They say that the mark of a good society is how they treat their least fortunate. Disabilities are in fact a normal part of life; there is no normal adult who does or has never had contact with a disability themselves or another person with one. Fortunately, in our society we have developed many tools that are designed to help people with disabilities achieve at their highest potential. These technologies are growing in number and complexity every day. While they might be being used more behind the scenes than anything else, they are everywhere. Increasingly laws have been passed that encourage advancement in such technologies. Laws that require businesses and organizations to offer accessibility to all people, and many times this requirement entails the business or organization to install or purchase equipment or new technology. While it may seem to be an inconvenience to some, providing equal and safe access to all is nothing short of a noble and noteworthy act.
At this point in educational development we are steering towards an individually based learning design. CAST: Universal Design for Learning outlines such an approach. Developing an individualized curriculum for all students certainly seems like a step forward to me. I think the best step in overcoming the stigma of disabilities is to recognize similarities first. All students benefit from something different, not just those with disabilities. Of course, there is the other learning extreme, gifted and talented students. Students who fall into this category also need and benefit from individualized attention including bringing in assistive technology when and where it is relevant, providing more and better suited options for learning. After all the goal is to create a better society thereby encouraging all of its members to achieve their highest potential.
Another interesting aspect of this particular platform is the rapid growth of technology, particularly hi-tech devices available and in use. Interestingly, today’s students are often more technologically savvy than the majority of their teachers. This creates an interesting dilemma for the modern school teacher. Often times the students in the classroom are so familiar with these devices that they use them for numerous hours on a daily basis, both for entertainment and additional responsibilities. As a result, often computers- as well as cell phones- and other equipment, is seen, and used as a learning distraction rather than a tool. While there are some programs available that are specifically geared for students with a wide variety of special needs, the resource that these technologies represent remains relatively untapped in the classroom. Perhaps this is due to the informational generation gap, students being better informed on the matter than their teachers. To bridge the gap is difficult, especially with the label already attached to many of these things as simply a game piece or a distraction. If we want to, as a constantly improving society, overcome any inconveniences associated with technology in the classroom and provide all of out students with the most relevant and knowledge forward education, we will look to include all of these technologies in the classroom. This is ultimately to the benefit of both the student and the teacher.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
Teaching in the 21st Century
There are many times when I think that the differences between “now” and “then” are so small that they are really rather insignificant. However, perhaps it is more that I have overlooked a very important feature of modern life. The thing is that it has crept in so quickly and replaced the old ways of doing things so effortlessly, that it can be easy to overlook. Technology is a powerful tool.
Younger generations have the advantage of being born into it. Therefore, it is evident that the average 12 year old is more technologically savvy than the average 30 year old. Perhaps it is out of the ignorance of the older generation that in the learning environment, the classroom, and technology has become more of a distraction than a tool. Clearly the students who are using these tools are interested in using these things, but are using them in the wrong context.
The goals of teaching children have also changed. What they are expected to know often times did not even exist when earlier generations were in school. For example, children’s’ books are a relativity new phenomenon. Clearly, the responsibility for knowing relevant information regarding teaching is in the teacher’s court. As the world gains knowledge, demands for future generations also grow. The teacher is the facilitator in this important process.
Demands placed on teachers are many, and growing every day. But with the job they are entrusted with, who can expect any different? Different methods have been outlined to manage a classroom. It is not an easy feat to put things into another person’s brain. Especially if that other person would rather be doing something else anyway. Unfortunatly in many instances technology has slid into this grey area of classroom distraction. Clearly though, there any many advantages available with every piece, and it is in the teachers best interest to use technology as a positive rather than viewing it in a negative light. We were able to read about several different examples of different techniques that teachers have developed to use computers to their advantage. To use technology as a tool.
My favorite story was one of a collaboration between two sister classrooms, one Greek and the other Canadian. Not only were the students able to communicate even thought they were on different parts of the world, they were also able to learn from each other in very significant ways. An author was able to set up an activity for the two classes to work together collaboratively. They worked on stories together, each teaching the other his or her language, although English was the primary language goal. They had to communicate to create a cohesive story and were able to learn more real life information as a result. For example, the Greek students had the opportunity to learn expressions commonplace for an English speaker, but not found in a dictionary. Their education was grounded on a very real level. And as a result, there were number of stories written, both in Greek and in English. I thought that this was an excellent example of channeling the students’ natural curiosity and affinity toward technology and to use it as a tool in the classroom of the modern teacher.
Younger generations have the advantage of being born into it. Therefore, it is evident that the average 12 year old is more technologically savvy than the average 30 year old. Perhaps it is out of the ignorance of the older generation that in the learning environment, the classroom, and technology has become more of a distraction than a tool. Clearly the students who are using these tools are interested in using these things, but are using them in the wrong context.
The goals of teaching children have also changed. What they are expected to know often times did not even exist when earlier generations were in school. For example, children’s’ books are a relativity new phenomenon. Clearly, the responsibility for knowing relevant information regarding teaching is in the teacher’s court. As the world gains knowledge, demands for future generations also grow. The teacher is the facilitator in this important process.
Demands placed on teachers are many, and growing every day. But with the job they are entrusted with, who can expect any different? Different methods have been outlined to manage a classroom. It is not an easy feat to put things into another person’s brain. Especially if that other person would rather be doing something else anyway. Unfortunatly in many instances technology has slid into this grey area of classroom distraction. Clearly though, there any many advantages available with every piece, and it is in the teachers best interest to use technology as a positive rather than viewing it in a negative light. We were able to read about several different examples of different techniques that teachers have developed to use computers to their advantage. To use technology as a tool.
My favorite story was one of a collaboration between two sister classrooms, one Greek and the other Canadian. Not only were the students able to communicate even thought they were on different parts of the world, they were also able to learn from each other in very significant ways. An author was able to set up an activity for the two classes to work together collaboratively. They worked on stories together, each teaching the other his or her language, although English was the primary language goal. They had to communicate to create a cohesive story and were able to learn more real life information as a result. For example, the Greek students had the opportunity to learn expressions commonplace for an English speaker, but not found in a dictionary. Their education was grounded on a very real level. And as a result, there were number of stories written, both in Greek and in English. I thought that this was an excellent example of channeling the students’ natural curiosity and affinity toward technology and to use it as a tool in the classroom of the modern teacher.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Sep 3, 2008
Today is the first day back at school! It can be hard to get back into the swing of things, in fact I have been late for every class so far-not that I'm impressed with myself. I am also frustrated because last semester I learned how to properly use comas and I have forgotten all of those handy rules.
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