Session 3: technology hierarchy
Can technology integration in the US classrooms adequately or correctly be expressed as a hierarchy?
I would say yes. I would venture out on a limb and say that many of the classrooms around the US range from adjunct/peripheral to transformational as Newberry mentioned in his podcast. I would also say it would have a bell curve shape with Non-integrated use student on top. If I look at my school only I can see every one of these levels with very few at the transformational stage, but many at adjunct level. I would almost venture all of you reading this might be shaking you head right now in agreement. I also think that depending on the subject you are teaching the levels of integration change by unit, week, or quarter.
Dale-archy:
Computers in room do not work -> wait for tech support to set up because I am too busy teaching standards.
Computers in room fixed by techie-> I am too busy teaching standards no time for that novelty item.
Fellow teacher shows new cool technology-> Hey I want that! I use it for 2 weeks then I am too busy teaching standards.
Students ask to use computers when done with work-> sure go ahead I am too busy teaching standards leave me alone.
Teacher notices students doing inappropriate stuff on computers-> no more computers because we are too busy learning standards.
Teacher introduced to a program that works great on computers-> hey when I can come into the lab because I am busy teaching standards and I cannot do it without computers.
Teacher shows others how to use the technology-> I know that you are too busy teaching standards but this will help you teach standards better.
(-: Remember I am just a masters student that teaches middle school:-)
Project Proposals:
Focus Area 1 (click for Word document)
Focus Area 2 (click for Word document)
Focus Area 3 (click for Word document)
Activity Report:
1-22-7: listened to podcast 2 and 3, started putting in my proposals into the correct format, posted to my site, posted 2 to my blog, hopped into the ol’car and drove over to San Bernie to visit Dr. Newberry.
1-23-7: read responses to my blog, responded in comments on my blog to the statements or questions.
1-24-7: re-listened to podcast 1 to clear up a question, posted my session 3 post, started my focus area 3 proposals, downloaded Skype to the computer to take advantage of the high speed calling
1-25-7: finished up proposal 3, posted it under session 3 like requested from Newberry, hit the ol'blog tour.
Don’t forget to check the comments for responses to questions. Yes, I go back and check the prior weeks.
posted by dengman @ 10:35 PM
10 Comments:
Hi Dale,
Very interesting, if a little cynical hierarchy; although, I think, many would have to agree with you that reality is not as great as we would like when it comes to technology use in the classroom to enhance learning experiences. In today’s time of NCLB, standards are taking priority, leaving creativity very often out of the learning loop. You also make a very good point that the integration of technology is situational and will change with the unit, week or quarter. So many things are about timing and there is much evidence that technology is no exception.
Hello Dale,
I found your observation of technology integration interesting: in your perception, it takes the form of a bell-shaped curve. You also mentioned that technology integration is taking place at different levels with different people in different areas.
One thing we all must keep in mind is that the shape we perceive is the product of our own subjective interpretation of what is happening with technology integration out there; regardless of the shape we see, we all recognize it for what it really is: integration of technology taking place.
Indeed, you correctly pointed out that technology integration is developing at a different speed in different locations, for its rate of integration takes place as the barriers that obstruct its development are removed faster in some areas and more slowly in others. Naturally, this is to be expected.
I agree that, " technology integration is taking place at different levels with different people in different areas." It is awesome to see some of the teachers and staff members that were lose a few years ago now are using LCD's laptops, flash drives, etc.. like it was nothing, but they still say, "I am terrible at this stuff!" I then ask them how much they used the technologies 3 years ago. They ususally say they have improved quite a bit. :-)
Thanks Rosa, sorry about my cynical nature. I guess it is my present mood these days :-)
Hi Dale,
I agree with you that classrooms around the US are ranging from adjunct/peripheral to transformational, but a majority of the teachers fall into the category of non integrated use. Teachers are using more technology than they were 10 years ago, and I think this is only going to increase as we get more technologically advanced.
I like your Dale-archy, because it is so true!
James
Hi Dale,
I like the dale-archy...very funny. Se at my school, it isn't so much that the teachers are working that hard to meet the standards, I think it is more that they don't want to take out the time to learn the computer. I found your proposal to be very interesting and I can't wait to see the final product.
Ha, Ha, I needed a good laugh. Although it is pointed--it is right on. Who has time for anything but the standards..and benchmark testing of course...
Hi Dale!
I agree totally!!! The "Dale-archy" although "cynical" hits the nail on the head. In reality though, with so much on our plates all we really get to use our technology for is teacher centered. In the high school arena, we also need to watch for the students that know how to unblock the restricted sites, so it is kind of hard to see the practical side of using it for the students.
Hi Dale,
I agree with your dale-archy, I think that trying to meet standards is what many teachers I have been working with commonly mention as the main reason as to why they do not integrate technology in their classrooms.
Hi DAle,
I found your observation very interesting and agree with you on many areas.
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