Some public schools (by design) foster passive learners, discourage productivity, and fail to teach self-discipline. The culture of “school” works against what research shows to be in the best interest of next generation learners. Access the article at: http://plpnetwork.com/2015/03/10/shift-active-learning-technology-answer/ After reading the article are you convinced that things have to change? Do you think we are shifting to an educational culture of active learning? Explain why or why not and what you think has to happen to achieve this goal.
98 comments:
Wow,wow,wow what a powerful blog! I imagined that this blog would be predominately about the need for technology. In actually speaks to the need for motivated individual learning adventures and experiences.Active learning has some to do with the useful tools technology offers. I am convinced that things have to change. I think that we are shifting to a culture that does not promote active learning. I understand that educational games interest students but we need to help students find curiosity outdoors and in other environments as well. Technology is important to aide in learning it’s true; but it is just an aide, it shouldn’t dominate or replace they way teachers teach. If a class goes for a nature walk and finds spores on the bottom of a leaf the IPAD they use in the classroom might help them quickly identify what type of plant they discovered. There needs to be a better balance in the way technology is used in the classroom. The Smart board may be overused, but I don't really know much yet since I have not been in a public school classroom often. I feel it should be an educator’s mission to help foster personalized learning experiences while they motivate children to actively learn. The way to achieve this goal is to make sure we as educators are not having more screen time than group or interactive activities. We need to continue to research and create, not just download and play. Technology is a way to help the teachers teach, not allow for passive learning. I believe we should use technology in moderation to encourage more active learning from our generation.
-Gina A.
This is an extremely interesting article. It has opened up my eyes a bit more and got me thinking about the path our education system is on and where it is heading. Things do need to change, especially in New York. There needs to be less of a focus on paper and pencil performance evaluations for teachers and more emphasis on creating better teaching strategies throughout districts. There has not been as big of a change as there should have been. While many teachers are innovative and able to generate instruction in an active manner not enough teachers are doing so. In addition many schools have a lack of resources and educational time for teachers to create and implement great active learning strategies. In terms of making the shifts for the future, I do believe that we are making strides. Being a history teacher I have seen many teachers placing larger emphasis on the students’ ability to make connections and pull out information themselves without focusing on memorization. Articles like this and workshops focusing on this shift need to be show to educators as well as prospective teachers. By utilizing this information teachers will be able to reach students more effectively. The lessons and teachers that are memorable give students the chance to learn in different ways. For most teachers, if they were to think back to the teachers that left lasting impacts on them, I am sure it would be the teacher with innovative and active lessons.
-Michael Buttafuoco
I really enjoyed reading this article. It truly supports my beliefs regarding the importance of allowing the students' to take charge of their own learning. Not only through the use of technology, but allowing the students' to learn through exploration and observation. All students' have different learning styles and ways of looking into various topics in a different light. What I always enforce in my classroom is that the students' will not only learn from me, but will learn incredible knowledge from each other. Allowing the students' endless opportunities to explore specific tasks and to challenge themselves in their own way is extremely important. It is essential to have technology implemented into the classroom. Due to the fact that society has quite the reliance on technology, it is important to create an important balance. I use the smart board daily in my classroom. It is absolutely the heart of the classroom. But, it must not be over used. The positives to the smart board is allowing the students' more opportunity for interaction, sharing of ideas, visual aids, and supportive instruction such as instructional videos. However, the students need to also remember the importance of social interaction and working in partnerships. The biggest challenge my students' have is learning to communicate and speak politely to others. It is a challenge for young students' to understand the importance of this simple skill but, allowing a tremendous amount of opportunity to work together is essential for the success of the class. As the students learned about ladybugs these past few weeks, allowing the students to observe the ladybugs in their habitat while also learning about the ladybugs through Smart board presentation and a brain pop video was extremely helpful in their understanding of the topic. Using technology needs to be deeply planned. Ensuring that the technology correlates with the students' goals and what is essential for them to learn is mandatory. We need to ensure that technology is used to support the teachers in teaching, not to pass on the baton to the computer to do the teaching for us. This new generation needs to be taught the balance of technology and the importance of shared learning.
I think technology has its benefits but, like the article states, I don't think it is a one-size-fits-all panacea for education. Giving each student access to a laptop or iPad is not the solution. I agree that when students are actively participating in their learning it not only gets them to better understand the material but also get them to enjoy learning which is just as important! From my own experience as a student, I learn much better when I "get my hands dirty," so to speak. I have also discovered this in some research I have done. In my 502 class I wrote a research paper about how learning language through out-of-classroom experiences is more beneficial than just having class sessions. Creating ways for children to learn by interacting rather than passively listening can be done without technology so schools with low budgets can still find ways to improve the ability of their teachers as long as they think creatively. Of course, technology can play a role in these experiences. In one activity, students in Canada who were learning French used technology to plan their itinerary in a French-speaking city. Technology is like a paddle we use to steer a canoe, rather than the canoe itself.
-Michael McShane
This was a thought-provoking article that addressed many concerns that are currently being raised with regard to technology and education. While I do believe that technology is an excellent tool to supplement lessons and activities, technology should not be the main focus of education. I have observed and worked in schools that have had a plethora of technological equipment and also schools that barely have any technology. Access to technology does offer to students the opportunity to develop much needed 21st century skills, and if utilized correctly, can greatly enhance lessons, projects, and research. However, I think in many classrooms, the technology is not being used in this way. For instance, showing videos on a Smartboard does not encourage students to develop these important 21st century skills. Using the Smartboard as an interactive visual is a great supplement to a lesson or unit, but it should not be the core focus. The goal should not be to use as much technology as possible in a lesson. Teachers should implement technology in ways to engage students and assist them in directing their own learning. I believe that active learning is essential in a classroom but is often hard to actualize because of limited instructional time, lack of collaboration among teachers and administrators, and a large focus on test prep. I do believe that there is a shift in the educational culture to promote active learning. Teachers are encouraged to plan and implement cross-curricular projects and activities. Using strategies such as Project-Based Learning in the classroom engages students in directing and planning their own learning, becoming active participants. While I do believe a shift to active learning is occurring, it is not an overwhelming shift that is occurring everywhere. I believe that teachers and administrators should collaborate more on how to plan ways to most effectively use technology in the classroom while developing activities and lessons that are more student-oriented rather than teacher-directed. Technology is an excellent tool but should not be viewed as the be all and end all of education.
-Tara Page
This a very informative article. I especially appreciated the pyramid on passive and active learning and the incorporation of Bloom's taxonomy as learning outcomes. I imagined this article would speak about the need for technology in schools, as this becomes a new era where many things have shifted towards computers, new forms of technology and digital everything. However I took more from the active learning aspect of the article. It speaks of not only about using technology as a way to stay current but also as a way to connect, create, and share data with others around the world and as a way for students to direct their own learning and actively participate in it. It also notes the importance of having a passionate teacher that serves as guide and partner in learning , that cultivates exciting learning experiences. As a new teacher, I hope to be a part of a classroom that inspires students to take an active role in their education, seeking out things for themselves and applying the knowledge they have accumulated to all areas of life. I plan to stay tuned for ways to make the vision of possibilities a reality.
I would happen to totally agree with this article by Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach. What I found interesting was the fact that she realizes that there is technology and we have a ton of it. Getting the technology is not the tough task. Getting the teachers to use the technology, maximizing the students opportunity to use the technology and be creative. Students need to be "active learners" was something that was mentioned in the article. Technology in the classroom will definitely allow for students to actively participate using their individuality and creativity. Classrooms don't need to have specific "computer time" or "iPad time." Students should be able to use the technology in the classroom as they please. If a student is doing a science project, some students may use information on the computer to enhance their research, another student may use an iPad to take pictures of their experiment, etc. If teachers are able to police their classrooms and withhold the respect then the freedom of technology in the classroom should not be an problem. Teachers should also be well versed in a wide range of different types of technology to encourage the use of it in the classroom.
This was a very intriguing and driven article on the uses and future of technology in the classroom. I especcially agree with the suggestions put forth by the author on what it is that we need ot do to improve the use of, and policing of, technology in the classroom. Netwroking and communication should bring the classroom environment into the realm of global learning. Classrooms should be interconnected throughout the world through technology. Classrooms should be open to the changes of the 21st century and allow children to voluntarily use technology in the classroom. In order for this to happen, teachers must become more aware and more educated in the uses and implementation of e-learning devices. Teachers must be held accountable for their knowledge in technology and how to use it with their students. Policing technology also needs to become a point of concern for districts as well.
-Anthony Augugliaro
I agreed with this article, because of the different aspects it addresses. There needs to be more sharing in the classroom in regards to collaboration with new ideas that stem from the technological advances this generation has. It very important especially for the more experienced/older educators because they probably struggle more adjusting to the changing times. Additionally, technology is something that should be embraced 100%. However, it should be limited to specific projects/topics (in my opinion). Sometimes I think it is healthy to also explore information in ways that are a little more outdated to educate students of the different options out there. If educators are well versed in various media, its important to utilize the many options available for different assignments, allowing students to grow beyond what they know due to the changing times, rather than using technology solely for convenience. -Amanda M.
This article touches upon many ideas about collaborative learning in which I agree with. I believe it is important for students to be exposed to different technology outlets in order to become accustom to the way the world around us has evolved in a variety of technologies. I also agree with Amanda 's idea that technology is a very resourceful tool in the classroom as well as a means for differentiation, but I too believe it is healthy for students to explore other options and means of obtaining information. This I feel is important because if there ever be a time where technology has shut down or out of service (example: hurricane sandy) students need the support of a backup option rather than rely solely on just technology. -Devan Markey
Being a first year teacher I can really relate to this article. Today, many of my students are drawn to technology. I have a smartboard in my classroom and I have to say it is extremely useful and much more interactive than the old chalkboard. However, a lot of students do not retain as much because they are just starring in front of a screen. They need more hands on collaborative thinking skills and learn how to communiticate. Along with common core, it does not give students enough options for students to explore the real world. Along with Devan and Amanda, I do feel that technology is an excellent resource to use in the classroom. Especially since all students are exposed to it more than ever. But there does need to be a another option and a back-up plan. Technology does not always cooperate, and when a smartboard is down in your room you always need a way to shift gears and engage your students.
