In an age in which so much is going on, many teachers wonder not only how to have conversations with students about current events but also how to frame the educational technology used around these times. For example, a third grade teacher may be worried about assigning a research project and allowing students to use the internet for fear that this opens the door for misuse of the internet. This is something I have heard from teachers of every age group and in every school setting, regardless of my role. And while every district has an “Acceptable Use Policy” or guidelines for use, it does not seem to stop the fear that students will be exposed to material in the classroom on the teacher’s time. That is a walk to the principal’s office that nobody wants to take. As a former secondary teacher, I can say that it was an opportunity for me to get students engaged in the learning process. When teaching students how to write about a “Critical Societal Issue” we spent more time talking about why these were issues, what they thought, what was respectful dialogue and what would and would not be accepted than we did on the actual computer doing research. All of these seventh grade students were also being faced with the Flint Water Crisis not only in their backyard, but from their own sinks. Two families from our school made national headlines for advocacy about this issue. I could not, in good conscience, ask them to write about school uniforms. The first time I did this process, I was worried about the same concerns above. What I found was, parents were more supportive of any writing assignment I had ever given. Students were encouraged by the trust they received and the open-dialogue and I did not have to force them to get on and do the research. Our conversations were about writing and not behavior. I gave them a real-world opportunity to have their voice heard and they took it. You should have seen their faces when I told them I would be sharing with their principal if they wanted.
Technology is the tool that enhances learning. It cannot take away from the value of the human connection and leadership of the teacher. But to deny technology all-together, as I have witnessed in many departments, is a disservice to our students that will be headed into an age of unprecedented technology advances and constant access to information. Here are some ways to allow for student voice and integrate technology without the rabbit hole of the internet other than software that allows you to see the screen, similar to what comes with the NOVOPRO.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this issue. As a trainer, I can’t tell you how many training sessions I have done in which teachers grade papers or check email during training- the problem is not unique to our students. Whatever approach you take, I believe the only way to be successful is to have conversations with the students again and again about the computer as a tool. Let’s keep working hard to provide students with a relevant 21st century classroom; they deserve it. Comments are closed.
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AuthorJessica Tuwaiq is a former ELA middle school teacher as well as a former instructional technology coach. In her current role, she works with Michigan districts to implement technology. Categories
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