Literacy that's theName of the Game
I recently had a discussion with a colleague regarding the use of technologies in class. At one point, we were discussing the false perception many people have regarding the value of these technologies. The problem may lie in the fact that people, unfamiliar with technologies, look at these new technologies and see only tech skills. There may be a belief out there that these technologies will be used in the environments of higher education, or the professional sector, and students will need to be trained in these technologies to be effective students or employees. My only problem with this perception is the fact that technology is continuously evolving and morphing into more advanced updates and more dynamic platforms.
I have been an avid reader of a blog called tech crunch. This blog, which posts anywhere from 4 - 12 new technologies hitting the net daily, has made me aware that we are living in an age where technology is in permanent state of innovation and flux. The potential problem this presents, lies with the varying learning curves that exist amongst today's educators. This can be extremely overwhelming. A teacher trying to expose their students to the latest and greatest technologies, can feel like a salmon swimming upstream. No doubt it is impossible to stay on top of all that exists, and all that will be created. How are educators expected to utilize these technologies within their individual content areas, when what they are using may be surpassed in capabilities the next day?
This is where we have to recognize that these technologies present the learner and teacher with more than skills, they provide a platform that promotes literacy, critical thinking, and collaboration. It does not matter whether it is a blog, wiki, podcast, or interactive online white board, these technologies form the foundation that promotes intellectual skills better than anything ever offered before. Technology can help the student and teacher become a better reader, thinker, learner, and collaborator. Thus, when our students leave our classrooms, they will be able to apply these intellectual skills to any technology they may be asked to use.
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2 comments:
I think your ideas are right-on. I think everyone should be able to have the opportunity to learn about these new technologies that come into being. I feel that educators. should teach us everything about these technologies and help us how to learn about them to understand more then what we know now. I feel that technolgy is a gift, and that if we spend time to research new technolgy, we can actually create our own and be able to understand this "technological world".
Blogging is literacy. Would we say that an editor writing a story at ABC isn't using literary skills? Would we say that Ralph Waldo Emerson isn't a writer if he were alive to create his masterpieces using a computer? I think not. It is my hope that young children will improve their literacy using blogs and wikis. Here is an example of a blog I help a third grade start. Soon they will be posting The intent has taken a few twists and turns since the original ideas but it gives you a great illustration:
http://nrochelle.learnerblogs.org
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