I agree with the aforementioned comments of Christine L and Devan, in which technology can be a great tool when operating properly, however in my teaching experience, I have needed a back-up for the back-up plan. As a push-in music teacher, I have been reliant on the use of SMART Boards and tablets, but they have failed me more times than I would like to admit. Yet, what I have learned through my conversations with the technology service department is that they have tried to remedy these glitches with making suggestions to the administration that would provide long-term growth and efficiency, but the administration has been resistant to the upgrades due to the high cost. I see it as a long-term investment that will account for positive results in the future, similar to the idea of solar power. The installation of solar power in homes and business will be a high price upfront, but the benefits will outweigh the initial investment. I believe if teachers and staff could have the right resources to accompany their curriculum, it would impact student learning to transition from passive learning to active learning. I also believe that everyone needs to be on the same page in order for technology to be an integral part of the classroom environment. With curriculums being distributed like novel series, some educators are simply reading from scripts, and not given much liberty to expand upon creativity that would allow for deep active learning. Collaboration is the key to active learning and it needs to start with a strong staff of teachers and administrators that believe in this common goal to draw the most potential from their students.
Technology has become an important aspect of society therefore I feel it should become important in the classroom as well. Although, I agree with Christie Holub that you need to have a backup plan if the technology does not work. I agree with the image posted at the top of the article. The more students do, the more they remember. Students need to explore the topics themselves and technology has been a helping hand with this. Technology gives us more opportunities to create engaging student centered lessons. In my district, we have multiple teachers that serve as technology mentors. They help teacher learn how to adapt different apps or softwares into their curriculum to make lessons better for students.
I really enjoyed reading this article and I feel very strongly about the growing need to incorporate technology into the classroom. I feel personally impacted by this every day due to the fact that my current school refuses to provide technology that can be used in the classroom. Currently, my students do not even have access to a computer lab or laptops in the school building and being that the majority of my students are underprivileged, many of them do not have access to technology at home. This makes it very difficult to assign tasks that require the internet or the use of a computer and it significantly impacts their ability to be prepared for the "real world". Moreover, the technology that I am able to use in my classroom such as my projector and laptop have all had to be purchased by me out of pocket. Being that I teach social studies, it has been the best investment I have ever made because I am able to engage my students through the use of powerpoint presentations, video clips, etc. Therefore, I strongly believe that incorporating technology into the classroom is absolutely necessary.
The field of education has changed so much in the last century. We have seen major developments in technology that have helped to improve and redefine teaching. With these changing times teachers have had to learn and adapt their teaching styles and ways to incorporate and utilize this new technology. According to this article this great new technology is not enough and I agree in some aspects, but feel they should not be so negative about it. I feel technology has come a long way and done wonders for the classroom. This past year I had my first job as a leave replacement at Kennedy High School, teaching Global History and Geography, and I can tell you I used my Smart Board and the internet almost everyday. Having a Smart Board for Power Points or Smart Notebooks is very useful. Being able to simply put a map up, or a political cartoon, or a historical documentary would not be so easy without technology and the internet. I do agree with Ashleigh though it is how you use this technology and teach the information to the students to make sure it is meaningful. Also technology is not always reliable like Dayna said. I have experienced that multiple times this year and it is important to always have a back up plan.
-Heather
This article is really interesting. In order to help our student to reach their fullest potential, we need to be there for them every step of the way. As a teacher, you need to be dedicated, compassionate, and have passion for your job and students. Technology can only help students to a degree. The key is to have effective teachers that can incorporate technology into different lessons to accommodate the needs of every student. For example, using a smart board with different programs can be very useful for solving math problems or writing sentences.I find that when I work with students, using power points combined with kinesthetic activities helps the students to become more engaged in the lesson. Using technology in the classroom is necessary in order to for students to grow in knowledge.
I thought this article was extremely interesting for a number of reasons. Firstly, I love the idea of being able to attend professional development seminars from the comfort of your own home! I too have a similar problem at my school where the budget doesn't really allow for types of professional development that I want and need to better myself as an educator. In addition, my busy schedule makes it difficult for me to travel to various professional development opportunities on my own and therefore, SimpleK12 seems like a great alternative! I also really love the flipped classroom model. Considering that we do not have access to computers in the school building currently, it would be great to incorporate the use of technology while the students are at home! I would love to use this model to expose my students to curriculum materials prior to the start of a unit.
The article by Cheryl Nussbaum-Beach is certainly uplifting and inspiring in its use of language, but like many similar treatises on the role of technology in the future development of education, it fails to propose substantive answers to the questions that confound the meaningful implementation of technology in the classroom and beyond.
The article, published in May of 2015, could easily have been written, word-for-word, ant time within the last 20 years or so. It restates what is by now common knowledge in the educational community: that technological tools, if used correctly, serve to enhance and deepen student-centered and student-directed learning. We are now 15 years into the 21st century that the author wishes to “drag teachers into.” The fact is, teachers and students for the most part are already comfortable with the use of technology in their everyday lives. In only a couple of years, there will not be a student from pre-school through high school who was ever not in the 21st century. The problem is not in the adoption of technology, the problem lies in having the knowledge and tools to make it useful within education.
The end of the article provides a list of “shoulds.” It lists what should be done, what “we need to do”, but it does not answer the real question: How?
We have plenty of technology available. Computers are available for student use in even the poorest of districts by now. Students and teachers alike are adept at using electronic communication devices to access information. The author states that we should be chanting “technology, technology, technology” when the fact is we have been for quite some time, amassing huge amounts of technological equipment without sufficient training and instruction on how to use it to properly enhance student learning. (Continued next post)
I believe that the reason for this lies in the way that technology is addressed from the top levels of decision-making in a district or organization. For decades now, there has been incentive and funding for the purchasing of equipment, but there is a paucity of funding and professionals that can help teachers meaningfully integrate technology. A principal or administrator at the district level would not bat an eye at investing tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars into equipment and networking, but the presence of a technology trainer who is qualified in instructional technology has become a rarity in recent years. This is likely in part due to the financial strain that districts have found themselves in as they seek to balance the needs of students with the requirements to comply with state assessments, increasing numbers of English-language learners, and students with special needs. Particularly in the years following the recession of 2008, schools were forced to make difficult decisions regarding the amount and type of staff that they could afford to maintain. Core subjects like English, Math, Social Studies, and Science could not stand to lose staffing. Nor could various departments specializing in the needs of students. Cuts had to happen somewhere, and district instructional technology positions disappeared, along with business and computer programs and teachers as well in many cases.
We currently have a system that incentivizes the purchasing of technology, but disincentivizes the instruction to teachers on its use within the curriculum. Districts are required to have personnel in charge of the purchasing and maintaining of technology in order to benefit from programs like e-rate. Often this is an assistant superintendant or district employee that may be tech-savvy and well informed, but does not specifically have training in instructional technology. As well, the lack of jobs in that field of expertise has influenced aspiring teachers to pursue other avenues within education, resulting in a shortage of qualified professionals. As many districts face increasing enrollments and looming state assessments, qualified training personnel are viewed as an expensive luxury when in fact they would likely pay for themselves many times over as the technology would become more efficiently used in education.
I am happy to see that the author is has been experienced in nearly all levels of education, from teacher through district administrator. People with experience, ability, and long term-vision are what is needed to make the change from technology as a sidebar to a central part of the learning experience, for teachers and students alike.
-Mike Altruda
I believe this articles concerns one of the most important topics in education today. There is such an urgent need to inspire learning at every grade level in the United States. Teachers are not competing with so many outside forces when it comes to engaging and motivating learners. At any time, students can find recreational uses for iPhones, iPads, computers, and other facets of technology. It is our job as teachers to ensure that we motivate our students to the best of our ability. Without motivated students, there will not be active learning. This means that the teacher must have a great rapport with his/her students and must constantly be looking for new resources and ideas to spark student learning. Since students are using some sort of technology every day, we need to find ways to incorporate technology into the classroom on an every day basis. However, I do believe with Mike in the idea that there needs to be more of a movement into specifically incorporating technology in a uniform way. We need experts in the field of technology and education in order to fully realize the potential of a technologically advanced school.
- Mike Griffin
Reading this article, I immediately began to think of the higher order of thinking encouraged by Bloom's Taxonomy, such as analyzing evaluating and creating. Although it is a bit of an antiquated concept, i think it aligns with what the Common Core is trying to accomplish which is to not just teach students facts and figures, but begin to encourage them to ask 'Why" something is, and "How" certain concepts relate to one another, and to again promote higher order thinking. In some classrooms, and in some curriculums this is indeed difficult to do. Teachers need to teach students a certain amount of content in a short period of time, and sometimes there is simply not enough time to collaborate and engage in hands-on activities. That has to change. There needs to be flexibility so the teacher can be creative and come up with different group projects and most importantly utilize technology. I agree with the article as it talks about the power of technology and how it helps students "Connect." And that word "connect" can be used a variety of ways... connecting with students in other states or regions in order to share ideas... connecting to various resources on the internet to do research... the possibilities are endless. There are so many resources available to teachers nowadays allowing them to move away from the boring 40 minutes of class notes that has engulfed classrooms for so long. I believe we are moving in the right direction, but I think school districts should be more steadfast in encouraging creation and collaboration in the classroom to encourage active learning.
