Although I am constantly surrounded by technology, I have never considered myself to be a genius, and after today.. I am not ashamed to say that there's a lot more learning for me to do. However, it is important to put the fear and insecurities aside and start off small and work our way up, when starting to integrate technology in our classrooms (if you are also feeling similarly). Before today, I had never seen collaborative note-taking be done! It almost seems common sense to have 2-3 students take notes and to have another student find an image that relates to what the notetakers are typing (Because of course, this generation of students is image first, text second). I mean why have the whole class type the same thing, when that can be done by a few and shared with them all. Some of the benefits I see with using collaborative note-taking are: 1) as teachers, we can focus on our students strengths and help build those 2) this can be used as a way to differentiate in the classroom and 3) it makes the teacher's live much easier, by having quick access to what notes are being taken and being able to address any misconceptions (sooner than later!)
I guess the point I am trying to make is that technology is necessary in all classrooms, whether you are great it or not. Kids these days, already know a lot about using a computer and iPhone, why not use the knowledge they have and build on that. I am sure there will be very few students opposed to using their phone or laptop in class. This goes back to building relationships with our students. If they see that we are attempting to use technology they use at home regularly, in our classroom, they will be more likely to be engaged and excited to learn. Mostly, because not many elementary schools that I know of, allow their students to use their phone to access the internet or use a computer. As educators we should not be taking their phones away, but finding ways we can integrate them in a lesson. One thing I know for sure... Technology will play a role in my classroom because it's not hard to find a way to do so. It is just that a lot of teachers are not willing to adapt to a new generation of students who were born into a world of technology. It's time we accept it, times are changing.
I agree with your thoughts about collaborative note taking. It gives others the opportunity to just listen and not worry about getting every word written. Do you think that you will be able to use collaborative note taking in your classroom to keep students engaged in the learning?
ReplyDeleteSuzet, what a provocative question! I am struggling with some of these ideas: you mention that students are visual learners and are totally comfortable with their devices, but how can we, as educators, meet with them where they are at, in part by integrating tech and building on their strengths and interests? I am still skeptical though, especially as kids are younger and less developed, at the cost/benefits of integrating tech. Maybe it should be a special treat? I don't know.
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