This is not a shot at computer teachers! As a matter of fact shout out to those that dedicate their day to building 21st century learners! Our future needs you!
However, I don't consider myself one of these people. I do however consider myself a "whatever it takes to make learning happen" for ALL students kind of person. I will sing, rap, tap dance, back bend, or cartwheel to turn that light bulb on for students.
The cool thing is with technology I have learned you don't have to perform for them; if you give them a platform to do it themselves. Research has proven that active learners have greater outcomes.
However, recently I have found three obstacles with pushing technology into the classroom.
#1 Hesitant teachers...
I don't know where to begin with this one. Many times they don't know how, so they think it's not necessary. However, our future tells us different. We can't prepare students for colleges and careers that are filled with 21st century skills if we are not willing to invest in these learning opportunities.
#2 The computer is not a baby sitter...
In most classrooms technology is just a learning center where students are sent to pass the time until a teacher can get to them to commence learning. However, using computer programs as time fillers has very little outcomes. Even company's such as Study Island say that after 10 minutes a day for 3 to 4 days there has shown no greater impact on learning.
#3 But it's not a worksheet...
These educators have simply turned the worksheet into a computer document. With technology you don't have to sell the idea of learning is fun if it is done correctly. However, I do believe there is difference in teaching with technology and learning with technology.