Also, I agree with Mike that funding in order to provide technology can be a challenge in most school districts, especially as we live in a tax cap era where finances are stretched to the limit in most school districts. I would like to see investments in technology and professional development made a priority though when budget talks begin.
After reading this article, I realized that technology does not necessarily have to be the main factor in teaching. With that said, I am convinced that things need to change within classrooms and we are in fact shifting to a culture that does not promote active learning. Of course children in classrooms find technology fun and engaging, however, they must also find various ways to learn, such as experimenting and observing nature and applying it to some of the content they are already learning, stated from the article. Yes, technology can assist with learning in classrooms, but it cannot teach children everything. There are various ways a teacher can teach without consistently using a Smart Board or Power Point. In order to achieve an active classroom, there needs to be some hands-on interaction, where children can collaborate with one another, learn new ideas, and become engaged in their own way. Our generation is greatly into new innovations, but I believe that technology should be used when teaching in moderation and not on an every day basis. There are other resources besides technology that allow for children to actively learn from, and we as educators or as a future educator in my case, need to help students connect in lessons using various techniques.
-Cristina S.
No, I don’t think that teachers have to change their use of technology in the classroom. Children born today are living in a technology advance culture. Toddlers know how to properly use cellphones and iPads before they enter school. So why are we going to forbid or lessen the use of technology in the classroom. I think as teachers we have to change the way we think and view active learning. Cheryl Nussbaum-Beach, stated that she “wants kids up, moving, active, building things, making things, reading things, talking about things and being continually inspired”. In my opinion you don’t have to be physically active to learn. In this day and age technology offers students a brand new way of learning. There are apps and programs available to students to help express their creativity and stimulate their minds.
In response to Mike Altruda’s statement about school districts incorporating programs, into their schools with no formal training on how to use it properly. I agree with Mike statement, I think schools should also train substitutes as well as teachers in their new programs. I recently subbed in a school district which is currently using a new math program. I had to learn to navigate this math program on my own figuring it out along the way.
This article about technology not being applied enough in the classroom is completely true! We are in a day and age where our new generation learners strive on technology. It seems many schools fail to take advantage of this. Technology provides so much for our students. Technology supports active learning. Active learning is a great strategy to utilize in the classroom. This lets students take the wheel on what and how they want to learn while the teacher steps to the side. We can use technology to support active learning by providing children with various tools such as iPads, computers, and numerous programs to help stir their individualized learning.
I believe the reasons why schools fail to use technology to support active learning is money and lack of knowledge. When it comes to money, schools are on an uneven playing field. Schools in wealthy districts most likely have any type of technology available. Some districts are lucky enough to have iPads, a computer lab, and a SmartBoard. I work in a low income area in the Bronx and I see the challenges they face. We do not have a computer lab in our school. In addition, we have a cheaper version of a SmartBoard in our classroom. We are unable to fully apply it during instruction. We are in the process now OF requesting a donation of iPads for our classroom. I doubt it will work.
Many teachers lack knowledge of technology and the various ways it can be used in the classroom. I believe there should be workshops and staff meeting of different websites and strategies for the classroom. There are so many things out there for active learning, but if we fail to practice it, we are doing a disservice to our children!
Jaclyn Frasca...
The author of this article said that he believes there is a disconnect in learning, I agree. As educators become more in tune with technology they outcast the hands on learning experience that each student needs or should have. Technology is great for sharing information and for having more access to everything but students should have hands on learning. I do believe though that if it was not for technology some of our learners would not have the same opportunity as others, especially in the special education field, but in the Sp. Ed. field hands on and active learning play an important role in educating. Technology is not "bad" its just taking over the real life experiences that students should encounter on a day to day basis. The real world is not in an Ipad, its real!
Gabriel Ramos said....
This article reiterates the struggle of educators adapting to 21st century learners. I agree that as educators we need to be passionate about teaching, learning, and children. I believe it is our responsibility to remain relevant to society trends and technology shifts so that we may retain the inherent ability to teach the curriculum in a way that is not boring to our digitally pro-active learners. I also agree that each school needs to share a common collaborative vision. Students need structure, organization, and clarity so that they understand what is expected of them. If their school system has contradicting views, visions, and beliefs, it will act as a major detriment to their fundamental learning abilities.
After reading this article I agree that things need to change. Teachers should be more focused on working on their students deeper thinking skills as opposed to focusing so much on the use of technology. I think that there should be a balance of teaching with and without technology. Technology should be used as a reinforcement to what was already taught and perhaps furthering that knowledge through research. I do think that we are shifting to an educational culture of active learning because I have already completed my observations (in 2 different schools) and my pre-student teaching (at 2 different schools). I have noticed teachers using many technologies such as ipads and laptops for their active learning tools. The author defined active learning in two ways: one using technology and the other as doing experiments and observing things. Teachers have used both ways, with technology and without (science experiments and observing items). I think that it is important for teachers to use both types of active learning. We can achieve this goal by creating workshops for teachers to attend to define both types of active learning and how its important to implement both.
This reading was inspirational. I agree that we must not focus simply on technology but, using technology to enhance other lessons. As the author said, educators need to work together to achieve active learning and they must be passionate. Not every teacher will be passionate and open to working with others but, we still have to try to teach educators about the technology that is available to them. Students need to be moving around. They need to be active. This keeps students engaged in what they are doing and learning. This article really helped me look at the use of technology in the classroom as more than just PowerPoints and Prezis to present facts and notes to students. The use of social media in education is also another great way to bring students together through technology.
After reading this article, I agree that technology is not used enough in the classroom. I believe that most teachers do not use technology due to their lack of knowledge. If teachers are lucky enough to have a smartboard or ipads in their classroom, they should take advantage of them. Students enjoy learning through technology it keeps learning fun and interesting for them. This is my first year with a Promeathean board in my classroom. I have so many great ideas but unfortunately I have not attended a training on it yet. I would love to use it and incorporate more hands on active learning in my classroom. If you are lucky enough to work in a school that offers this technology then you should take advantage and make sure that you are effectively servicing your students and their needs.
Giovanna Bove
Blog Reflection #2
I do believe the way things are done in the classroom need to change. As the article stated, active learning does not mean handing a student an iPad and having the iPad teach everything. Active learning is engaging the students in new teaching methods and empowering them to use different technologies. Using technology in our lesson plans is a huge resource which I believe is taken for granted. Many people view technology as a bad thing and say that it is going to replace teachers. This can never happen because a computer is unable to replace a human in a classroom. By using new technologies in a classroom, you are giving students access to millions of new resources that were once unobtainable. I think we are trying to make a shift in the educational culture but have not completely succeeded yet. The shift will take years before it is utilized in all schools and classrooms. In order to achieve this goal, we must make sure that all schools have access to new technologies and resources. I agree with Kelly that students enjoy learning through technology because it keeps learning fun and interesting.
After reading the article, I am convinced there needs to be some change. The benefits of individually based, active learning certainly has proven benefits. However, the education system that we have now, is not necessarily conducive to that. Switching in a blink of an eye is idealistic, yet unrealistic. The change needs to be gradual. Technology today, needs to become the calculators of today. They are used to help, but not in place of regular learning. Students don’t view calculators as a means of going off-task, like they do computers. We need to regulate what features they have access to and perhaps develop a new educational brand where they only run and allow certain programs. I think we are shifting to an educational culture of learning, as already schools are utilizing computers, iPads, apps, etc. However, I do not believe they are providing opportunities for active learning. They are generally just substitutes for pen and paper or vehicles for internet access. In order to achieve the goal of active learning with technology, programs must be developed for students of different levels to perform tasks at their own pace. The technology must be a resource, instead of a substitute. In addition, we also need a lot of funds and professional development for teachers/administration to get personalized programs and resources in place.
There are many things that this article talks about that I agree with as well as some things in the article that I disagree with. The article talks about the many problems that we as teachers face, such as oversized classrooms, small classrooms, inequalities between schools and districts, high stake tests, etc... These problems that I have just described are all problems that I personally have seen and had to face myself. I do believe that it is also important that we incorporate technology into the classroom, but just as the article stated, it should not be the be all end all. We as teachers must come up with different ways to get the children in our classes to actively learn, which doesn't mean just using technology. It is important that we as educators come up with ideas that allow students use what they have around them to come up with solutions to problems, because it is said that the more a student is actually doing the work themselves and trying to come up with solutions on their own, they are much more likely to retain the information that they are learning.
I believe this article is simply stating what we all are learning and beginning to know and that is that the future of education goes hand in hand with technology. The way we teach should involve technology on a daily basis. Although technology is becoming more and more prominent in the classroom, we must find a happy medium between electronic devices and active learning. We as educators should all be working together to continue supporting students directing their own learning whether it be in the classroom, on a mobile device, or in our student's free time at home or with their family. I believe he is trying to preach unity amongst teachers and bridge the gap between non-technological teaching and technologically dependent teachers/teaching methods. As educators we must provide an array of resources for our students in which they can access at any time.
At first glance of this article I was not expecting it to go in the direction it did. The author of this article had very excellent and strong points about why a change needs to happen and I couldn't agree more. Young students need to be actively engaged in their learning. Learning happens best when students are directing their learning whether in the classroom, outside or using a technological device. "I see authentic, active, learning where technology serves as the medium on which to capture the color, sound, beauty and a-has the students are experiencing." I personally agree with this quote I pulled from the article. Many believe that the change in learning has to be fully focused on technology while in reality it should be an assistive tool to let students express and expand their learning even further. I believe that in my school personally we are shifting to an educational culture of active learning. Students are doing the work hands on and directing what they want to learn. We personally call this "genius hour" where students have that time to work on a passion project where most of them do use technology to assist them. For this change to be made in other schools, teachers have to be pro active learning. From there on they may create the lessons that inspire students to direct their learning in the method they want.
