The month of November rolled by just as swiftly as October, although this time around there was not a new bombardment of applications considering we worked a considerable amount of time on our own. There was one new technological feature that was introduced, however, and I found it to be something that would definitely be beneficial both in the classroom and out in the boardroom. We were introduced to an Interactive Whiteboard, which is basically a whiteboard that allows interaction using computer software. This particular model was made by Smart Tech and used complementing software, and while it had a few kinks, it proved that there are a few applications out there that can be applied and combined with old school teaching and result in true higher learning. The Interactive Whiteboards come in a multitude of sizes, functionalities, and price ranges, and if a school could possibly make a budget to just purchase one, I think they would find it money well invested.
An uploaded youtube video, Personal Learning Networks for Educators, was given to us for viewing and commentary during this month, so I’ll tackle that now. Honestly, the video itself left me disinterested because of its presentation, and I supposed that because it was meant for other Educators the creator felt no need to try a different approach. Of course, once I checked for the commentary of other public viewers, I rethought my examination of it and have simply come to the conclusion that I felt disinterested because it was a topic that didn’t seem necessary to be explored. The pressure of educators having to become more intimate with web applications and technology is becoming so absurd that I feel as though now it’s just being exploited. The argument could be upheld for private schools or schools that are in a financially successful district because the students, the schooling systems, and the employees can afford the applications and technology, but what about the rest of the districts? I find it absolutely ridiculous that education is becoming so reliant on technology when there are districts that have shanty trailers to hold the extra student population that they aren’t supposed to have and don’t have enough books to give all of their students, and if they do they run the risk of missing pages, covers, or are in despicable condition.
The schooling system has never been fair, and yet here is another gap to be had to further increase that same idea. In today’s day and age there are more students with phones, but that is simply because more competitive companies have entered the market and can push basic cell products, so if an application is introduced to them and they can only access it via a school computer or a public computer, how are they really going to thoroughly understand it and use it to better their learning experiences? Why are teachers trying to become so technologically trendy when they cannot grasp the simple concepts of teaching students of all creeds with simple pencil and paper and other basic resources? The connection should start between teacher and student before anyone or thing else is introduced. Personal Learning Networks are for personal usage by educators, I understand that, but are they honestly necessary for educators or are they simply must-haves because someone else deems them to be? Are educators honestly learning valuable information that can be translated into better teaching styles and environments for their students, or are they simply entertaining the idea of being up with the ‘twenty-first century’? I just think that educators should reexamine their priorities before indulging into the technology whoopla that’s gaining faster than a pandemic.
An uploaded youtube video, Personal Learning Networks for Educators, was given to us for viewing and commentary during this month, so I’ll tackle that now. Honestly, the video itself left me disinterested because of its presentation, and I supposed that because it was meant for other Educators the creator felt no need to try a different approach. Of course, once I checked for the commentary of other public viewers, I rethought my examination of it and have simply come to the conclusion that I felt disinterested because it was a topic that didn’t seem necessary to be explored. The pressure of educators having to become more intimate with web applications and technology is becoming so absurd that I feel as though now it’s just being exploited. The argument could be upheld for private schools or schools that are in a financially successful district because the students, the schooling systems, and the employees can afford the applications and technology, but what about the rest of the districts? I find it absolutely ridiculous that education is becoming so reliant on technology when there are districts that have shanty trailers to hold the extra student population that they aren’t supposed to have and don’t have enough books to give all of their students, and if they do they run the risk of missing pages, covers, or are in despicable condition.
The schooling system has never been fair, and yet here is another gap to be had to further increase that same idea. In today’s day and age there are more students with phones, but that is simply because more competitive companies have entered the market and can push basic cell products, so if an application is introduced to them and they can only access it via a school computer or a public computer, how are they really going to thoroughly understand it and use it to better their learning experiences? Why are teachers trying to become so technologically trendy when they cannot grasp the simple concepts of teaching students of all creeds with simple pencil and paper and other basic resources? The connection should start between teacher and student before anyone or thing else is introduced. Personal Learning Networks are for personal usage by educators, I understand that, but are they honestly necessary for educators or are they simply must-haves because someone else deems them to be? Are educators honestly learning valuable information that can be translated into better teaching styles and environments for their students, or are they simply entertaining the idea of being up with the ‘twenty-first century’? I just think that educators should reexamine their priorities before indulging into the technology whoopla that’s gaining faster than a pandemic.