In 2011, almost 2012, why is technology still a class kids go to to learn to use a tool and not an integrated part of the lessons we teach?
Throughout this class I have really learned that technology is not an isolated skill that we must teach our students. It is a way to communicate and retrieve information. We get so bogged down with teaching technology skills, when what we should really be focusing on is critical thinking skills.
Just the other day, I had the laptops out in my room as my students were typing personal narratives (I was guilty of the $2000 pencil that was talked about in our readings...) and two different teachers commented on how my students are still using the "hunt and peck" method when they were typing. They told me stories of how they used to sit in the auditorum and learn how to correctly type. I agree that some of my 10 year olds are pretty slow when typing, but what skill are we really working on here? I wanted my students to publish a personal narrative that they were proud of. I wanted them to be able to communicate lessons on vocie, revision, organization, and word choice. I think when we teach students skills in isolation, the meaning is completly lost. As long as they have some basic instruction in typing, they will naturally learn how to type quickly becuase it is efficent and useful.
I believe that we should be asking ourselves what we want the children to be able to do and what technology will help us get there. We should be staying away from teaching students to word process without publishing an actual piece of work. What is the point in learning to use movie maker when they don't see an actual need in their lives? I think it is much more beneficial to teach students to use technology through authentic products and experiences.
I too struggle with the hunt and peck concept. At my school there is no computer lab and we don't teach keyboarding. I feel bad that I am teaching my students bad typing skills but I feel that it is more important to get them on the computers and using them, rather than postponing and teaching typing. It is important to make our use of technology valid. I have tried to take my assignments from this semester and make them as applicable as I can to my school. I have tried to make presentations and policies that my principal can use. I think it has made it more real for me and gives the use of technology meaning.
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