Saturday, February 11, 2012

Resources & Competency?

One issue I have noticed with the use of technology in English classrooms is the fact that not every school will have access to these resources. Typically one views computer literacy as only being capable of using various technologies in a competent manner. But I would like to argue that in order to possess a greater competency of technology, one must be able to teach lessons concerning the technologies without actually having access to the technologies. Naturally this does not remain ideal, but not every school has the same resources. Also note that technology often fails us, and when it does we must be able to find a way to improvise. If I plan on teaching a lesson on how to evaluate internet resources by using Wikipedia as the subject of my analysis, then I ought to be able to teach the lesson without access to computers. This can easily be accomplished by printing out the article and analyzing in class with the students. Now not every lesson can be modified in such a manner, but one should learn how to quickly improvise when teaching, in order to become a more effective teacher.

2 comments:

  1. Jesse,

    Yes, I agree that access to technology is not always possible, and I agree that there have to be modifications. I think your example of printing out a wiki article is an excellent example of how one can modify.

    I notice that we've been talking about access, which is important. One thing I think teachers could consider is a survey. Remember how on the index card you filled out last semester I asked if you had a computer and if you were willing to bring it to the classroom? In high school you could do something like this (well, not encouraging laptops), but you could ask questions like "Do you have smart phone?", "Do you utilize the internet out of school?" You don't want to be too invasive, but it is good to get an idea how students have some access.

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  2. Jesse,

    I agree completely with you and T. O. Technology is not always possible but there are many ways we can work around the technology, or as you discuss the lack there of. I know that at Butler Junior High, where Jesse and I both did our field experience, the students were asked about their computer access at home. This was both to gain an understanding of where the students are technologically as well as for parent's to look at grades and correspond with the teacher. I think that T.O.'s idea of asking students more about their outside usage of technology will ultimately allow you to get to know your students as well as gain awareness for the familiarity with new technology.

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