Technology is such an important aspect of our lives. As society adapts to the changes presented in technology, we too in schools must focus on having students learn how to use the new technology. I do believe though that there must be a line drawn between learning using technologies such as the Smart Board, and learning doing hands on, physical activities. As the article discusses, students should be in charge of their own learning; what learning style works for one student may not work for another. In my own classroom, we utilize the Smart Board on a daily basis. However, I do notice a difference in learning when we do an activity using the Smart Board rather than doing a hands on activity. Many of my students benefit from physically doing something rather than just tapping on the Smart Board. I do believe that technology is such an important thing to have and use in a classroom whether it is a Smart Board, computer ,ipad, Smart Phone, etc. There are many classrooms unfortunately who do not have access to such technology, which is unfortunate. We as teachers need to remember we must find the fine line between utilizing our technologies and using other various methods of teaching.
Kerri- I love the fact that your students get to work hands on during "genius hour". That sounds like such a fun, freeing task for students who have passion about the projects they are doing. I also agree with the quote you posted; technology should be a tool used to increase interest in learning, as many devices are so easy and fun to use for students. It should be a means to furthering their thinking and exploring of a topic they are learning about in the classroom.
The ways things are done in the classroom do have to change especially with technology. As stated in the article, some teachers don’t have the ability or the training to use current technology in the classroom especially since technology is always changing. Adapting to new technology can also become frustrating. Often times no time is dedicated during professional development time, to get the adequate and proper training for the technology expected for us to use in the classroom to facilitate learning. Teachers do become frustrated with the new technology and refuse to use it in the classroom. At times teaching to the standardized tests is more important than giving a student a hands on experience with learning than giving the opportunity to use what is learned in the classroom in the outside world using technology. In order to shift to an educational culture of active learning, teachers should be given the opportunity to express their concerns and have hands on training on how technology can properly be incorporated in the classroom for learning purposes.
Kerri, I also love your idea and use of "genius hour" in your classroom. It is not only a project that allows students to freely express themselves and show their own creativity, but it also leaves open the possibility for all types of learners to show their knowledge and capabilities. As we all know, every student learns to the best of their ability in different ways, and displays their knowledge in all different ways. Therefore, your passion project gives all types of students the ability to succeed and do well by using what works best for them to show their knowledge and understanding. Thank you for sharing that idea!
I believe that in some school districts, the goal is moving towards active learning, while others are still fixed on a traditional educational structure where passive learning is the dominant culture. Although technology is being utilized (and possibly in both settings), there is still lacking a general consensus as to what limits, or what aspect of technology should be adapted to benefit learning. For the most part technology in schools today is used to foster active learning. It’s an innovative approach, and has the effect of making children excited and interested in the subject matter. However, according to the article, (and this viewpoint I agree with) technology should not replace creativity, critical thinking or even group collaboration. Furthermore, the author makes the case for creating environments outside the classroom, which will stimulate learning. Creating learning centers, by utilizing open spaces will allow for interaction amongst students, their peers and even teachers or mentors. I agree with this concept, and some select schools are moving in this direction. I do believe however that the general school population may take a while to grasp that concept and follow. Also, some schools may not have the funding, or space to accommodate such changes. The author is an advocate for student centered learning, a philosophy that is gaining attention in the US and worldwide. However, I don’t think that this will replace the current dominant philosophy of teaching, which is mainly essentialism. It takes a long period of time and will call for an overhaul of the system, which is not practical. I believe in a balance – Children still need structure and guidance. Guidance is needed to steer them in the right direction and ensure that they are grasping basic concepts which are the foundation for all future academic endeavors. Their interests and passions can be used to measure strategy effectiveness and content relevance.
In the article, it discusses how many teachers do not understand or are given the right training to implement technology into today’s classroom setting. Technology changes frequently and to keep up to date with it can become difficult at times. Having to not only teach, but to make accommodations and modifications everyday for your students as well as adapting how to use new technology is not easy to do. Everyone runs their classroom differently but also every teacher has benchmarks and requirements to reach. Technology is important but should not be the only focus in the classroom setting. Also, time is not always dedicated to proper training. Technology that is anticipated for us teachers to use in the classroom setting doesn't always make learning easier for our students. There are several other strategies that students can enjoy and understand the information being presented. It is important for students to engage and have more hands-on activities. I believe learning is most successful when students are engaged and it does not always have to be with technology. I also think technology is a tool that can help assist students in the right direction as well as lets students increase their learning performance. I really liked that the author spoke about implementing environments outside the classroom, because it will stimulate student learning and allow them to create a learning environment that is enjoyable and interactive.
After reading this article, I am more convinced than I already was that things do need to change in our education system. The culture of education has made a negative shift in the past few years, taking time away from hands-on and minds-on learning. Schools today focus on comprehension questions, and writing down an explanation or reason for every thought a student has and then finding evidence to support their own ideas. I think technology can play a key role in creating a culture of active learning, but I agree that it should be used as an enhancement tool, rather than having students depend on it to teach them. In order to achieve this goal, students need to be given opportunities to explore places and things that they can learn from and take that new knowledge and apply it in the classroom. Too often we are trying to force students to make personal connections to the content they are learning, when those connections do not exist. I think that educators need to be able to come up with ways to teach important content in more creative ways and in more creative settings. I also believe that many teachers are being held back from trying new things because of the pressure being put on them from their administration and all of the people higher up on the ladder in public education. The freedom to try new things needs to be available for both educators and students. With that freedom, a culture of active learning can exist, or at least attempt to exist nation wide.
This article makes a great point about technology and its usage in the classroom. I believe that technology can be an amazing resource to help and reinforce student learning. However, as the article mentions, there are still many teachers who don't feel that way. Integrating technology can be a difficult task not only because of resistant teachers, but because of the other "pressures" teachers face. There are so many requirements for teachers and students, that I feel technology can be pushed aside. I also agree that although technology can be wonderful, it should be used as a secondary resource with guidance, rather than just giving students an iPad and having them use it how they please. I recently received an OSMO for an iPad. I didn't know what it was before I received it, but I quickly realized how great it is. It is a learning tool but also seems like a fun game for the students in my class. I think that teachers and schools need to be more receptive to integrating technology in order to create more active learning for students.
Commenting on Gina's Post:
I agree that technology needs to be used in a classroom, but should not become the main focus. Many students learn in different ways and while technology can be helpful to some, it can be distracting or confusing to others. I also agree that in order for students to be successful, they need to be actively engaged in a way that works for that child. Proper training is another great point that you touched upon. Personally, I would love to know a lot more about how to use my SmartBoard. I use it daily for certain lessons, but I do know that there is so much more to it that I never learned. If teachers were trained how to use technology more, it may be easier for them to implement it more often in their classrooms.
Children need to engage in active learning. They need to be the leaders and motivators of their own learning and in charge of building their knowledge. Technology is a resource that can help them do this. They can collect, create, and share information with others around them, but they cannot just heavily rely on technology. Students need exposure to a wide variety of resources and tools, and this in turn will allow the teacher to engage and provide to every type of learner. Teachers need to create engaging, interesting learning experiences for students so they are able to be active learners, explore the world and knowledge around them, and build their own knowledge and understanding based off of these experiences. A way to ensure that this is happening across the curriculum, teachers need to collaborate together and decide what they need or want, and design a plan together. They need to talk about data and see what is working and what isn’t working for both themselves and their students. Based off of these discussions, teachers can create active learning opportunities for their students to make sure they are exposed to the most beneficial learning experiences possible.
For example, I can notice a difference in the way my own students grasp a concept or topic by engaging in a hands on activity versus regular instruction using the Smart board. In my math classes, I use the e-textbook on the Smart board to lead my instruction so students can see a visual. Although this is a good resource for them, the students only truly learn it when I take that concept and create a hands on learning activity for them, in addition to relating that concept and activity to real world experiences for the students.
Allison Schmidt
I was already convinced that many things needed to change about our education system and this article reinforced that belief. The current education system focuses on comprehension and students being able to logically prove their own thinking. The problem is that students have most of the information handed to them and therefore just have to memorize it. Just because they have a concept memorized does not mean they can answer comprehensive questions and have mastery of a subject. In order to have the students become active learners, we need to have them work with what they know. Technology is constantly changing; there is new technology being released periodically and on many occasions the students are the first to know about it. The education system needs to keep up with the changes in technology if we hope to keep up with our students. The problem is that technology can be expensive and many schools do not have the resources to buy said technology. I also feel that many educators want to use technology, but are not sure how to effectively use the technology they have access to. Teachers need to collaborate to figure out exactly how technology can be used to enhance learning and let the students become active learners. Once methods of using technology have proven to be a success, other teachers can get the proper training so that the culture of the education system can shift again to active learning. As the article said, even though at the beginning we might fail if we work together we will eventually succeed.
To comment on Corinne’s post:
Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to see that many schools are moving towards active learning. That may be because I have only been at schools that are still fixed on the traditional passive learning. Active learning barely happens at the school that I work at and collaboration is unfortunately discouraged. I agree that technology should be used to foster active learning, but with guidance. Corinne makes a very good point about balance that the article (and my school) lacks. The education system needs to keep up with the times bringing technology into the classroom, but in the right way.
I absolutely think our education system should focus on being more hands on and "minds on," rather than putting so much emphasis on comprehension questions and testing. From personal experience, I know that the act of doing is a great way to fully learn and understand a topic or subject. The article continues to say that allowing children to be actively involved in their learning won't only help them understand a topic, but it will make them more inclined to apply those lessons outside of the classroom. Children who are able to use this century's newest technology to learn, should be encouraged to do just that. Educators of all kinds need to come together and figure out how to make technology more present in the classroom, and more engaging for students.
