Bloggers Beat: Are We Getting Distracted From What Really Matters
Fingal, D. (2011). Bloggers beat: are we getting distracted from what really matters? . Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Bloggers_Beat_Are_We_Getting_Distracted_from_What_Really_Matters.aspx
"The article contends that computers, cell phones, and other digital devices are rewiring kids’ brains and are “posing a profound new challenge to focusing and learning.” " I like this part of the article because many teachers and parents would disagree. Teachers and parents need to understand that technology is the future. We all get distracted by all the drama regarding if technology is harmful in the educational world. Instead of getting distracted we should look at what really matters. In this article what really matters is how powerful technology is. The internet is such a powerful tool and has made a huge impact for learners and students. The article gives an example on which with a click of a button on the mouse, you can find recipes on spice roasted sweet potatoes to learning that sweet potatoes are used for dye in Africa. That is what really matters: How powerful technology really is and what is most importance. Just by a simple click of a button, the internet gives us thorough information about ANYTHING we want. Back then we would have to use encyclopedia's and other books, but now we can just go on our computer at home and do everything PLUS a lot more simplistically.
Question 1: Why is it so difficult that teachers and parents only look at the negative impact on using technology in the class rooms?
I believe teachers and parents only look at the negative impact on technology in the classroom because back then the internet and technology was not as advanced as it is today or even 2-3 years ago. Even when I was in school, technology was not even close to what is it today. Teachers and parents need to open their eyes and see all the positive things that can be done using technology in the classroom. How powerful a simple software like word is, or how powerful a social networking website such as twitter can be, and to see it is more than a blogging site.
Question 2: How would you convince parents if they disagree on you letting their students use technology in the classroom in a parent/teacher conference?
If i was in the position where the parent of one of my students were angry that I was using technology, I would give them ALL the positive impact their student has done with it. Parents need to see and not hear in order for them to understand that technology has changed. I would show them projects we used that we incorporated the use of technology, I would show them scenarios on how a certain technology helped their student achieve optimal education. The more you tell the parents, the easier to convince them and let them know that these tools are not only used for chatting, or other things not used for educational purposes.
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