Blog 1
I am a part of the generation that grew up along side technology and not with it. Because of this, I was often a guinea pig class in terms of using online platforms as well as digital technology in the classroom. Some teachers did it because it was available. Others did it so that I could learn the computer skills (much like this class). However, I have had many teachers reject the technology in their classroom because it is not beneficial to the subject being taught. I have gone through google classroom, black board, and canvas. I have used chrome books, I pads, and desktops. I have even taken many online courses or tests in high school and college. I am not sure if there is a state mandated rule about using the equipment that they are given, however, I am witnessing a time where teachers are rejecting the technology because it is not working.
For me, the most important ISTE standard for Educators is "Citizenship" because we are teaching children how to use these tools at a very young age and then leaving them to navigate it themselves. I have witnessed cyber-bullying first hand in and outside of school. We as educators need to help guide students and other humans on how to use technology in a positive and efficient way. We wouldn't give a student a car and not teach them how to drive it or use all the buttons. If all teachers collectively made the decision to enforce and demand good online citizenship, we could collectively change the negative connotations around social media.
There was an app when I was in high school where you could search your specific high school and anonymously post things about people at your school. I never downloaded the app but I saw some of the hateful things being said about my friends. This idea of anonymous bullying and targeting are why gen z children have a heightened sense of loneliness and are extremely fragile and anxious all the time. Schools try to do their best by setting up firewalls and blocking networks, but as long as there is social media, students will find a way to gossip and bully. We need to set the clear expectations of all students that we do not tolerate this abuse of the tools. Using twitter and blogs for class purposes is a great way to start.
I wouldn't technically classify myself as a digital native even though I fit the definition. Being someone who was born after the 80's, I have always had access to some sort of computer, however, I did not have a smart phone until high school. Because I am going into an arts subject (specifically theater), I do not want to use digital technology as much for my classroom. Theater is a contact subject that involves the body, killing trees for scripts, and connection with the people around us. There will be times where I use technology, however, when you are onstage, there is no technology to make you a good actor.
For me, the most important ISTE standard for Educators is "Citizenship" because we are teaching children how to use these tools at a very young age and then leaving them to navigate it themselves. I have witnessed cyber-bullying first hand in and outside of school. We as educators need to help guide students and other humans on how to use technology in a positive and efficient way. We wouldn't give a student a car and not teach them how to drive it or use all the buttons. If all teachers collectively made the decision to enforce and demand good online citizenship, we could collectively change the negative connotations around social media.
There was an app when I was in high school where you could search your specific high school and anonymously post things about people at your school. I never downloaded the app but I saw some of the hateful things being said about my friends. This idea of anonymous bullying and targeting are why gen z children have a heightened sense of loneliness and are extremely fragile and anxious all the time. Schools try to do their best by setting up firewalls and blocking networks, but as long as there is social media, students will find a way to gossip and bully. We need to set the clear expectations of all students that we do not tolerate this abuse of the tools. Using twitter and blogs for class purposes is a great way to start.
I wouldn't technically classify myself as a digital native even though I fit the definition. Being someone who was born after the 80's, I have always had access to some sort of computer, however, I did not have a smart phone until high school. Because I am going into an arts subject (specifically theater), I do not want to use digital technology as much for my classroom. Theater is a contact subject that involves the body, killing trees for scripts, and connection with the people around us. There will be times where I use technology, however, when you are onstage, there is no technology to make you a good actor.
Although I think technology can be important in the classroom, I think, like you said, theater is better off without it. I like how you're choosing to be more interactive without the use of technology to accomplish the goals you will have in your classroom.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Do you know how you will use it in your classroom?
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