The second chapter begins by introducing 21st century computer technologies, such as Web 2.0 tools. It quickly segued into what I conceder an interesting topic of discussion; Roger innovation curve. The Roger innovation curve was an illustration of how individuals adapt to change. There are the 3% that are innovators, 13% early adopters, 68% considered majority of the following, and a 16% who avoid or resist change. The experiment was done to individuals with a background in business and management, but if these numbers draw a parallel or reflect the rate of evolution in the schools technological acceptance, we need to try to get that majority over the hump! My mentality is different that most, but I would love to be ahead of the curve. Discovering new ways of teaching until you find a method that seems to be extremely effective. Always modifying, always evolving. The section ends with "...every teacher makes a decision to lead, follow, or stay behind the technological innovation curve," All I know is, I want to be leading some troops.
The chapter continues with technology used by teachers. The book suggest that many schools use technology as an aid (which is not bad), but fail to make an essential component of teaching. Imagine a world where kids knew how to pull apart a computer and assemble it back together, or kids that knew how to program. I'm sure this sounds a little ambitious, but we will never know what kids are capable of until we challenge them and push them to their limits. Education is said to be one of the few sectors that has not technology has not transformed. Instead of embracing technology, we limit it to e-mail, word processing, record keeping and data management functions.
The last point I will be reflecting on is going to be the lack of access. The book focuses on the lack of access to these technologies in the class room. Pointing out that the need to expand these technologies is being suffocated by educational budget cuts. This is separating the affluent kids and the disadvantaged further apart. If every school had the same access to the same technologies, we would be discussing a different topic, but we would see impoverished children have access to a better education, more kids graduating, test scores rise. This would impact society as a whole. I truly think this is a crucial point in which to think and discuss.
Maloy, R. (n.d.).
Transforming learning with new technologies (2nd ed.).
Great selection of concepts - all well worth contemplating further. There are so many issues that are intertwined with educational technology, so continue to keep your mind open as to how they may impact your future classroom! :) The innovation curve is fascinating and ever so true. As an aspiring innovator, you will want to research how to best work with those (be it teachers or students) who you may want to convince.
ReplyDeletePlease be sure to provide proper attribution: 1) the textbook is not properly cited APA style - see my sample blog and 2) photo attribution on Flickr need to be directly to the photo - when I click on the photographer's name hyperlink, it takes me to a page with all 6,000+ photographs and you need to get the link that takes you to that specific photo. Please review the tutorial on "how to" or let me know your questions!