As a middle school teacher in this ever changing world of technology I find it a constant challenge to prepare students to compete in the 21 st century. Due to budget cuts and decrease in funding to education, resources are depleting and there is limited access to the most current technologies which result in an increase to the digital divide.
You've brought up a good point. Most of today's 21st century learning are basically digital natives, texting on cell phones, working apps on the iPad, and chatting on Facebook. However, the students without access to technology are far behind. I'm an advocate for giving schools technological upgrades needed to enhance learning in creative ways. Also, the limited access to technology would certainly impact teacher initiatives to integrate the use inquiry-based or project-based learning, which is highly supported by computing technologies.
ReplyDeleteAs a middle school business technologies and explorations teacher, I have observed the same challenges with in my classroom as you have. Although many of my students are able to work their personal electronic devices; they are unable to read and comprehend information. Rather its technology or language arts many students do not understand alot of the information that is put in front of them. With all that said, if technology is utilized properly within the classroom it could help close the digital divide. Meaning. as educators we also need to be willing to accept the challenge of using new technology.
ReplyDeleteAs a classroom teacher I totally agree. I just wrote on someoene elses wall one way that I bought some e-readers for my classroom. At the beginning of the school year, I sent home a letter to parents asking them not to buy my anything throughout the school year. Instead I asked them to send in gift certificates so I could purchase an e-reader for my classroom. I told them I would didn't need anything and I would rather give it back to the kids. At Christmas I received $125.oo to Barnes and Noble. I was shocked. Another teacher at my school gave me the idea and she bought an i-pod for classroom. Not to mention the Color Nook she received at the beginning of the year. Parents have been very giving. This is away to buy technology for your own classroom.
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