iPads in the classroom: the promise and the problems
by: Christina Tynan-WoodThis was a really interesting article, giving a fairly good overview of the growth of tablets--iPads, specifically--in the classroom. What I liked most about the article was that the author gave examples of classrooms that used the technology to merely replace the existing tools teachers had been using, but also of classrooms that took the technology and elevated the learning experiences for the students.
One of the key points that I took away from this article, and others like it, is that the most critical piece of "equipment" in a technology savvy classroom is an educated, trained teacher. Without a teacher who is comfortable and knowledgeable, the technology will be underutilized and will overwhelm any potential for learning. Given the current state of politics surrounding education, it is really important that teachers (and parents) continue to fight for tools and training, so that the technology is utilized and students continue to grow inside and outside of traditional classrooms.
When you talk about educated and trained teacher, do you mean that the way teachers are educated and trained in current system is not qualify as educated and trained. Or there has to be a paradigm shift in which teachers are trained educated where proficiency with technology is going to be the key prerequisite to become a successful teacher.
ReplyDeleteI think it's the latter...if we are using technology in the classroom and expanding our definition of "tools" within traditional learning, then we have to ensure that teachers are trained to effectively use the technology in their classrooms. While there are a lot of inservice trainings that occur for teachers, it is not necessarily effective.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the most important part of integrating technology into the classroom is having a well trained teacher! The instructor should thoroughly understand the technology they are utilizing so they can best teach their students. Personally, I think if all teachers were well trained in the material they are teaching, in general, it will be easily transferable to students.
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