I agree with Stacey's argument that technology can be expensive and that many schools do not have the means to provide these resources. Also that teachers may not be using technology to its full potential because they feel they don't know how. I think these are great points, and are things that should slowly but surely be worked on to promote a better classroom environment for all.
This article truly expresses each point of concern throughly. After reading this article I truly believe that the education system has to change in order for better success. As educators, we need to collaborate together to figure out what methods work best for our students. As it says in the article, "We need to fail together and then overcome together." I also agree that we should be chanting more words and not just technology when it comes to what is going to help our education system. I believe technology is a great tool and will be very useful but it can not be our main priority. Students should be doing hands on activities and thinking "outside the box." This is where students will develop analytical skills as well as remember material better. As for the pyramid, I agree that if the students are 90% hands on and active they will be able to define, create, and evaluate more efficiently. To sum this article up, educators need to come together to find a balance between active learning, technology, and testing in order to provide their students to be informed, motivated, and immersed outside of the classroom.
Commenting on Ginas,
I agree that technology should not be the main focus in the classroom. Teachers don't always have the necessary tools or time in order to incorporate technology into a lesson. I also agree with Gina in the sense where technology may not always benefit the students. Other strategies may work better for the teacher and students. This doesn't mean that technology won't help but some teachers may not be able to fully help a student if they don't fully understand how to intertwine technology with learning.
I think that technology can be a great asset to the classroom. However, it should not be the main focus. It is a supportive tool. Students have to be taught how to use technology also. When going on the internet, they need to be able to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information. The goal for the future of our students should be providing them with the skills of using technology to their greatest potential. For them to be able to use technology to create, and to use information properly.
After reading the article are you convinced that things have to change? Do you think we are shifting to an educational culture of active learning? Explain why or why not and what you think has to happen to achieve this goal.
I believe that there should be some changes made regarding the use of technology in our education system. Some people are very skeptical with the input of technology in the classroom, like how much time should be used devoted to technology, whether the district has the finances to allow students to use devices. I think that our education system is shifting to a more active learning way of teaching. This does not just look like students using iPads to create or design something pertaining to what they are learning, active learning deals with the use of technology and how it captures the experiences of the students. I think that eventually with everyone on board, that our education system has the power to achieve this goal. Technology is our future and it important that both students and teachers are active learners and use it in the right way.
I think that it is very important to incorporate technology into the classroom but I also understand how difficult it will be to get all teacher's the tools they need in order for the use of technology to be used effectively. I believe that student's should be interacting with their peers as well as working hands on whenever possible. Having access to different form of technology provides student's with the access to see pictures and have any kind of research at their fingertips. I think children learn when they are involved and can take responsibility for their actions. Student's should be leading the discussion with their peers and collaborating about topics amongst each other, rather than the teacher always leading the discussion. At this time I do not think all schools are on board for offering the technology based on lack of training and financial circumstances. I do however see technology taking over in our future but I do think it is going to be a slow process rather than everyone being on the same page all at once.
I think technology is what keeps the students interested throughout the day. A child who is constantly reading from a text book all day is most likely going to become extremely bored, and very fast. A student who interacts with the smart board and works on math and reading programs on the computer is more focused and interested in what is being taught. The active and passive learning chart perfectly describes what I believe in the classroom. I think this site is a great way to get people talking about what can be done in the classroom. As educators we are always listening to different administrators tell us what needs to be done this is what other schools are doing. After reading these comments from other teachers who are in the classroom like we are helps to see how they integrate technology into their room on a daily and weekly basis. Very inspiring posts!
I feel that technology can be an important part of learning in this day and age. Children are growing up with technology at their fingertips and the use of it is natural to them. Technology opens many doors for teachers and students. Students can have editions of their books online. This allows for students to have access to notes or homework if they forget their book at school. Almost all schools have a website. For example, my school has a website that students and parents can access. There is a calendar for teachers to put the homework up daily for students and parents to access. I also provide my class notes each day on my own page. Students are also given the opportunity to use a variety of tools to practice their studies. For example, Castle Learning and IXL are two popular tools for students to do practice problems with guidance at home. Technology is a great tool for learning, but at the same time it should not be a replacement for the social interaction that is involved with learning.
In response to Christina
I agree that technology is a tool to keep students interested throughout the day. I think it is a great motivation tool for students and it allows them to do something that feels natural to them. No student enjoys being lectured to or just reading an article with no substance, so it is important to have a variety of opportunities for students in the classroom. I also agree with what Stacey posted about the changes in technology. As technology changes, it is important for teachers to adapt to these changes and use them in our curriculum and our everyday life. It is important to engage students in learning and technology is a great way to do this.
Technology is an important tool that students use both inside and outside of school, for both academic and social reasons. They are exposed to it in every facet of life. However, there does need to be a change. Although, I feel like change is not the right word. Maybe more of a balance between the use of technology and learning through exploration. In an age where most of our lives revolve around using google to answer most questions, it is important to at least guide students in the correct direction of their exploration. We also need to address it in the classrooms because of the use of it outside of the classroom. By allowing students to broaden their horizons with technology, we as teachers are allowing them to access the world and become interested in more activities and therefore have hands on experiences.
In response to Christina:
I agree with everything you are saying, but I think there needs to be a balance between textbook, technology and project based learning. If we as teachers are able to engage our students through all of these portals, then we are successful teachers who have given our students every possibility to learn. Active learning is the way of the future and whether it is reading a textbook, an article online, or reciting lines for a play, making the shift towards an active learning classroom will enable our students to become all around, global learners. Great Post :)
Rob Casaburi
I think we are beginning to shift the educational culture to learning that is active. However, I think we are at the early stage and more work still needs to be done. Smaller schools or students that are home-schooled, such as the picture reflected in the article, are more likely to experience “active learning”. Yet, in public schools it is less likely a student would experience active learning because of the demands that come from budgets, resources, space, teacher pool, and demands of testing. I agree that we need more than technology; however the use of technology does not always mean that active learning is taking place. Technology can certainly be a resource to assist students to become engaged with learning, but should not replace student to student learning or student to teacher learning. I think that the writer’s point that “technology serves as the medium to capture” student’s learning experiences. For some the idea of implementing technology means to replace a textbook or as busy work to keep students active, but not necessarily engaged in the process of coming up with a problem or idea that prompts students to become motivated in asking questions, seeking answers and then coming up with more questions.
Response to Dana
I agree with Dana that there needs to be both a balance with technology and exploration. Furthermore, it is important for the teachers to help guide their students in the classroom. No matter how much technology improves I feel that the direction and approach the teacher takes in presenting the information is vital. Even though technology could change the teachers approach to learning the content; it is still important to present the content in an engaging way. Not just place the technology in front of the students (as if a teacher was just lecturing to them),but for the technology to serve a purpose and be meaningful.
I believe that we are still in the learning stages of using technology, especially for the older generation. It is a good Idea to use technology in the classroom but there's never enough time and how can they incorporate this new technology into the classroom without disrupting the routine. It will motivate students to do better in school especially if the have the control. There should be a balance on how much technology can be used in the classroom because we also want the children to use another form of learning beside using technology all the time. I believe there should be a balance and, of course, more educating the teachers so they can master the use of technology.
I agree with Dana about how to balance textbook and technology. Has a parent of a teenager my son had to do a report on a famous person of course is first instinct is to go online and google who he wanted to research which is great but, while we were doing our research, of course, we came up with hundreds of website and, of course, the famous one Wikipedia, I am not a big fan of it because anyone can change the text on that site, we finally found one that was decent enough to use but I also told my son to go to the basement get the encyclopedia yes I said it . I wanted him to look and find anything else about the person he was researching that wasn't in the internet. The next day we went to the library just so that he can balance both text and technology. I'm not saying it's a bad thing but we need to continue to teach our children how to be able to you use technology and textbook also. I don't think we need to always rely on technology. Think about this what happen if the computer crash, at least, you have a textbook to back up your lesson for that day. I work with the preschooler and I used technology in the classroom but I also use books as my backup tools and a lot of the learning we do is hand on with the book because I only have one computer so it easier for me to get my book and talk about the seeds and plants for example. I believe there should be a balance so the children can have more option instead of one.
Responding to Rob...
Rob, you and I both agree that active learning is slowly making its way into the school system. We also share the same view that technology should not replace creativity. I like your point concerning educators and some of the set backs they face for encouraging active learning. Testing is definitely a big concern for teachers. They cannot help in some instances but teach to the test. The pressure to meet state standardized benchmarks has placed a big burden on educators, and therefore it is an area where teachers feel helpless. I guess that balance has to be met, where teachers still find the time to ensure that students are not just passing tests, but that they are engaged in the learning process; and that their higher order thinking/critical skills are being employed.
Technology is a necessity in today’s classroom environment. Today, using technology via communication is a norm. When I observed High School classrooms in the fall of 2015, I was fortunate enough to see two completely different kinds of classrooms. One school integrated technology on an everyday basis. The other only implemented technology once a week. The school that used technology saw tremendous growth in their students’ abilities. After my observation, I learned the importance of blending my teaching style with the addition of technology.
As a prospective Spanish teacher, there are many different technology programs that I could place into my curriculum. One that I would use for a tenth grade classroom would be Duo Lingo. This is an educational website that has current events all over the globe written in Spanish. The best feature of Duo Lingo is the ability to alter the difficulty of text. The text of the article could be set to the student. I believe that as our students adapt to the constant ever-changing world of technology, teachers must adapt as well.
Technology is important in any classroom. The technology can keep students interested in the topic with all interesting features that can be provided by computers, ipads and software. As a Math teacher, I can see that technology is important since some students need the calculator just to get through that one question. However, this also bring me to one concern. Even though this might help students, I believe it can also hurt them. Taking the student who needs to use a calculator for every question does not help them develop the true concept that is being taught just how to get their answer and get through a class. What will happen when these students who rely on technology all too much look for a job where they have give change, calculate percentages, etc. and there is some kind of issue with the calculator.
