When my sixth graders come to middle school, I am always dismayed at how little knowledge and skill they possess when it comes to technology. Few have even beginner/basic keyboarding or word processing skills!
Of course, they are excited when they see PowerPoint presentations, but what they really want is to do one themselves! This year, out of 110 sixth graders, only 4 or 5 even knew what PowerPoint was, and only 2-3 said they had ever had any experience with it. This is especially disheartening when I know that in a nearby county, every second grader (yes, second grader) must be able to complete and present a short PowerPoint presentation before moving to third grade.
We all talk about how technology engages students, how it brings excitement to the learning process. But, we have a hard time figuring out how to accomplish this. Students need more than watching the teacher use technology. When are we going to start using computers for more than Study Island, SuccessMaker, and Waterford? These are wonderful tools! However, students need to know how to do more than merely click the mouse to choose the right answer. And, I for one, want my poor, rural school to still be competitive with all others in our state...and nation!
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15 years ago
I think you and I are different sides of the fence. I shy away from different. I get the feeling you are embracing technology and all the new "stuff."
ReplyDeleteWhen my son will text: wher u b?, I cringe. I hope he doesn't talk like that around someone who knows better, especially when I know he knows better. I am just afraid they will not remember to change their language to fit their audience. I'll get over it. Have to; it's coming!