CHAPTER 6:
*Describe the "Prensky Apostasy" and then agree or disagree with it... supporting your opinion. Before you write your response, read "Cell Phones are a Distraction" as well
Prensky suggests that technology (PowerPoints, twitter, computers, interactive white boards, etc.) should primarily be used by students, not teachers. He acknowledges that this is not a universal view; however, he believes it to be essential for the partnering classroom. Why should teachers reserve the right to work technology when most students are more proficient anyway? Further, just like with more antiquated instruction, teachers should never use technology for students in an effort to complete a given assignment. Students should be taught how to use technology responsibly and constructively to yield the best educational and social results. I am in partial agreement with Prensky. While I believe students should definitely be privy to the latest and greatest technology (because they must “do” to “learn,”) I don’t think it should exist solely for their use. Teachers should be trained and involved in whatever technology is being used to provide the maximum feedback for students.
Cell phones have always been a hot-button issue with me. It’s been my experience that they are a colossal distraction as most students trade texts, emails, and even phone calls during important classtime. However, in light of recent discussions and Whitby’s fantastic article, I am willing to reconsider and introduce cell phones into my classroom. I intend on teaching students appropriate educational uses (and non uses) for today’s phones (ie: polleverywhere.com.) Smartphones are not going away and teachers can best serve students by instructing them how to use such powerful technology responsibly.
Prensky suggests that technology (PowerPoints, twitter, computers, interactive white boards, etc.) should primarily be used by students, not teachers. He acknowledges that this is not a universal view; however, he believes it to be essential for the partnering classroom. Why should teachers reserve the right to work technology when most students are more proficient anyway? Further, just like with more antiquated instruction, teachers should never use technology for students in an effort to complete a given assignment. Students should be taught how to use technology responsibly and constructively to yield the best educational and social results. I am in partial agreement with Prensky. While I believe students should definitely be privy to the latest and greatest technology (because they must “do” to “learn,”) I don’t think it should exist solely for their use. Teachers should be trained and involved in whatever technology is being used to provide the maximum feedback for students.
Cell phones have always been a hot-button issue with me. It’s been my experience that they are a colossal distraction as most students trade texts, emails, and even phone calls during important classtime. However, in light of recent discussions and Whitby’s fantastic article, I am willing to reconsider and introduce cell phones into my classroom. I intend on teaching students appropriate educational uses (and non uses) for today’s phones (ie: polleverywhere.com.) Smartphones are not going away and teachers can best serve students by instructing them how to use such powerful technology responsibly.
No comments:
Post a Comment