Although I do agree that technology is useful to show students concepts, I believe there needs to be a fine line, that students are not relying completely on technology to do all their work for them.
Technology is important in any classroom. The technology can keep students interested in the topic with all interesting features that can be provided by computers, ipads and software. As a Math teacher, I can see that technology is important since some students need the calculator just to get through that one question. However, this also bring me to one concern. Even though this might help students, I believe it can also hurt them. Taking the student who needs to use a calculator for every question does not help them develop the true concept that is being taught just how to get their answer and get through a class. What will happen when these students who rely on technology all too much look for a job where they have give change, calculate percentages, etc. and there is some kind of issue with the calculator.
Although I do agree that technology is useful to show students concepts, I believe there needs to be a fine line, that students are not relying completely on technology to do all their work for them.
Technology is important in any classroom. The technology can keep students interested in the topic with all interesting features that can be provided by computers, ipads and software. As a Math teacher, I can see that technology is important since some students need the calculator just to get through that one question. However, this also bring me to one concern. Even though this might help students, I believe it can also hurt them. Taking the student who needs to use a calculator for every question does not help them develop the true concept that is being taught just how to get their answer and get through a class. What will happen when these students who rely on technology all too much look for a job where they have give change, calculate percentages, etc. and there is some kind of issue with the calculator.
Although I do agree that technology is useful to show students concepts, I believe there needs to be a fine line, that students are not relying completely on technology to do all their work for them.
While I do not think Technology should take over in the classroom, I do think it is important to be integrated in all classrooms. There is a real concern that some teachers are hesitant and simply are not integrating technology. Teachers need to be given the time to allow them to be trained properly so they feel comfortable with all of these new tools that are available. Once the teachers understand it, they can pass them along to their students. Students need to spend time spend time thinking about what they have learned and implementing that knowledge in various ways. One way to implement this knowledge is through technology.
In the technological world we live in today, it is impossible for a teacher to avoid the use of technological tools in the class. However, it is important that these tools are not overused. Students need to be exposed to the hand-on learning which took place before any of these tools were even invented. There are multiple ways to initiate active learning in the classroom and I believe that teachers need to remember that. With that being said, the technology which is now available provides many interesting ways to teach material in the classroom. It is important that a teacher remains educated on how to use technological tools effectively. Schools should provide multiple opportunities of professional development that have a focus on different technological tools that may be used in the classroom.
In teaching high school students, I am very aware of the struggles with technology in the classroom. I definitely agree with the article in that something needs to be done to make a move toward integrating more technology. I feel as though we are stuck in a stage of limbo in which people want to integrate technology, but the amount of time it consumes and the imperfections in technological advancements are definitely concerning for both teachers and students. Further, deciding which technology tools would be most effective in which subject matter poses another challenge. Lastly, because technology is so new to the classroom, there is not enough confirmed evidence that teaching through technology is better than former methods of instruction. Therefore, people are reluctant to change.
Technology is important to the classroom setting in many ways. Technology can provide students exposure to a various amount of resources and tools that can influence each and every type of learner. Technology, for the most part, can keep students actively engaged. I find that my students really enjoy and learn from interactive games and videos. However, I find that some of my students become easily frustrated when they experience difficulties in the area of typing on the computer due to lack of fine motor skills. The technology available to our students today is almost limitless, and I do believe that teachers (myself included at times) are hesitant to integrate it more often in the classroom setting. There can be many factors that coincide with this; one being the emphasis on the physical act of writing, and the other factor being a lack of technical knowledge. Overall, technology is a great tool for active engagement if done properly, and with the proper tools and knowledge.
I feel that technology if used correctly in a classroom can be very beneficial. Students today are constantly bombarded with tons of different forms of media, Most of which they have access to in the palm of their hands. I'm aware that cell phones in class room can cause a major set back in student progress. I feel that in school there is this giant push toward using more technology, however it is not integrated properly or used to its fullest potential. It becomes for of a hassle and an obligations then a teaching tool. that being said with all the new teacher prep programs having a larger focus on technology i believe there will be a new generation of teachers in schools ready to make the most of technology and employ it as a teaching tool.
I do believe there needs to be a technological change in schools. Many teachers are afraid of change, and therefore, do not use the technology they could have available to them to its full potential. It could be complicated to learn and use, there may not be enough resources for students to use, it may take time to t each students how to use the technology, especially the younger ones, so many teachers just ignore it. I think many new teachers, and some veteran teachers, do foster active learning. I think a lot of teachers, though, that are afraid of change, are stuck in the old ways of students being passive learners. This active learning needs to incorporate technology, not as the only means, but as away to support students active learning. Lisa pointed out that it should not overtake the entire classroom, and I agree. It needs to be used as a support for students and ways to get them more active, not as the only thing for students to do. I think teachers, new and old, need to work together to achieve this goal and change their mindset that students are supposed to sit and be taught all day instead of actively learn and be a part of their education. Using technology to engage students and allowing them to be an active participant in their education is the way to achieve this goal.
When going on interviews, a common question asked nowadays is, “How will you incorporate technology in the classroom?” “Technology” is a word that is thrown around in the educational setting because people believe students need to develop 21st Century skills in order to be successful in the future. People also assume that technology helps students become engaged in learning. However, just by using a SMART Board or an iPad is not going to instantly motivate students and lead to the development of higher order thinking skills, such as analysis and evaluation. Therefore, I agree with Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach and I believe technology is not the answer to creating a culture of active learning, but it is one strategy that can promote this shift.
Although it is our goal to move towards an educational culture of active learning, I do not think we are making this transition just yet. In order to move from being a passive to active learning culture things have to change and fostering a child’s love for learning is essential to make this move. Hence, students should have exciting learning experiences. If students are excited about what they are doing, this will make them want to learn more about a topic and make them want to find out the answers to their new questions. Whether students are doing experiments or going on a walk and observing the natural world, these are far better options than just having students read a PowerPoint or listen to their teachers lecture. By providing students with a variety of exciting activities and embedding technology in appropriate ways, students will become the drivers of their learning rather than the backseat passengers.
Furthermore, Monica discussed how there are a variety of ways teachers can initiate active learning in the classroom and that technology is not the only answer, which I agree with. She discussed the importance of technology, but also mentioned that it should not be overused, which is a very interesting remark. Technology is important and can enhance a child’s development and learning, but I think it is also important to remember that there are other methods to use, as well.
I believe something definitely needs to change. When I was doing my observations in the spring semester there was slightly more active learning in the classes than when I was a student but not much. Most of the learning is still business as usual, teachers going through the motions almost never truly engaging kids to find out their interests and how they can bring their passion to life through meaningful learning and educational experiences. I don't know what particularly would be the solution but something must be done. The best crack I could take at solving the issue would be to have middle school be a time where much less time is spent on core subjects and more time is spent in specific classrooms where students can take introductory computer coding, app creating, or other useful skills never explored in today's system. At least with this introduction students will discover where their passion lies and what they'd like to pursue in their 4 years of High School.
As far as technology goes, I Agree with @Tara Brady. Technology is beginning to find a place in the class but not in an engaging new way to teach new things. Most teachers use the technology they have to do the same lesson and work just through a different medium. I'd be willing to bet that more than half of SMART Boards in schools are used as glorified projectors. I think, like Tara said, it's a okay step to initiate Tech-implementation but we certainly could be doing more.
Elizabeth Capizzi
I strongly agree with Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach’s idea there needs to be a change in the way technology is integrated in some schools, so that students are using it as a medium to collaborate with others and facilitate their learning. Molly B. Zielezinski’s article “What a Decade of Education Research Tells Us About Technology in the Hands of Underserved Students,” which expresses similar ideas to Nussbaum-Beach’s article, indicates that the use of technology varies based on the needs of the school itself. In the article, she referred to Professor Mark Warschaeur, who found that “students who are black, Hispanic, or low-income are more likely to use computers for drill-and-practice, whereas students who are white or high-income are more likely to use computers for simulations or authentic applications.” This statement can be proven true at the school I work at that uses technology for remedial purposes during their after-school program. However, just the use of technology is not always an effective way to bring students closer to grade level, as some students do not find the drill-and-practice tasks engaging. Therefore, to avoid “the disconnect… between what the real world offers and typical classroom culture” technology should be used in a way that personalizes students’ learning.
Although there are some changes that need to be made in the way technology is used in the classroom, I do believe teachers are moving towards a more active learning mindset. For example, some teachers allow students to use Google Documents during writing workshop to facilitate providing feedback to one another. Other students research a time period independently using BrainPop and other trusted sources, and share what they have learned with their book clubs before reading a historical fiction book. I think Nicole made a good point that what holds some teachers back from designing more active learning activities is resources and time. Some schools do not have enough computers for students to work on a unit long project. In addition, even if the resources were there, time would be needed to familiarize students with software, which takes away from other content that needs to be taught. Overall, I think if schools took the technology standards as seriously as reading, writing and math standards from the time students enter kindergarten, it would make it easier to engage students in active learning projects later on in their educational careers.
I absolutely agree with this blog, teachers need to be more open to technology in the classroom. Children have even become better at using technology than most adults because they are growing up in a time that revolves around technology. Technology isnt just a way to get students involved or motivated, but its become an important part of life outside of school. School is meant to get students ready for outside the classroom, and the use of computers and programming are a vital part of our world. I love the author's idea of getting kids out in the community to build a better future for others, as well as themselves. Through community service and active learning students learn important skills that will propel them through life. I agree that technology can help this process. The internet gives students a platform for networking and collaboration, which could lead to students offering a helping hand. This proves technology can be positive for the classroom, although in other cases technology could pose as a danger for students. I see this in the children in my community, who walk around with their noses pressed to their screens. Today, technology can be used as a tool for some parents who are just seeking a little quiet time. I believe there is little harm in this, but when a child strikes a deal with their parents that they will only go to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris for an extra iPad hour, then I think technology can be a problem. This unfortunately was a scenario the kids I babysit for created and their parents were not happy. Teaching kids the right way to use technology is also up to us as educators.
