Good and Bad

Reference: Bryce, T. How Technology Affects Our Youth. Enzine @articles. 2011.

In the newsfeed above, Tim Bryce discusses how technology has it affects in more ways than one. One of the points he makes is that technology has made us want everything instantly including doctor visits and ordering food because of quick access to just about anything at our fingertips. I will be the first to admit I’m guilty with wanting things or information right away. What’s more alarming though is a study he shares which reveals that employees who are distracted by phone calls, emails, and text messages undergo at least a 10 point IQ loss than if they had smoked marijuana or lost a night’s sleep (Bryce, 2011). In a world that is constantly moving forward with technology innovations (smartphones, iPods, iPads, virtual gaming systems, YouTube, touch screen appliances, you name it) how do we find balance or is it even possible at this point and time?

BYOD: Bring Your Own Device

Reference: Strom, D. Why BYOD Isn’t a Trend. ReadWrite Web. December 5, 2011

While I can understand IT perspectives about “bringing your own device” as it relates to infrastructure support and security issues, I do have to wonder if resistance to the idea has much to do with the uneasiness of students permissibly having mobile devices in sight. On the surface, I can also understand this uneasiness but at the same time engaging students in the classroom with devices they use outside of class is not a bad idea or an impossible idea. Notice I said “engaging” because I do believe if students are not actively engaged in using mobile devices for instruction, then of course there is potential for misconduct. I think with anything however, there will always be that select group who will deviate from the intended purpose. Yes, misuse must be taking into account but it can still be a teachable moment for students because in the real-world there are consequences such as write-ups, suspension, and or termination when employees go against policy. And yes, there’s the potential for theft but is that not happening already anyway? Some teachers at my school are even disturbed with students having a Kindle in sight. In contrast, I ho no problem with it because students are still reading just in a non-traditional way. What are your thoughts on the “bring your own device” notion?

Microsoft Is In the Running for a “Voice-Controlled Future"

Reference: Titlow, J. Siri, Step Aside - Another Tech Giant Embraces a Voice-Controlled Future. ReadWrite Web. December 5, 2011.

It is AMAZING where technology has come from and where it's headed! According to the newsfeed above from the Read and Wrtie Web, Microsoft will soon release the XBox Live platform which is said to be an "all in one entertainment" center (Titlow, 2011). In addition to the upgrade's ability to offer its users live tv and web based videos, Microsoft has adopted the concept of Siri with voice controls for its once "gaming" innovation. Users will be able to give voice commands for which show or movie they wish to watch and BAM...it will appear on the screen. Reading this article has made me feel a little ancient especially considering all XBox 360 users have to do is wave their hand in a right to left motion to browse for a movie and here I am still using remote controls and radios with a dial. It all just makes you wonder, "Will simple tools such as the remote become obsolete now that voice control features are becoming very popular?"

"The Right Technology May Be a Pencil"

I agree with the stance of Mary Beth Hertz, who is the author of the Edutopia article The Right Technology May Be a Pencil. This ties in closely with my previous blog about calculators. Often times we are so accustomed to newer technology that we forget about older methods that work just as good. Students are always amazed to find out what the true meaning of technology is and a pencil is very much technology. I don't know about some educators, but giving my students instructions to take notes sometimes seems as if I'm speaking a foreign language. I've even had some to comment about the amount of writing done in a computer class but that's because the wave of technology has eliminated a lot of the basic skills older generations were taught in school. Often times, students want to jump right into starting a project but I have to remind them that it is a process called planning or drafting. So even as a computer teacher, I still use storyboards, two-column notes, exit tickets, one sentence summaries, manual proofreading activities, and other written activities in the classroom--all of which reinforce basic literacy skills. While some tools may come and go, the pencil/pen never will. Even when technology malfunctions, you can always count on the pencil/pencil as backup. I learned this valuable lesson just this school term when my lab was down for renovation the first three months of school. So we had no choice but to turn to paper and pencil to keep instruction flowing. Without the computers, I was able to keep learning meaningful and engaging but I must admit I sure am glad to have computer access now. :)

"Lessons from a Public School Turnaround"

Lessons from a Public School Turnaround was an inspiring newsfeed from Edutopia. Both the article and video was touching as to how one middle school, Cochrane Collegiate was once ranked as one of the lowest performing schools in the state. However, through strong leadership, meaningful professional development, and collaboration, the school is showing tremendous progress. While I believe structure, high expectations, engagement, and consequences are necessities in any educational setting, I agree with the teachers in the video that teaching and learning is about building relationships and collaborating. This however can be difficult to do if students sense stereotypes or believe a teacher does not care. Whether or not a teacher cares is significantly related to student performance. A saying I heard a while ago that has stuck with me since being in the classroom is, "Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Although teaching and learning also entails hands-on and authencity, I believe the previous saying wholeheartedly. Even as I dwell upon my school-age years, I worked harder for the teachers who showed that they care than I did for those who didn't. In fact, I believe this is how students determine their favorite teachers...at least I did.

No Calculators in Primary Schools

Reference: Vasagar J. & Shepherd, J. Subtracting Calculators Adds to Children's Math Abilities Says Minister. Teaching News. December 1, 2011.

According to the newsfeed referenced above from Teaching News, "National curriculum reviews" are beginning to question the use of calculators in primary schools (Vasagar & Shepherd, 2011). It is believed that students are becoming too dependent upon them early in life without knowing basic math facts by heart first. To a large degree, I agree that learning basic facts should occur before students are introduced to calculators. When I was growing up, learning multiplication facts by heart was required. As I think about my own students, some cannot quickly tell you the product of two numbers. If they don't have the calculator to reach for, they are counting fingers or drawing circles and lines.

In Singapore, hardly any 10 year olds use calculators in class which more than likely explain their high rankings in Math (Vasagar & Shepherd, 2011). The article furher reports that the UK ranks much lower than Singapore in math and is therefore considering following suit. What is your perspective on this? Do you believe calculators should or should not be permitted in primary schools before learning basic math facts?