The other day in one of my classes at the college, we encountered "technical difficulties". In the class previous, the bulb in the overhead projector blew out.
This wouldn't be such an issue, things go wrong with equipment all the time. We just never seem prepared when it does.
The unfortunate part of this is that our lectures are based off material that the professor has on the computer. Without the projector, the very design of his class was disrupted.
A normal projector was available in the classroom, but as none of the notes were on transparency sheets, this was of no benefit to us.
Several minutes were lost as our professor had to figure out what to do as a substitute for the lesson, and after going over only a few slides worth of material, he ended the class roughly 15 minutes early.
This experience left me with a great feeling of dissatisfaction and disappointment with technology as a whole. We are so dependent on it; we've become crippled by it.
When something goes wrong with our computer, we feel helpless and isolated.
When other equipment malfunctions, we are rendered equally incapable of successfully finishing otherwise simple tasks.
I understand the importance of being able to function with technology, but I also firmly believe that more emphasis needs to be placed on other non-technological skills. Hand writing, for instance. As much of an asset as typing is, this skill should not come at the loss of legibility when using a pen and piece of paper.
Perhaps it's time to remember that for the many years prior to the rise of the computer, we were more than capable of doing everything manually. We can take notes from off the whiteboard, we can do mathematical calculations without a calculator at our fingertips, and we can write lengthy essays without having to type.
We just need to remember that, contrary to popular thought, we do not need the computer.
Wow, Emily. I really found your thoughts on technology refreshing. Of course, I come from a generation where correspondence was done by home-phones and writing letters, so perhaps that’s why your candor speaks to me. When I was 18, the Internet never existed – and my generation seemed to function just fine. I too believe that there is an over-emphasis on technology, or perhaps what I should say is, an over-emphasis of technology as a crutch. I found it disheartening that your professor (lost without his precious Powerpoint) couldn’t adapt and engage your class. If I was stuck in his situation, why not ask some relevant questions and start a debate? Who doesn’t like a heated debate?
ReplyDeleteOne thing I’m taking away from this class is that technology needs to assist me in the classroom, but not dominate every aspect. I would agree that it opens up thousands of possibilities to be more creative, engaging, and organized, but we need to take a step back once a while and assess why we are using it. Are we just being lazy and relying on technology? Or do we need this technology because without it we would be left behind? I could give a shit if I ever “Tweet” anyone, but if my classroom is resolved to doing it, should I not make an effort to use Twitter as a learning medium?
Anyway, I’m guess I’m old school. Your handwriting comment made me chuckle. Last year, when I took English 210, I was astonished that the majority of students couldn’t write in complete sentences or structure essays. I wondered, is this the result of “text-speak”, and the ridiculous amount of time spent on the phone? Or is this the fault of the education system as a whole? When I'm teaching my future social studies class will I have to teach them to write as well?
I’m glad you are aware of these difficulties, and are questioning the ‘norm’. It certainly conveys your maturity; you’re going to make a great English teacher!
Ian
Ok so as i read this there were many flashbacks...From grade one my teacher told my mom computers are the thing of the future so learning how to write was not going to be that important for me to learn. He was right, sort of. Computers are the thing of the now and the future, however i totallyl agree with you when you say that it is just as important to learn how to hand write and stuff. I can not handwrite legibly at all and my printing is not that much better. I think that is benifitial for teachers to teach this skill in depth along side just computers. I also think that you are correct in stating that we also need to be prepared in non-technological ways. We have all had that class where a light is out or a mouse wont work so half of the class time is lost out on. It is great when technology works but it sure is an inconvenience when one tini little thing goes wrong. I think that teachers still need to teach on computers, possibly more now then ever. This is the way that students of the future are going to learn becasue they will be even more technologially dependent then we are. In 20 years this post might be about how teachers need to teach how to type better because pod casting or robot things may take over. One day the world of handwrithing may totally be a thing of the past but for now we do need to teach our students to hand write and remember that they need to be both computer and written literate. I have enjoyed your post and ideas!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more. We are so dependent on technology that sometimes when it is not working the way we want or expect it to we become lost. There is definatly something to be said for teaching students all methods of learning and varouis learning stratagies (not all of which involve a computer). Great post!
ReplyDeleteYou have raised some excellent points in regards to the "need" for functional technology. Although many will argue the dependence, it is important that felxiblity of the instructor is also addressed. (Which you eluded to in your reflection). It is critical for any presenter or teacher to have a back-up plan when using technology or otherwise. With this being said some activities do rely on reliable equipment as there may not be a viable option, and not every activity can be placed on a transparancy or "covered" in notes. This felxibility is key as learning time is to be maximized, meaning you may need to switch the activity to something else and revisit the piece needed that was not possible for that moment. As a guest teacher or lab assistant this is more difficult as you are with a set plan left for you and you may not yet have the expereince to come up with a plan b on the fly. You will find this out quickly should you ever be a substitute teacher prior to having your own classroom.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love reading your insightful and personalized comments. Very thought provoking and the creative spin is refreshing.
CCB