Factors Affecting Technology Uses
November 18, 2012 5:17 PM
In my school, I would say most of my teachers are at Phase 1. The technology is in place but teachers are just beginning to understands its characteristics and how these compliment or compete with their teaching beliefs and practices. Mostly Smartboards are seen as the variant of an existing species as teachers use them like large DVD players and fancy overhead projectors. This is my third year with my technological suite and I am now just beginning to modify software and creatively use the hardware to meet my needs and the needs of my students. I feel like I am just beginning Phase 2 as I adapt my teaching to advancing technology, re-engage with pedagogy, and reconsider my place in the ecology of my classroom and school.
Do you think that a partnership ethic is possible given the current push towards a different format for public education? What would it look like in a school system? Does technology have any part to play in its implementation?
November 18, 2012 4:42
Responding to your question about the role of technology in humanity’s partnership with the earth, I do think the impact of technology has been largely negative. Technology for the sake of technology: upgrading for the sake of upgrading, retooling for the sake of retooling has contributed heavily to the ecological crisis. Something new is not necessarily something better. I think we need to talk about our goals. I think a quality life is more than fulfilling basic needs, however. We need to address our hopes, desires, and dreams. We need to talk to each other. I am encouraged when we consider social responsibility, global and cultural understanding, environmental stewardship, healthy living, ethics, collaboration, creativity, innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, and digital literacy as being the new competencies. Perhaps the role of technology will be to get rid of the drill and practice role in teaching so we can engage our students and facilitate development in these areas.
British Columbia Ministry of Education. (2011). BC’s education plan. Retrieved from http://www.bcedplan.ca/welcome.php
Easter Island Video
November 18, 2012 4:42 PM
I agree with the observations and concerns about the possibility that we are living in our golden age. I do believe, however, that at some point a granola eating, hemp wearing islander (please forgive the stereotyping) suggested it might be a good idea to conserve the trees. I am not sure we are blessed with the insight and wisdom we need to make the right decisions. I do beleive the planet can continue without us. Life finds a way to sustain itself; perhaps this is the lesson from Easter Island.
My Ecological Footprint
November 18, 2012 3:47 PM
I thought I lived a fairly sustainable lifestyle. What surprise to understand it would take 2.5 Earths to sustain my lifestyle. Short on spare Earths at Thrifty’s…I had some thinking to do….
Sidney is just moving to composting now. Lucy and I have talked about converting part of our strata unit’s garden to a vegetable plot. I have toyed with the idea of finally getting serious about riding my bike to work. Factoring in these changes brings my score to about 2 Earths.
Even if I radically reduce my spending for goods and services, I am still at about 1 and 3/4 Earths. I understand that a North American lifestyle is based on this kind of consumerism, but even my Kindergärtners know that taking two shares is not right….
What to do?
November 18, 2012 3:17 PM
Last Thursday, I gave up technology in my classroom and spent the day outside with my students. Granted, it was our fieldtrip to observe the salmon spawn at Goldstream Provincial Park and technology is not a big part of this day. We had quite a day. We hiked to a waterfall, observing the salmon along the way; attended a workshop at the Nature House; roasted hot dogs over a campfire; and finished the day with smores. The sun shone and everyone felt great! The highlight for me was walking through the forest, holding Lily’s hand, and talking with her about how much we loved nature! For a few minutes I was reminded of what life looks like through the eyes of a five years old. For a few minutes I was reminded of why I became a teacher. As fun and stimulating as technology can be, virtual connections do not replace real connections. Virtual experiences do not replace real experiences. This weekend, I am reconsidering my relationships with and through technology. How can technology address the mundane, repetitive tasks of teaching so that I can spend more time connecting with my students? Thankfully, five year olds won’t let you stray too much from what is real.
November 18, 2012 3:01 PM
The word that immediately comes to mind is “Appreciation”. With so much news about the global eco-crisis, it is very easy to become desensitized to the issues. Things seem okay in my backyard…so what is the problem? Then I watch clips of events happening around the world and the issues are brought back into focus. Most importantly, with technology I can visit places and views scenes I would probably never see in real life. The beauty of our planet is astounding. Check out Louie Schwartzberg: The Hidden Beauty of Pollination. Watching this, I am reminded that a commitment to lowering my carbon footprint is more about protecting what we have and restoring what we had. I am deeply appreciative for what I have been given. Considering these kinds of images, recycling and carpooling doesn’t really seem all that difficult!
