everyday occurrence so that the basics don't become lost.
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Stephanie Armiger
4/22/2012 09:47:11 am
I like the idea of students having to go to a library to research a topic for a project. Students need to learn how to find information without using Google all of the time.
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Cara Barth-Fagan
4/22/2012 10:28:58 am
Not using technolgoy in the library? Is that still possible? I mean all the card catalogs are on computers, so they would have to use it to find books . . .
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George Pincock
4/17/2012 03:14:06 am
Not sure if there is a right and wrong way. Each student and each class is extremely unique. Technology my work for some and it may not for others. There is no one size fits all mold when it comes to the amount of technology a student should be using. The teacher/administration have to find the correct balance and be willing to change that as classes and students change.
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Popi Stevens
4/18/2012 02:20:04 am
That is a great point about no one size fits all. Because when i student taught a couple years ago, i remember i had to teach my 4th hour differently from how i taught my 6th hour class because the age, size of class, and personalities in the class all had a impact on how i taught.
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Audrey Crabtree
4/18/2012 03:59:00 am
This is a great point and something that every teacher has to struggle with. It is a very challenging field and quit the juggling act with so many students to deal with.
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Nick Camp
4/19/2012 09:21:57 am
Maybe kids should be allowed to take a questionnaire prior to every grade level that is over technology to see what they already know. The questionnaire can be over things like different functions of technology, appropriate use of technology, and internet safety. Maybe if a kid scores high he can access technology at certain times.
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Matthew Clanahan
4/22/2012 09:02:20 am
George is right on this one. Everyone is different, and as such, we need to adapt to people's different learning styles. Unfortunately, this is very difficult in a traditional classroom setting.
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Casey Costa
4/17/2012 03:20:09 am
I think technology is a great thing if used well. In order to incorporate the two together I think they need to build on each other so a basic concept should be taught the "old school" way then enhanced by using technology. For example I think kids should learn how to do math by hand then to build on to it they could learn how to use a calculator at a more advanced level after they understand what the math actually is.
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Nick Camp
4/18/2012 12:01:51 am
Casey, that is a great idea. Make students learn the basic's of arithmetic; then once they have the core down you can make the numbers larger and more complex with a calculator.
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Ryan Mansfield
4/18/2012 02:50:55 am
I feel that once students have an understanding on how numbers are used and how formulas are developed, they will have a better appreciation and understanding when using technology to assist them when performing more difficult calculations.
George Pincock
4/18/2012 05:30:16 am
Casey, I agree with you. Technology and "old school" learning need to work hand in hamd and compliment each other. The math example you use is great and similar examples can be used for other subjects.
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Elyce Lamphere
4/19/2012 03:32:36 am
Casey-
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Jeremy Esry
4/17/2012 10:26:40 pm
Teaching students the origin of each subject is important I believe, that way they can build a respect for what they are doing and how difficult it was in the past and how much easier it is now. I think by starting off a subject by using the old methods and teaching them for a brief time could be beneficial in making sure the old styles stay around. However I do believe that if there is an easier and faster way to do the task that is what we should focus a majority of our time teaching the subject on. We do not still plant crops by using a mules, but looking back and learning a little bit about it sure makes us appreciate todays technology with tractors and machinery.
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Christopher Sandefur
4/18/2012 11:18:11 pm
Great way of putting things. I agree. If their is a more efficient way of doing things we should take advantage of technology.
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Cara Barth-Fagan
4/17/2012 11:57:32 pm
I believe that there are many teachers who are already using the hybrid model. We are moving towards a hybrid model in several of our own classes- to link distance learners using Elluminate software and live classroom instruction. We incorporate using the LMS (learning management software) with our classes that require our students to use some technology and some "old school" techniques. We still need the classroom model of teacher instruction, but it can be presented in so many different ways, incorporating technolgy in along the way. I like the flipped classroom model, where teachers facilitate, but I also like to teach in a classroom, encourage my students to participate in classroom discussion AND use visual aids and technolgoy to support my teaching. I like using technology- especially some of the things we have access to like making online posters or using Prezi instead of Power Point. It's a lot of fun to see how you can infuse technology into the classroom.
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Heather Kirkendoll
4/18/2012 12:50:32 pm
I agree. The kids enjoy seeing different forms of technology as well. I like it when I can peak their interest for a second with technology, because I think it helps me get their attention for the rest of the lesson as well.
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Stacy Crommie
4/18/2012 12:28:14 am
It is hard to find an equal mix due to the different socialeconomical statuses. There are many students who have technology at home and therefore can grasp any new technologies at school. Those who do not only receive access to technology at school. Since that is the case, balancing exposure to technology and traditional is difficult. In Math, I believe the lesson should be taught without technology and then introduce technology into it. That way they learn the concept, then can be shown the easy way.
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Audrey Crabtree
4/18/2012 01:44:08 am
I think that you have to build the base before you can start using technology. They have to understand why things work the way they do before we allow them to use something that can do it for them. I believe that after you build that base you can start using technology to your advantage. You can find so many helpful apps to use for class activities and you can find many ways to incorporate internet use that will also benefit the student.
