Looking at current research, this video addresses most of the biggest concerns that teachers voice when asked about implementing new technologies. Teachers are afraid of the complexity (hence the word easy was used extensively), the relialibity (also addressed), and the amount of change needed to make things work in their classrooms (which could explain why the students are still in rows).
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Should There Be an Easy Button for Technology?
After watching the Smart Ease of Use video, I was left with many different conflicting thoughts and notions. Yes, I was bothered by the amount of times "easy" was used in the video and I definitely think there are better ways to use technology within classrooms. However, I also understood the desire of the company to present technology in a friendly and non-threatening manner. Many teachers may be afraid to incorporate technology into their courses because they worry that they will not be able to operate it well. This was supported by the comment on the blog by Denber which said,"
it I think a lot of teachers may be intimidated by technology because they don't know how kids will react to the change and are also afraid that technology may become a distraction rather than a tool. With this, I think it's true that if technology in a classroom is too complex, then it can be a hindrance because the students will not be able to work it or use it for its preferred purpose. On the other hand, I don't think that our fear of change or lack of knowledge should hold us back from advancing our classrooms in a beneficial way with technology. Incorporating technology in classrooms may be a slow drift, as teachers and students figure out what role technology will play in the class and learn to use technology properly. All great things come to those who wait. We must be patient with our students and teachers when it comes to the use of technology. That doesn't mean that I think we should halt the advancement of technology, rather we should make sure to present technology in a non-intimidating and understandable fashion. Technology doesn't necessarily have to be "easy" but we should be able to understand its operations and purpose.
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1 comment:
Wow! I totally agree with this blog post. I agree that a lot of teachers may be intimidated by technology because they are not sure how the students will react to a change in learning style. Sometimes technology, if used in the wrong way, can become a distraction within the classroom and may make learning difficult to occur.
ReplyDeleteWhen I worked with a 2nd grade class in high school, I saw how positive and stimulating it was to have a SMART board within the classroom. It made students who were shy more prone to raise their hand to go up to the board and answer a question. I saw how this form of technology was useful for students and I am a big advocate for the SMART board!
In that case, technology was not a hinderance, but a motivator for students! In other cases, if technology is used in a way that is distracting for students, then the teacher should tone back that specific form of technology.