I had a parent tell me that he couldn't believe we gave our students computers. What were we thinking? He compared it to handing out "handguns" to children. Wow, what a comment. As quickly as I could, I came back with continuing the metaphor, "if students were going to use handguns in life everyday, wouldn't you want them thoroughly trained in how to use them properly?"
That's the best I could do. I'm not that spontaneous.
To change the subject, slightly, what about comparing a Nail Gun and a Computer. I like to build things. I have built a few decks in my time. I've framed, drywalled, and hammered my share of nails. I love to do my own maintenance on my Harley. When ever I have a chance, I talk my wife into buying me the latest and greatest tools. Last year I got an air gun. Now when I take bolts off the Harley or tires off the truck, it sounds like a NASCAR garage. A ratchet will still work, but I can get so much more done with the air gun. I use a high quality torque wrench instead of guessing. I use the right tool for the job. If it's better to use a claw hammer, I use it. If it calls for a Nail Gun, I want to use that instead.
Several years ago, I built a HUGE deck on my house. That was long before I had any cool "High Tech" tools. Yep, I did a great job. It took me all summer and my forearms were like concrete when I finished. Since that time I have seen quite a few houses built. Nearly all construction crews use Nail Guns. Very rarely do you see real hammers doing the big jobs. I'm sure there are some purists who would believe you CAN'T build a house or put on a new roof without an old fashioned hammer. A hammer is still a good tool. You have to have one. A Nail Gun is much more efficient and effective, if used properly, in the right situations.
I just don't understand all the resistance to technology in the classroom. I hear so many "purists" say we don't need all this technology. I hear so many say the computer can never replace a good teacher. AMEN TO THAT! These "PURISTS" miss the point of technology in the classroom. They can't vision its real value. Just because someone is touting Khan Academy, doesn't mean they are plotting to eliminate teachers. I've done a lot of research about the 21st Century Classroom and Technology. I have NOT found ANYONE who is advocating elimination of teachers with technology. I have heard many say computers/technology can certainly help to provide differentiated learning better than a teacher. I have heard tech solutions so teachers can spend more time helping those who struggle. I have heard them say technology can help increase engagement. Technology might redefine the teacher, but it will not eliminate then. I heard Will Richardson speak at an IAPSS meeting and I think he hit the nail on the head, (sorry about the pun).
"IF OUR VALUE IS TO GET OUR STUDENTS TO PASS THE TEST, WE'RE TOAST. WE NEED TO CHANGE THE PERCEPTION OF OUR VALUE."
Computers can deliver content. "Drill and Kill" is better taught electronically. Is my value as a teacher only to deliver content? Or is it to fuel IMAGINATION, CREATIVITY, CRITICAL THINKING, COLLABORATION, and COMMUNICATION? Is it to ASSIGN WORKSHEETS, or is it to ASK THE BIG QUESTIONS and let students learn by doing? Is it to teach disconnected lessons or help students explore REAL LIFE lessons through Challenge Based Learning? I don't want to be known as a great lecturer. I want to be known as a teacher who gets students excited about learning and exploring. I want to be known as a teacher who prepares students for their future, not my past!
Technology is the enabler and the tool to be able to teach these HIGHER ORDER skills. We couldn't teach like that before technology. I love using a hammer, it feels good. But, when I really want to get things done, the NAIL GUN, the power tool is the tool of choice. I can use a screw driver or my DeWalt power gun. I could still be riding a horse, but I sure like my CHEVY CRUZE. It's time to embrace technology and explore the world of learning from a completely new and wonderful perspective.
That's the best I could do. I'm not that spontaneous.
To change the subject, slightly, what about comparing a Nail Gun and a Computer. I like to build things. I have built a few decks in my time. I've framed, drywalled, and hammered my share of nails. I love to do my own maintenance on my Harley. When ever I have a chance, I talk my wife into buying me the latest and greatest tools. Last year I got an air gun. Now when I take bolts off the Harley or tires off the truck, it sounds like a NASCAR garage. A ratchet will still work, but I can get so much more done with the air gun. I use a high quality torque wrench instead of guessing. I use the right tool for the job. If it's better to use a claw hammer, I use it. If it calls for a Nail Gun, I want to use that instead.
Several years ago, I built a HUGE deck on my house. That was long before I had any cool "High Tech" tools. Yep, I did a great job. It took me all summer and my forearms were like concrete when I finished. Since that time I have seen quite a few houses built. Nearly all construction crews use Nail Guns. Very rarely do you see real hammers doing the big jobs. I'm sure there are some purists who would believe you CAN'T build a house or put on a new roof without an old fashioned hammer. A hammer is still a good tool. You have to have one. A Nail Gun is much more efficient and effective, if used properly, in the right situations.
I just don't understand all the resistance to technology in the classroom. I hear so many "purists" say we don't need all this technology. I hear so many say the computer can never replace a good teacher. AMEN TO THAT! These "PURISTS" miss the point of technology in the classroom. They can't vision its real value. Just because someone is touting Khan Academy, doesn't mean they are plotting to eliminate teachers. I've done a lot of research about the 21st Century Classroom and Technology. I have NOT found ANYONE who is advocating elimination of teachers with technology. I have heard many say computers/technology can certainly help to provide differentiated learning better than a teacher. I have heard tech solutions so teachers can spend more time helping those who struggle. I have heard them say technology can help increase engagement. Technology might redefine the teacher, but it will not eliminate then. I heard Will Richardson speak at an IAPSS meeting and I think he hit the nail on the head, (sorry about the pun).
"IF OUR VALUE IS TO GET OUR STUDENTS TO PASS THE TEST, WE'RE TOAST. WE NEED TO CHANGE THE PERCEPTION OF OUR VALUE."
Computers can deliver content. "Drill and Kill" is better taught electronically. Is my value as a teacher only to deliver content? Or is it to fuel IMAGINATION, CREATIVITY, CRITICAL THINKING, COLLABORATION, and COMMUNICATION? Is it to ASSIGN WORKSHEETS, or is it to ASK THE BIG QUESTIONS and let students learn by doing? Is it to teach disconnected lessons or help students explore REAL LIFE lessons through Challenge Based Learning? I don't want to be known as a great lecturer. I want to be known as a teacher who gets students excited about learning and exploring. I want to be known as a teacher who prepares students for their future, not my past!
Technology is the enabler and the tool to be able to teach these HIGHER ORDER skills. We couldn't teach like that before technology. I love using a hammer, it feels good. But, when I really want to get things done, the NAIL GUN, the power tool is the tool of choice. I can use a screw driver or my DeWalt power gun. I could still be riding a horse, but I sure like my CHEVY CRUZE. It's time to embrace technology and explore the world of learning from a completely new and wonderful perspective.
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