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Popi Stevens
4/18/2012 02:17:15 am
I think that a balance needs to be found, But i think first (at a young age) students need to learn the basics and fundamentals in their respective field. Because like we all mention, technology is a useful compliment when used in education. But like someone mentioned above it is hard due to socialeconomical circumstances. Some students will never have access to a a computer or the internet at home. So its important we don't give some students advantages over others when we are finding that balance.
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Ryan Mansfield
4/18/2012 02:46:16 am
I think technology can be used and be used effectively. My own complaint with the technology side of things in education is the fact that it is almost put on a pedistol as the end all or the savior of education. I think the technology side of education should be used after kids have establised the basics of education such as reading, writing, math and science. The bulk of the tech side of things should not, at least in my opinion, be introduced until kids are in the 6-8th grades or middle school area. If we are rushing them through the elementary schools and killing time by watching movies or just playing on computers or I-pads, I think we are wasting time.
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Cara Barth-Fagan
4/22/2012 10:27:04 am
Technology used to be its own "subject" but is now being infused into every subject area (math, science, social studies, etc) and is expected to be used. The tech standards require this to be the case.
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Kelli Miller
4/18/2012 12:45:32 pm
This is a hard question to answer. I think it starts with the state wide content standards mandated by each state's Department of Education and then trickles down to the lesson planning of the teacher. Once the standards are set (hopefully implementing technology as students progress through their schooling), then teachers can teach the proper content covering the basics and new content areas. I do believe that students must learn the practical/ basic steps when going through school, but I also believe that these students need to be competent when entering the "real" world upon graduation.
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Heather Kirkendoll
4/18/2012 12:47:03 pm
I think technology is a lot like cake. Most people really like cake, they may even get excited with cake. But too much cake may make you sick. Technology is great, but not everything. There is good and bad with everything in life, the key is finding a healthy balance with everything. So I believe we need to find a balance of using technology and solely relying on it. Something that may help to have more events for families in the community, that way parents are not as inticed to rely on technology to entertain their kids.
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Christopher Sandefur
4/18/2012 11:13:34 pm
Technology use can be effective in a classroom when teach the "normal things". I think technology allow teachers to teach more things more efficiently. I think teaching multiplication tables and using technology can be effective. Teach students to do multiplication on paper and trough lectures. After that, the teacher could incorporate an online game to reinforce what was taught.
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Elyce Lamphere
4/19/2012 03:29:26 am
I think there is a balance we can achieve between enough technology and not letting the basics go away completely. I think a big part of it is parent involvement. Having parents at a young age teach their children their colors, shapes ect. can really help, and then having teachers create lesson plans that have children use technology but still incorporate traditional learning into that. There should always be a balance and that I believe is the best way we can produce the best functioning individuals in our society.
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Robert Thomas
4/19/2012 08:36:52 am
I think in the early years of a childs development they should be able to learn and figure out problems out on their own without the use of outside technological devices. The way I look at it is if you can solve the problems on your own using critical thinking it will greatly help you down the road. Because in the real world just like people there are no two problems or situations you will face that are the same.
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Melea Shimkus
4/19/2012 12:38:23 pm
I think most teachers can find many ways of splitting the use of technology and the "old ways of teachers" equally. But I think a more effective way of incorporating the two into the classroom would be to first teach everything in a traditional way, without using any technology. This would teach the students to do their own work and appreciate the technology they have. For example, in math class have the students learn how to slove all of the problems without the use of a calculator. In my high school, we were never allowed to use calcultors on our tests. This would force us to practice the problems without help, since we would not get it on the test, and to actually use our brains.
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Thomas Buehler
4/22/2012 05:37:55 am
I think that a more effective way would be allowing students to use calculators in high school but forcing them to learn basic calculations early on during grade school.
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Matthew Clanahan
4/22/2012 09:10:14 am
There's definitely an abuse of technology when it comes to math. Realistically, calculators and computers have allowed us to make incredibly strides in the fields of advanced sciences and mathematics; however, I see students relying on technology for the most basic of operations, and it simultaneously saddens me and angers me that our grade school teachers are failing our students so badly.
Thomas Buehler
4/20/2012 12:45:25 am
I think that it isn't necessarily a bad thing to go away from the old style of teaching. We are progressing as a society in our technology and education. Since a lot of education is trial by error, I think it is fine to steer away from old style teaching and use new methods that are showing results. With that being said, I still think it is very important to focus on the fundamentals of education. We can't progress into new, innovative methods without learning the basics first.
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Stephanie Armiger
4/22/2012 10:11:05 am
I think we do need to incorporate old and new styles. I don’t mind students using technology in the classroom, but they still need to know the basics without the technology. I liked the idea of students having to research papers, using information they find in books in a library. Yes, they may have to incorporate some technology to their book because the card catalogs have been replaced with computerized system, or ask a librarian to point them in direction of a particular section related to their topic. Then, the student may explore on their own through the books in that section to find their information.
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Student BlogThis blog is for class conversations for ED 514 at Central Methodist University. These post are by the students of ED 514. We invite input form other teachers about how they use technology in their classrooms. Archives
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