WebLob Query 2: Based on your reading of the Zhao, et. al. article linked below, please compose five (5) thoughtful and significant queries, questions ideas, etc. that you would really want to study and discuss tonight in class. Defend the queries that you composed. (=/- 500 words).
This blog is crucial for class. It is due as class begins, September 19, 2011.
1) Do computers and technology really help students learn, or is it simply a different way or resource for teaching?
Many have used the saying, “If it isn’t broken, why fix it?” Many of the more experienced teachers may say this statement when others may suggest using more technology in the classroom. They have been teaching for over twenty years, and they believe that the way they are teaching is the best way for the students to learn. If the students are still preforming, why change what they are doing?
I believe that using technology is just another way of teaching. I don’t use technology every day, but I do incorporate it in many of my activities. I believe that students enjoy using the technology, but if I did not use it, the students could still learn the information. Zhao states, “Analysis of the case studies suggests that successful implementation of technology innovation into the classroom is more likely when teachers are highly reflective about their own teaching practice and goals, in the sense that they consciously use technology in a manner consistent with their pedagogical beliefs. We found that when a teacher's pedagogical approach to teaching was consistent with the technology she or he chose to use, the efforts to use technology were more likely to yield positive results” (p. 492). Therefore, the teachers must create a lesson that utilizes the technology to benefit the lesson. Teachers should not go into planning a lesson with the intent to simply use a certain type of technology. A teacher must know and believe the reasons why they are using the technology for it to be a learning agent for the student.
Furthermore, just because technology is used does not mean that the students will learn the information better. The technology must be used correctly and in a way to benefit the learning process. Technology does nothing for the student if the teacher is simply using the technology just to use it. Therefore, Zhao believes, “When teachers choose a technology that is compatible with their pedagogical orientation, the integration goes much more smoothly. We found that when teachers' pedagogical beliefs conflicted with the technology they were attempting to incorporate into their classroom, they struggled to successfully accomplish the goals of their proposed project. In these cases, projects were postponed, severely modified, or simply canceled” (p. 492).
2) The teachers in this study were given their technology though grant money. Financially speaking, do you think that a school would be able to implement this study into the everyday classroom?
I believe that without grant money, the expectations of this study would not be possible. Many public schools cannot pass levies to keep their teachers, let alone increase the amount of technology in the school. Even though many schools have access to some technology, many of the problems that the teachers faced were with obtaining the technology that they needed to use for their classes. Also, many of the schools did not have the technology or internet access available for the teachers and students to use. Many of the technology in the schools were out of date or non-existent (p. 501). I believe that I would be able to use more technology within my classroom, but the school does not have the financial luxury to buy me everything I need in my classroom, along with all of the other teachers in the building.
Furthermore, many of the school did have computers, but they did not have the software the teachers needed. Therefore, the schools have already put money into the technology, but the technology is already out of date. Technology is always changing, and it would be impossible for schools to keep up.
3)What do you think the reaction would be in your school if they got a grant to involve more technology?
If my school were to obtain the grant to involve more technology, there would be many mixed reactions. Many of the more experienced teachers would be hesitant to agree to the obligations. Many of the teachers have been teaching for more than twenty years, and would have to change their routine of teaching. I do believe that about one third to half of the staff would be excited about the grant money and implementation of technology. But, there would have to be more technological support in the school to help with all of the questions and concerns.
4) Which aspect do you think you would have the most trouble with in your school if you were to be part of this study: innovator, innovation, and context?
I believe that in my school, many of the teachers may struggle with the innovator part of the study. Without being consistently submersed in technology, it is difficult to know what is out there. It would be difficult to find the best technological ways to teach a concept where the technology aligns with your teaching pedagogy. Furthermore, without being technologically savvy, many may find something they know how to do and shape it around the lesson rather than finding the perfect technology fit for a lesson.
5) How do you feel about this statement from Zhao page 502: “Given these findings, we argue that teachers should take an evolutionary rather than a revolutionary approach to change. It is likely that teachers will experience more success and less frustration if they take small, but progressive steps toward change.”
I completely agree with the statement. As future administrators, we must always remember to take small steps to a large change, especially with technology. Implementing technology more into the school will never be complete, because technology is always changing. Many experienced teachers are set in their ways, and they have to be convinced to change something that they have done for twenty years. We also have to remember that as we become more experienced, we too must always be open to change. Teachers and administrators should never become too comfortable with one ways of doing something, because sooner or later a new and fast way will be implemented.
