Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Exit Slip 11/22

Today was fun!  My group led the discussion on chapter 9 of Rethinking Education in the Age of Technology.  Our approach was to take a look at where we started and where we were at this point.  At the beginning of the semester, the following statement was presented to the class: “Technology makes life more difficult for teachers.”  We all had to say if we agreed, disagreed or had no opinion.  I was not surprised that I was one of only two students who agreed with that statement.  What did surprise me was the large number of students who had no opinion on the matter.   I assumed, perhaps based on age, the majority of students would be very pro-technology and most of the class would disagree.

My group revisited this discussion.  We asked the class to consider what had been learned over the previous weeks and regroup.  I was very surprised that only 2 students from the “no opinion” group joined the ranks of those who originally disagreed with the statement.  I really expected a greater shift.  My greatest surprise was my own opinion.  I knew that technology could provide useful tools for teachers.  I was surprised at my own anticipation to try these in my own classroom. (I know, I should have warned you.  You’re jaw is probably on the floor at this point.)

I do intend on incorporating technology in my classroom but only if it adds to the learning environment.  I will not use it just to use it.  It needs to have a specific and useful purpose.  I suppose that is true of anything I do in my classroom, technology driven or not.

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