I really enjoyed reading this article. I agree with the author, in that "active learning," doesn't necessarily mean the students are exposed to more technology. Devices are great to have in the classroom, but sometimes I feel like they cause a little more hindrance than a benefit. Students are often distracted by iPads, laptops, headphones, and even the SMART Board. I understand that in order to get their attention, teachers should be integrating more "modern" media into lessons, but by integrating more technology, it doesn't always help the student. The author's definition of active learning resonated with me. To sum up, she said that active learning is a student taking initiative of their own learning and their own progress. The student is engaged, applying prior knowledge, and asking thought- provoking questions. These are all examples of active learning. It is important for a student to feel smart in class; to feel like they can express themselves freely without being judged by their peers or by the adults in the room. I understand the importance of technology, and I would love to learn more about it so I can integrate it into my own classroom, but I think the way the teacher speaks to the students and empowers them, results in a more active classroom. When students feel confident and comfortable, they will share their ideas. It is important for them to know that each person in their class has a different idea, and understands things differently. Everyone can benefit from collaboration. The more teachers have the students take ownership of their own progress, the more motivated and the more active the students will become. With engaged and motivated students, teacher can implement more advanced technology into lessons. Perhaps this can be viewed as a reward for the students. Technology allows the students to think they are playing, rather than learning, but it is important for them to know when it is time for them to "turn it on" and actively participate in the lessons and activities for themselves.
While reading the article I completely agree with the author. There is so much technology out there and is it really being used in the classroom effectively. Are the students becoming more of an active learner? I feel that you can have all the technology in the world in your classroom but if it is not facilitated properly then it serves no purpose. Students outside the classroom are in the 21st Century with iPads and smartphones. I feel we need to find a way to use these devices to spark their interest and learn how to use the technology not only for games and social media but the impact they can have on education and how to become a more active learner. I am a P.E. teacher and would love it if every one of my students could get a fitbit. This would be a great way to engage and pull in the learner. The fitbit connects to an App and the students can become more of an active learner by seeing progress and getting that immediate gratification that most kids crave these days. Also a helpful tool for the teacher to use it as a form of assessment.
While reading this article by Nussbaum-Beach, I couldn't help but agree not only with many of her ideas, but also the theories about how they should be implemented. Firstly with the Active Learning argument. I agree with the display of the Pyramid. As a Social Studies teacher, I often think about how I don't only want my students to remember the information and skills, I want them to make it their our and making it their own bland of knowledge. Through my past interaction with students, I have noticed many say that they forget the information they learned as soon as the test is completed, and through learning these sentiments, I said to myself that I want to be a teacher that not only has them remember the information, but make it their own and have it be something important to keep with them. In order to engage in a practice like this, its important to move from the Passive Learning of basic content, into higher order thinking of Active Learning. Through proper scaffolding and moving up Bloom's Level of Taxonomy and engaging in questions that force them to think critically instead of regurgitating information.
I do also agree with the idea of a Utopian education and that this is a process in order for it to work cohesively (learning all the skills, the standards, collaborating with other teachers and moving from a Passive Learning environment to an Active Learning environment). Despite that however, to move forward and aim for this, I firmly believe is necessary just like Nussbaum-Beach. TO work our hardest to complete the explained goals of how to do this and why to do this, moves us to perhaps not a Utopian style of education, but a better form of education that is beneficial to our students to have them reach their full academic potential. A balance needs to be met with content, skills, and sensitivity in a way that allows us to teach content for the fullest academic achievement, as well as guiding them to growing as full individuals.
This article was very informative and I completely agree with what she is saying. The pyramid picture really caught my attention and I love how she broke it down. I always learned better through active learning and as I grew older I realized most students did as well. That is one of my goals in my future classroom, to have as many activities scheduled to incorporate active learning to not only make it memorable for the students but to make sure they completely understand what we are learning. Technology is amazing and it's great to see how far it has come but as educators we need to strive to create our lessons as diverse as possible, to incorporate active learning and make that one of our goals as teachers can be extremely beneficial.
When a student feels comfortable with the teacher and comfortable within the classroom, they will learn so much more. As well as inside the classroom, it's also crucial to extend this idea outside the classroom too. Getting students to be active outside the classroom and showing them outside of the technology world can only empower them more.
After reading this article, I agree that classrooms definitely have to change. Technology has become such a huge part of society, that it is now impacting education. Kids are better at using ipads and computers than adults are. I liked reading this article, after the previous article about social media in the classroom because I do not believe that technology should be the core of the classroom learning. Kids now-a-days have there noses in their phones or Ipad anyways. However, the classroom is a place for learning and empowering yourself and the building on your intelligence, preparing these students for the real world and what they want to do as a career. I believe that if students feel comfortable in the classroom where they can express their thoughts and analyze, create, and evaluate on their own, we as educators are doing something right. In order for active learning to progress, I believe the students have to want to learn, have to want to have a passion for what they are doing, and want to ask questions that they will want to learn the answers to. Students have to take action of their own learning, they have to apply any prior knowledge that they learned inside or outside the classroom and apply it towards their learning. I want a student centered learning classroom. I remember looking at pre-k for my son and many of the schools were focused on playing, while others had the students on more of a learning basis, where they go outside and plant a tree, test different soils/dirt, use apples and fruit to count and base them on different colors. Those are the actions that the students are going to remember and help them later on in the academic world. However, as a high school teacher, in social studies, where most students say its boring or too many dates and names to remember, the teacher has to find ways to make it engaging in the classroom, where the kids are always active and participating and not just reciting passages from the textbook. I don’t want the students just knowing history, but feeling like they are historians. I had teachers that were so passionate about history, that it made me passionate about the topic; and that was without technology. However, I don't think we are completely shifting to active learning yet. Students have to become their own “drivers, and not be a backseat passenger”, as a previous student has said above. For active learning to occur, all of the educators/faculty have to work together to create an equal balance for the benefit in the students learning. I believe that technology is going to keep growing and expanding, and it is overpowering, and if the academic work wants to shift the students to become more active learners, it's going to have to take place in and out of the classroom to see effects taking place.
After reading this article, I agree that classrooms need to change from teacher centered to student centered. Kids are more likely to learn when they are actively engaging and taking an active role in their education.We need to share a common, collaborative vision of what it is we want in our schools and classrooms and speak the same language, a language we create together as we build collective intelligence.One way we do this in my school is through the SIOP Model of teaching. SIOP was originally created from ELL students but we have adapted it in all classrooms. For this our lessons must have building background which are images and vocab that they will need through the lesson as well as a mini lesson and group work. In science we have a lot of participation where the students must investigate topics to find their information. In addition, we have turn and talk activities and group work in every lesson. This is a new idea for some teachers. Allowing the students to gage their learning and not giving them the information straight forward can be challenging but in the end rewarding. The most important thing to remember is that the students are receiving the education and information that they need to succeed.
In response to Briana Gallager: I agree that the image provided on the link was ninformational and great at catching the readers attention. I also agree that I learned best through completing activities hands on and feel as though the shift the education field is moving toward is going to benefit the students!
I do agree with the author that things need to be changed. Based on the time I’ve spent in different classrooms as a student and as an observer I have found that many times students are passively learning. Students from kindergarten through college learn better when they are actively involved in their own learning. In my personal experience I know I learned much better when I am able to make connections and put to use what I have been taught.
I do believe we are shifting to an educational culture of active learning. Since everything is much more easily shared via social media I believe that teachers across the U.S. are learning from one another. The sharing of ideas on how to teach students has improved how teachers operate. With the help of different types of technology students are able to take school home with them and interact with the material in many different ways. In my graduate school classes active learning is stressed. I believe future educators are being taught to put students first and move away from passive learning.
Honestly, I believe that many older teachers need to be held more accountable for their style of teaching. School districts should hold their teachers to a higher standard and demand more active learning. If teachers are forced to do this the change will happen.
reply to Shanna Krakow;
I agree with your post. Technology is a huge part of classrooms today. Its unfortunate how certain districts are unable to keep up monetarily. I really like the quote you used about being the driver and not in the backseat. I also agree with your thoughts on teachers working together to create a active learning environment.
After reading the article, I agree that it is important to encourage more active learning as oppose to passive learning. Creating a student centered learning environment will allow student to be more in control of their education. This shift in the educational culture will benefit future generations and better our society. As future educators, it is our responsibility to provide the necessary tools for students to utilize as they grow. We must become more mindful of the students needs and successes rather than focusing on testing. I believe this is the future of education.
In response to Lauren Maksym post, the emphasis on creating a active learning environment is encouraged throughout our graduate career. These articles are perfect resources to help support this idea and push for more student-centered learning throughout a child's academic career.
After reading the article, I agree with the author that change in necessary in the classroom to create a proactive learning environment. Technology is becoming more and more prevalent in the classroom, and that is a trend that will only increase as time goes on. In any situation, a person is more apt to be productive if they are engaged and interested in the task at hand, and this certainly hold true for learning. Technology is perhaps the biggest tool teachers have to get students engaged in a topic that is otherwise not of particular interest to them or is difficult to grasp at first. I teach at Brookville Center for Children’s Services and it’s definitely a conscious, team effort to try to foster an active learning environment. Technology is a major asset to students with special needs and as a teacher, I try to integrate it wherever possible. As has been previously mentioned by Lauren, as a younger teacher I try to assist older teachers that have a more difficult time using technology to its maximum capacity. Furthermore, as others have mentioned, it might be difficult for low income schools, who are already at a disadvantage, to keep up with modern technology and thus they might fall further behind. In conclusion, an active learning environment is really about maximizing the ability for students to learn and, as others have said, focusing less on a test grade and more on the individual student.
