I have never been afraid of incorporating new technology in my classroom (although I don't always know how to use the technology at first). Technological advancements changed my life and how I was able to work in the school environment. I think this makes me a little bit more willing to incorporate it into my classroom.
When I was in second grade, my teacher contacted my parents because she noticed that I would shake when I would try to write. She brought in a specialist to watch me at school and from that came a series of MRI's and other tests to determine what was happening. I had a misdiagnosis or two, but it turned out that I have severe tremors. These can make it extremely difficult to write by hand, especially if I am nervous, excited, anxious, tired, etc. Any heightened emotion and I am a shaky mess.
In middle school, I was plagued with teachers telling me that I needed to learn better time management. I couldn't write as fast as the other kids, so I would often do homework for two or three hours a night. I could not qualify for a 504 because my grades were too good. I loved school, so I didn't mind, but writing was tedious, and people and teachers just didn't understand why it was hard for me.
Progress with computers changed my life. Computer technology became the norm as I moved through middle school. My parents were able to buy a home computer complete with Windows programming. I dedicated hours of time learning how to type (Anyone remember Mavis Teaches Typing?), so that I could write as quickly as everyone else. Even learning this skill was difficult. By the time I reached high school, I could keep up with everyone else. Still, not every teacher I had agreed with the changes in technology. One English teacher in high school forced me to write in cursive because it was the way that things were done. She did not allow students to write on computers. She did not care that my shaking made it nearly impossible to write in cursive. She did not want to try anything different because it was not what she considered important.
I think teachers need to incorporate technology in the classroom. The world is changing, and teachers need to teach students to operate in the world as it is now. Because Digital Writing Matters discussed the importance of using technology as a way of enhancing what we already do in the classroom. I believe wholeheartedly in this philosophy. Teachers should not abandon what is important, but they should utilize new technologies that can do it better. I do not have my students use computers just to use computers, but they use computers to learn better and more effectively. My students are able to write stories collaboratively from across the room. A student can provide a friend with feedback, while that friend is still typing the piece. Students can work at home and school on a piece of writing without ever taking anything home. Technology can enhance a classroom when it is used purposefully. I look forward to learning new ways of helping my kids learn. It is not all about doing it how it has always been done. It is about doing what is best for kids in the present.
Chelsea, thank you for sharing your personal story. I, too, have seen the gift that technology can be for struggling students. My son relies on technology for any lengthy written output; voice to text has saved our evenings. I remember well the frustration and tears from being unable to complete the handwritten work in elementary school. I have seen the power of technology to help numerous students in my own classroom. I try to embrace technology while still holding on to the important skills we are teaching students. I will admit, however, that for reading I still feel that there is nothing like holding a book and turning the pages. :-)
ReplyDeleteI prefer to hold the book, too. It is just too satisfying turning the pages and watching yourself creep closer to the end.
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