This video accurately portrays my experiences with college thus far. I bring my computer to my classes, though I do not use it in every one. This is one of those videos that really hits home. We are very fortunate to live in such a great country, surrounded by technology. The video spoke of how we are fortunate students, as well as how the education in colleges work. I personally think that the point of the video was how technology is being used by students, and how we as students are being trained for the future.
I believe in this time and age that technology should be implemented more into classes, even if it is in simple ways. For instance, in large classes consisting of 100 students, why not give the teacher a mic? Sometimes, it is very hard to hear them. Since students bring laptops to class with them, why not use them effectively? With software such as Windows 7 and its home-sharing feature, teachers can share presentations and notes in class with home-sharing, instead of using a chalkboard. It is things like that that can help make education better, easier, and interesting.
"It's Not About Technology"
Ms. Hines makes very good points in her article. It is important for teachers to keep up to date and continue to learn, even after college. Information changes often, and technology is outdated almost immediately. It is necessary as educators to expand our own minds if we are to teach children. Also, as educators, it is important to change our methods from time to time. If a student isn't learning, then maybe the teacher should approach the teaching method differently. As Ms. Hines said, "If an object does not move, no matter how much force has been applied, no work has been done. Therefore, if a student has not learned, not matter how much effort has been exerted, no teaching has been done." If a teacher presents the materialin a different light, the student may be able to learn it.
Ms. Hines also makes an excellent point about the teachers not using the technology, and not using it creatively. As Ms. Hines put it, if you put innovative technology in the hands of an innovative teacher, then amazing things can happen. Teachers need to be willing and innovative in the classroom and need to embrace technology, instead of ignoring it. If teachers take on a learning mindset, and learn to use technology and different methods of teaching, great things can be accomplished. More children will learn, actually learn, instead of wasting time on "burp back" teachings.
"Is It Okay To Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?"
Just as the writer says, it is not okay for teachers to be technologically illiterate. It is not something to be proud of. The person's comment, in which this blog post was written for, is a bit extreme. People should not be embarrassed or humiliated, but instead taught. I agree with his statement on technology being only a tool to help us grow, and not the end all and be all of education. He asks if a teacher, who is technologically illiterate and unwilling to fix it, any different from a teacher 30 years ago who couldn't read or write. The answer is no. There are no differences. It is the same concept. How can you expect to teach without knowing this yourself? With technological advances, and how much it plays a part in today's society, one cannot afford to be tech illiterate, especially a teacher.
Social Media Count
This media count is mind blowing. I figured a lot went on on websites like Facebook and others, but never that much activity. The sheer number of text messages and e-mails sent in a minute seem almost impossible. However, the cold, hard date is there. It amazes me how much we use technology, and the extent of our usage.
I agree with you that teachers should be technologically literate if they are currently teaching. Technology is a major part of everything in the modern world, and it seems to be getting more involved as we move forward in time. As teachers most of our reason for being there to teach the students is to prepare them for life after school in the modern business world. If we refuse to use technology and teach with it we are setting up our students to not succeed.
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