What do you think about Introducing Tables with Google Play for Education? - 35 views
started by Jose Davila on 07 Apr 14
started by Jose Davila on 07 Apr 14
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What do you think about Introducing Tables with Google Play for Education?
With all the good I can see in the use of Google Play there could be a potential drawback. It could be used as a babysitter and not as a teaching tool. If teachers do not really learn how to integrate technology into the curriculum is just becomes a pacifier to those teachers who do not want to learn proper technology integration or simply just do not know how.
You have made a very important point: technology used as a babysitter.
Being a "computer" teacher for a long time, I often saw other "computer" teachers use the computer for "free time".
As educators, we need to find a balance between using technology as an educational tool and as a tool for "other stuff".
I agree with you both about teachers being thrown the technology and then learning to integrate it later. I think we are so ready to use the device we forget the real purpose of it. "It is what you are trying to do through the device that counts states S. Dallas Dance, a tech-savvy superintendent who is immersed in the digital world and wants make sure teachers are ready to meet students in it." The article below gives a look into what less than tech-savvy teachers go through. Also check out some of the comments on how districts get their teachers focused on what they can accomplish through the device.
http://hechingerreport.org/content/teachers-want-even-new-technology-training-use_15154/
It is funny how you said a tool for other "stuff." Some of the technology that is being used in "integrated" classrooms, I feel are being presented as the other"stuff." It is very difficult to get teachers thinking about true integration. I have a hard enough time with some of my coworkers to use our own LMS or put grades online, much less integrate a whole semester worth of curriculum with technology. Why are teachers so reluctant to change? Do they feel threatened by technology or is it that that it how it is always been and it works, so why change it? For example we have Tech Byte meetings to learn more about how to use technology, what's new for educational technology and how to fully integrate it into curriculum. The same people come over and over.Hardly ever do you see new faces eager to confront the challenges of educational technology. I think until administrators make it mandatory for all teachers to learn how to integrate and use technology, we are going to be faced with these same questions.
I see several benefits of using tablets in the classroom. I think they can help keep the students engaged and have fun learning through the use of the the many different apps and games. I think they can help promote collaboration while also still providing opportunities for individual work. Additionally, teachers can potentially customize learning for each student. However, at the same time, I think this type of implementation requires a significant amount of responsibility. To begin with, the costs of implementing such a program and how damaged or lost tablets will be handled. Also, I think it's important that the teachers receive the proper training on using the tablets and applying them in an effective way. I think many teachers could feel overwhelmed and ultimately the potential benefits will not be realized.
Good point. I don't think technology should be used, just for the sake of using it or because there is some new flashy device. There needs to be a strong foundation for it to be used effectively the classroom. How can it be used to help foster learning? I think this is where a lot of the training, research and preparation should come in when school districts are thinking about implementing tablets or any other device. They need to give their students and teachers an opportunity to succeed with technology.
I think that's one of the pitfalls with technology in it being viewed as a "babysitter" or some type of "magic wand" that can just do everything on its own. Teachers need to be trained on how to use technology and how can it be applied in the learning environment. I think there are many ways it can be used to promote critical thinking and other types of higher level learning but technology won't do that on its own by just placing it in the hands of students. Both groups need to have proper training and guidance.
I agree with you, a spreadsheet can be created for kids who need remedial training or as a tutoring tools for students who are struggling with a certain subject. However, it can be beneficial or hurtful to teachers it all depends how they use it. If teachers get proper training and utilize it correctly it will help both student and teacher learn and be ready. However, I can see some teachers like you said "use it as a pacifier" so the student can teach themselves and not become interested in how to utilize this tool properly. The purpose is not to babysit the student but rather to teach them all about technology and take advantage with what it has to offer.
Jose Davila
I agree it can be beneficial if used properly. I do see how it can help students individually by specifying the program to fit their needs and/or specify the program in which they need help in. Teachers can add remedial trainings for their students so they can continue to practice to achieve optimum results in the subject him/her are having trouble with. However, yes teachers definitely need to have the proper training so they can be comfortable and it can be a successful tool for both student and teacher.
As the Youtube video you presented stated…"it's an amazing time to be in education. It's a totally different classroom than the one that we grew up in." I think that incorporating tablets in the classroom along with programs such as Google Play is a very smart thing to do. These tools are extremely powerful to use, as technology is the culture of the current student generation. It gives students and teachers instant feedback on comprehension. Incorporating tablet technology in the classroom is a great idea. But yes, it can take the role of a baby sitter as was previously mentioned, if the teacher is not tech savvy herself and does not know how to maneuver the instruction back and forth accordingly.
I like the idea of being able to integrate technology in the classroom, and then be able to send my students the immediate Google apps that I want them to use. There is a lot of good that comes out of being able to address every student and provide them instant feedback in real time. This would be a great way to help gauge which student needs what type of intervention, and which student can peer tutor another. Google Play can help teachers organize and coordinate their lesson plans. Data is provided instantly to the teacher, and so this individual instruction is priceless. It allows the teacher to see who is reading at a higher wpm, as was mentioned in the online video. Students can also help each other as the tablet is "the new pencil; it's the new book."
I think that you bring up a great point. Teachers need to be provided additional training to really make tablets and programs such as Google Play as effective as possible. It's important to note that if this type of technology is not necessary, then some may be hesitant to use it. For example, I remember one of my mentor teachers having an Elmo in her classroom closet and had it not been for my curiosity she said she would have never used it. So yes, I agree that some prompting is essential for the successful implementation of such technologies. Tablets are quickly becoming the new norm, and so having them in the classroom to assist a teacher's lesson plan is a great idea. Similarly, Google has an abundance of wonderful educational apps that can really assist the classroom teacher.