Case 5: The clip is of a lesson on space exploration with a grade 6/7 split class. Includes Teacher A, B, C, and students reflections
Case 8: This video is of elementary teacher candidates learning how to use “slowmation” to model processes in science.
I chose to discuss the content in video 5 and 8, as they were the closests to a lower elementary classroom. Most of the these applications used these (Kid Pix, Stop Motion, garageband, Apple photo books) I have used with 7-9 year olds.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching Teacher “A’s” interpretation of her experience with technology in the classroom, for instance, she was “surprised to see the results but more surprised how good the results [were]”. This constructivism approach and technology can work together to aid this learning process. As Teacher “A” stated, learning with technology “promotes understanding “ and the enjoyment of learning transcends into other subjects. Furthermore, she found ELL students had difficulties with the language component of the assignments, but with the assistance of technology these students are “able to express their understanding other than written language.” I appreciated Teacher A’s ability to release the responsibility and to be able to coach and scaffold her lessons. She is very passionate about educational technology, and the many things it can do for education is apparent.
On the other hand, Teachers “C” and “B” were both reluctant to embrace the influence of technology on students learning. They articulated the need for more time to learn the functionalities of the technology and their inability and inexperience to troubleshot to help their students. I understand that some teachers harness this powerful tool for our classrooms, just as there is technology is challenging to work with. But some are amazing! Teachers can knock down the walls of their class and ask for assistance from colleagues and other students to expand our knowledge. As teachers, we need to model how to seek help with technology and discuss ways to troubleshoot.
In case 8, the elementary teacher candidates are already learning that educational technology is the tools that we integrate into classrooms as part of empowering learning. You can see the excitement using slowmation and they realize how technology can enrich the students learning in any subject area. They are first hand experiencing how technology can get more students engaged, improve collaboration, and most importantly make learning fun!
Hi Mary,
I chose to watch the same videos as you. What I was shocking was the resistance from the “new” teacher to technology use. Even though she had a teacher next to her class that was successfully integrating technology, she was still very hesitant and intimidated. She even stated that the teacher would support her if needed, but she felt that it was too much to ask because teachers are busy.
To help teachers overcome their fear, I wonder if it would be helpful for teachers to pair up with another class? The two teachers (one confident and one not as confident) could team teach the class. Could those teachers who are reluctant have a teacher mentor to brainstorm ideas with once a week?
I would be interested to hear your thoughts.
Nicole
Hello Nicole,
Thank you for your response. I would agree team teaching could work, but team teaching does have variables that may impact the success of the collaboration. For instance, I know of some administrators that are not supportive of team teaching, meshing of personalities and willingness to “let go” of your classroom. I believe this divergent way of thinking is a struggle for some teachers, the vulnerability of not knowing the answer is a fear.
HI Mary,
Like you I enjoyed watched teacher A and hearing about how she embraces technology. I appreciated how she recognized that she can’t possibly know everything there is know about using technology and communicates that to her students. I also admired her team approach by putting herself in a place where she can learn alongside her students.
I didn’t watch Video 8, but I am glad to hear that there are teaching programs out there that have are having candidates learn about how technology can transform learning. I know the program I was in still have not updated their curriculum to include experiences like the one you describe.
One question I still have is how does a school work with teachers who are still reluctant to integrate technology into their classroom? Should it be optional, or should it be an expectation?
Cheers,
Sarah
Hello Sarah,
Thank you for your posting. I wish I could say, I had the magic wand that made reluctant teachers embrace the integration of technology in their classroom. I believe by providing courses and professional learning opportunities to pre-service teachers is a good start in hope that the momentum will continue. As well, students themselves also can increase the desire the integration of technology into their own learning. For instance, social media was introduced into my own classroom because the students were excited to share their learning with others.