After reading the article, "The key to making the shift to active learning (and why technology is not enough)" I completely agree with what the author was trying to say. I think that in today’s schools the students need to be the center of the classroom and need to be directing the way the teachers teach. It is important that as teachers we are creating a positive and enriching environment where students are given the opportunity to be curious and ask questions. Although technology can be a great educational tool in the classroom and allow for students to learn and engage in a topic, it is not the only tool that teachers can use. I think it is important that teachers are creating hands-on experiences, like the one mentioned in the article when Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach’s daughter posted a picture and described how for a class she went on a nature walk. I think allowing the students these types of experiences outside of the classroom and away from technology will foster a deeper understanding. I also agree with Nussbaum-Beach when she discusses collaboration. I think it is vital that as teachers we are constantly looking at what we can do better and discuss with others what strategies are working and which need improvement. Yes, I do believe we are shifting to an educational culture of active learning because we have seen how having passive learning is not benefitting our students. I remember as a student that the more active and engaging the lessons were, the more I remembered and enjoyed being in the classroom. Yet, the times when I was just sitting in the classroom listening to the teacher lecture, the more I did not like being there and could not remember anything. To achieve this goal I think teachers need to collaborate more, classrooms should be student centered and there should be a balance when using technology in the classroom.
In response to Kaitlyn:
I think the SIOP model is a great way for students to have an active role in their learning. I love the different aspects of the SIOP model such as comprehensible input and engaging the students in prior knowledge through the use of mini lessons, group work, and lessons on vocabulary. I also have used Turn and Talks in the classroom and I think it is a great way for students to become engaged in a topic and allow them to begin to understand a new topic.
I agree with this article completely. First off, I love how the article had different sections for the who, what, why, when etc. It really broke the article down into an easier understanding for its readers. I think it is extremely important for students to learn while also being apart of the lesson. Students are most likely to remember a lesson they played a roll in, rather than read from a textbook. In my class we were learning about the life cycle of a plant. Instead of showing a video with the textbook, we split the kids into groups and assigned them roles. One being the seed, the germination, the growth, the pollination and the seed formation. Each student had a turn being the bee who brought around the pollen. The students loved this and really had an amazing grasp on the topic. It was a very fun and memorable experience the students can relate to when they are being tested on, or even talking about the material. Hopefully more classrooms can have access to certain experiments and hands on materials that will help the students learn from experience.
I agree with Kaitlyn and Megan in response to the SIOP model. I think it has many beneficial aspects that can help the students become engaged. I love the idea of pulling prior knowledge for certain lessons and I agree that turn and talks gives the students a great opportunity to peer learn.
After reading this article, I agree that it is necessary for things to change. I believe what especially needs to change is educator’s mindset on what active learning looks like and how it is represented in the classroom. Like the author stated, many see active learning as students on technological devices and dominated by screen time, however, technology can be used as a tool toward positively implementing active learning, rather than the sole resource. A quote from the article that I believe should be the mindset toward active learning is “kids directing their own learning.” This idea reflects student-centered classrooms, and the belief that students should be in the “driver’s seat” of their own education.
I do think we are shifting to an educational culture of active learning because of the ample opportunities and advances that are allowing educators all over to collaborate and share their ideas with one another. However, like I said before, I believe what needs to happen to achieve this goal is teacher’s whole outlook on the idea of active learning and feeling as if it may be impossible. The author basically explained active learning as hands-on, collaborative and experimental, which in my opinion should always be implemented in classrooms in order to enhance student’s learning experiences.
In response to Nicolette: I love how your class represented the life cycle of a plant and how that demonstrates exactly how active learning can be implemented in the classroom and how it is possible to use within lessons in every content area.
I agree with this article and I think things need to change. Technology is of course the way of the future and people need to stop fighting it and start celebrating it. Unless people come together to learn and teach these new technologies, people and students are going to continue to stay behind or even fall behind of the new technologies. I thought it was very interesting that the author compared learning technologies to dinner plates. He expressed that they are there in order for the dinner to take place but not the main focus of the meal. That is true about technology as well. We should be using it as a tool for us as the teachers as well as for the students. Technology can be put in place to create seamless learning opportunities but do not need to be the focus of the lesson, rather the tool used to get children involved and interested in the lesson.
I do believe that we are shifting to an educational culture of active learning. Students are not only learning by having their teachers stand up in front of the class and talk for 40 minutes. Students are not able to learn interactively with one another. Technology is helping to create learning environments where students can get excited and engaged with their work.
I think this needs to happen to achieve our goals because technology and active learning helps to inspire and promote creativity. These students are the next generation of people that are going to do amazing things and pave a way for our society. I think that we need to give them the tools necessary to get inspired, become creative thinkers and achieve everything they set their mind to.
In response to Alexa Carvelli- I agree with what she found important about this article. She pointed out that technology is a great tool to put children in the drivers seat with their own education. Getting students to feel like they have a say in what they learn and how things are taught with get them excited about learning.
After reading this article, yes I am convinced that things need to change. I think that active and hands on learning is much more rewarding both for teachers and students. Active learning allows children to have an input in what they are learning which makes them feel more connected to whatever the subject matter is, and I think this is so important especially today. I think that we are at more of a standstill between active learning and technology than we are at a shift. While I do think technology is important I think that active learning is far more vital than technology. I think having lessons that are interchangeable through active learning and technology can help us to see what works better for children and what technique is more successful. In response to Briana, I too believe that it is important for both the teacher and the student to feel comfortable in order to teach and learn.
After reading the article, I do believe things have to change. I think that along with the expectation that teachers become as tech-savvy as possible and include technology into the daily classroom routine, there is a danger of becoming too reliant on the technology. The article leads me to believe that we are entering an age of active learning, but that many people will misinterpret what constitutes as active learning. The technology used in classrooms should not be the foundation of a lesson, but a building block to enhance the learning. A teacher should inspire students to be curious and to create and research and learn beyond what can be seen on a tablet or a smart board. It needs to be universally recognized that in order for active learning to occur, students do not need to be reliant on technology to learn.
This article is extremely important in regards to seeing the bigger picture. It is important for us as educators to influence positivity and further learning and with technology it allows students the opportunity to learn in ways that they are comfortable. It is unfortunate that many older educators are against integrating technology into their classrooms, but I believe that they should be taught in great detail the importance of technology and how to use it so they can embrace change. Active learning allows students the opportunity to fully engage in learning where as passive learning is more so geared around the traditional lecture and textbook environment which is not very welcoming to students anymore. With technology teachers are able to see what works best for the students, and can adapt to their learning styles giving the students all the opportunities available to be do their best. A teacher must inspire their students to go above and beyond in learning and if we exhibit negative opinion on new ways of learning it only influences the students to take on that same negative state of mind.
After reading the article, “The key to making the shift to active learning (and why technology is not enough),” I believe that education must change to foster students desire to learn in school. By design, most public schools don’t provide students with the opportunities to create and design their own path to learning and self-discipline when it comes to their own education. The author, Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach, has brought up an important issue, stating, “Even if the teacher is talented, the environment itself co-conspires against deep learning (for both the teacher and her learners) and application of what is learned in an authentic context.” In today's world of high-stakes testing and limited collaboration, the opportunities for students to be leaders and find their own path in learning, is almost not existent.
The process to get students to the point where they are allowed to transform their own education is making headway. Educators and administration are in an early process for a more active learning ‘culture’ of “...empowerment, collaboration, equity, agency, self actualization, and transcendence…” for students. With more education and opportunities for teachers to learn how to foster students individual learning styles, will allow the school culture to achieve a more motivating and active learning environment for all students.
I strongly agree with many key point found in “The key to making the shift to active learning (and why technology is not enough)” article. After reading the article I am convinced that things do have to change. The article provides me with good insight on how and why things need to change. I agree that technology is important due to the simple fact that we live in the 21st century and technology just happens to be everywhere and it’s a part of our everyday lives. But like the article states, technology is not enough. I believe we are shifting to an active learning education culture where many educators understand that technology should not be the main focus. Instead it should be transparent and enhance the learning process. I think what needs to happen to achieve this goal is school districts really need to work together and dedicate time to having certain ideas/technique set up to follow. I think the only way it’s possible is by having all the teacher’s on the same page. Such task is difficult though because some teacher’s aren’t willing to change and adapt new styles of teaching, and many others are just unaware of this active learning style and how technology can enable it. Also I think accessibility has a lot to do with it. Not every student has access to technology that is needed for active learning and some districts aren’t as fortunate as others with their budget. But overall, I enjoyed reading the article and it brought up good key points in some issues that are found for such change to take place.
After reading the article I believe there is still so much change that needs to be done within the classrooms and school environments. Technology has become a staple in most classrooms. Some teachers or students relay on technology way too much. Active learning gets lost through the use of technology. I believe going back to the roots of teaching and learning with a twist of technology will be the best idea for active learning. The following stuck out to me while I was reading the article "We need to own what we believe and then incorporate the transformation we seek into every area of school culture." This quote is telling the readers that we the teachers need to practice what we preach. Show the students how learning is fun and possible with more than just an app on an iPad. It is possible to achieve with the support of the teacher and the students.
Response: I agree with Claire, active learning is much more vital than technology. The students will get more out of a lesson that doesn't involve the distraction of technology. Technology is definitely a reliable resource, but it is important to go back to the root of teaching.
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