I think it's a great idea that the Ministerial Counsil for Employment, Training and Youth Affairs launched the National goals for Schooling in 1999. They said students will become "confident, creative and productive users of new technologies, particularly information and communication technologies, and understand the impact of those technologies on society."
Research shows that teachers who use and keep updated with the new technologies are more "motivated", "creative", and 'Involved" (Primary class research). It showed that more computer- active classrooms were strong communicators, excited about teaching, had positive attitudes and enthusiasm, confidence in teaching and many students claimed that these teachers were "fantastic" or "excellent". Those who have 35min or more ICT time in the classroom made teachers better classroom managers.
I have to agree that this outlook on teachers who use ICT in the classroom would seem more on the students level and will appear more updated with the times. It's great to have ICT time within your classroom lessons as this is what today's generation of children have been brought up with (hence, the last article) Those teachers who see technology as infamiliar and stay in their own set ways of teaching without any creativity are going to somehow be a downfall in teaching. Students will not want to learn as it is boring and not entertaining enough for them, it is out of their time.
Teachers need to remember that we are forever learning and there will never be a "set way" of teaching. This is life, the world moves on and we cannot let it leave us behind! We therefore, need to adapt to new technology all the time as those students who teachers adapt to their way and make an effort will encourage learning! There is nothing wrong either with letting the students show teachers "that little bit more about technology" it will give them an achievment and a more personal atmosphere. We are human after all!
"individual teachers must be prepared to alter their conceptions of teaching and learning as change occurs only when new understandings of the tasks and processes are constructed, not simply when technical innovations are introduced."
I love this as it keeps things in perspective, we cannot use technology for everything as some things just aren't appropriate for it! We need to keep a balance between ICT and learning activities around the classroom and outside. Everyone is forever learning and therefore, it is not only technology we need to keep up with but also the way in which we teach other subjects. Keep things active and entertaining! Coming from teaching from the blackboard onto paper, from paper to the worksheet and NOW from worsheets to entertaining speeches and hands on activities!
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2 comments:
I think it is a bit of a 'sweep' to say that teacher's who don't use IT are boring. Think back, were all the teacher's in your education boring? Some teachers are innovative and creative, a smile and a happy, enthusiastic teacher is better than one who is computer literate because if you are 'miserable' it is hard to enthuse students.
I agree that there has to be a balance in lessons otherwise we will become saturated with ICT and perhaps be putting much less emphasis on communication, enjoyment and fun.
I agree Emma that its a great idea that (MCEETYA) launched the National Goals for schooling in the 21st Century for ICT. However, a lot depends on the importance of ICT in each school has, and how the management of each school develops, maintains, and updates their technology and teacher training as to how well ICT will be intergrated. I hope that (MCEETYA) will research how well ICT's National Goals are established within schools and Principals are made accountable for the outcome.
I still believe that teaching comes down to an ecelectic approach of visual, audiotry, concrete etc teaching stategies for children at their own learning style and ability as not all children the same. ICT is a powerful tool in visual and auditory learning but will always need to be applied and further scafolded into a concrete hands on outcome.
I believe most teachers are taking on this great ICT world and if managed properly from the top the teachers that are having problems adapting should receive extra help from the school as even teachers have different learning styles.
Yes, I agree that a balance of ICT and learning activities will make an overall complete learning experience.
We need to remember that we are teachers and role models to our future kids, but we as teachers also will need continual updating into the 21st century. We are never to old to learn, it just may take a little longer and more patience.
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