This is my first blog post. I feel a little unsure about putting my thoughts and opinions out there. Well here goes....
Today in class we discussed Larry Cuban's article, Teacher and Machines, The Classroom use of Technology Since 1920. I was struck by the similarities of the arguments used both for use of technology in the classroom and against technology back in 1920. These arguments are the same arguments that we hear today. I think we should revisit the benefits of technology in the classroom to create the "best education. Some of the benefits of technology in the classroom included, less teacher effort, increased student knowledge, inexpensive, productive and enriching.
... the perennial paradox facing public schools is "constancy amidst change."
The above quote further speaks to the idea that while things change in public schools they really stay the same. Through out the article the author refers to certain aspects of public education as a fad similar to bell bottoms which have exited the fashion scene. The paradox for Public Schools is most apparent between the classroom teacher and technology.
Finally, teachers should have more say in the selection and use of technology in the classroom. Reformers and administrations should at minimum obtain the impute of teachers in technology selection and use.
The 'constancy amidst change' is something that struck me, too. There are really a couple of different ways of determining if something is important. We can look backwards and see that this was something that people have been teaching, learning and thinking about forever; that makes it matter. On the other hand we have to look forward to think of what are going to be the challenges of the future. What is going to be important to think about and know about tomorrow in the future?
Another way of looking at "constancy amidst change is, the more we try to change the educational system the more it remains the same. I am amazed that when we look back on the history of education, we seem to be advocating for the same changes today.
I think "constancy amidst change" stuck with us all. It's what we're working with and are looking to change. I think that we're starting off on the right foot here. We're coming into the education profession learning that technology can do wonders for the classroom. If this class was taught across all teacher ed programs, the change will become easier as new teachers are coming into the profession with knowledge on the uses of technology. I enjoyed the anecdote about a teacher needing more books so she was able to talk to all the parents and was able to force the administration to get more books (I'm not sure what class this was in). I think we all have some say in what goes into our classrooms. We most likely will need the voices of many to enact the change.
After reading John Dewey's article on My Pedagogic Creed, dated January 1897, I am again amazed at the insight and promotion of student centered learning that was expressed. Teachers are facilitators who's role is to provide guidance thoughout the process of learning. It seems to me thatwe are aware (we have read serveral articles in class) and have been aware of what works in the school systems but because of political, economic and other reasons school systems ignore what might work.
This is my first blog post. I feel a little unsure about putting my thoughts and opinions out there. Well here goes....
ReplyDeleteToday in class we discussed Larry Cuban's article, Teacher and Machines, The Classroom use of Technology Since 1920. I was struck by the similarities of the arguments used both for use of technology in the classroom and against technology back in 1920. These arguments are the same arguments that we hear today. I think we should revisit the benefits of technology in the classroom to create the "best education. Some of the benefits of technology in the classroom included, less teacher effort, increased student knowledge, inexpensive, productive and enriching.
... the perennial paradox facing public schools is
"constancy amidst change."
The above quote further speaks to the idea that while things change in public schools they really stay the same. Through out the article the author refers to certain aspects of public education as a fad similar to bell bottoms which have exited the fashion scene. The paradox for Public Schools is most apparent between the classroom teacher and technology.
Finally, teachers should have more say in the selection and use of technology in the classroom. Reformers and administrations should at minimum obtain the impute of teachers in technology selection and use.
The 'constancy amidst change' is something that struck me, too. There are really a couple of different ways of determining if something is important. We can look backwards and see that this was something that people have been teaching, learning and thinking about forever; that makes it matter. On the other hand we have to look forward to think of what are going to be the challenges of the future. What is going to be important to think about and know about tomorrow in the future?
ReplyDeleteAnother way of looking at "constancy amidst change is, the more we try to change the educational system the more it remains the same. I am amazed that when we look back on the history of education, we seem to be advocating for the same changes today.
ReplyDeleteI think "constancy amidst change" stuck with us all. It's what we're working with and are looking to change. I think that we're starting off on the right foot here. We're coming into the education profession learning that technology can do wonders for the classroom. If this class was taught across all teacher ed programs, the change will become easier as new teachers are coming into the profession with knowledge on the uses of technology.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the anecdote about a teacher needing more books so she was able to talk to all the parents and was able to force the administration to get more books (I'm not sure what class this was in). I think we all have some say in what goes into our classrooms. We most likely will need the voices of many to enact the change.
After reading John Dewey's article on My Pedagogic Creed, dated January 1897, I am again amazed at the insight and promotion of student centered learning that was expressed. Teachers are facilitators who's role is to provide guidance thoughout the process of learning. It seems to me thatwe are aware (we have read serveral articles in class) and have been aware of what works in the school systems but because of political, economic and other reasons school systems ignore what might work.
ReplyDelete