With the digital generation teacher’s role changes, the
teacher is no longer the center of attention as the dispenser of information,
but plays more the role of facilitator, setting project goals and providing
guidelines and resources. The teacher may be moving from student to student or
group to group providing suggestions and support for student activities. As
students work on their technology-supported project, the teacher may look over
shoulders and ask students about reasons for various design choices, and
suggesting resources that might be used. Technology is the ultimate carrot for
students, it is something they want to master. Learning to use technology
enhances their self-esteem and makes going to school exciting. I have had
elementary students tell me they choose to work on their technology-based
projects during recess and lunch periods. Technology provides a venue in which
a wider range of students can excel. We will see a lot more students helping
each other. We will see students who have mastered specific computer skills
generally taking pride and enjoyment from helping others. Students through technology
will be able to easily solve math equations through online math games and
puzzles. Students will be able to learn new languages using free online
translators. Research is the number one reason to use the internet in
education. Students have a wealth of information to them. The possibilities for
research on the internet are endless, many of them involving other forms of
technology. The most important 21st century skills will be the
ability to communicate, connect, create, and collaborate to solve problems
quickly, easily, and clearly, the 21st century technology tools will
enable students to do that. The evolving technology that allows achievement and
success must be present in the classrooms to engage and educate students of any
age, because technology is present everywhere else in our society. Students
with special needs can benefit from adaptive technologies that are designated
to assist them and facilitate greater learning. I have a Granddaughter with
ADHD so technology is of great benefit. There are a variety of computer
programs that are used as assisted technology for ADHD, and other students with
learning disabilities. There are math programs that use voice recognition
software to type out math problems dictated by a student, the user can then solve
the problem hands free on the computer screen. Other computer software related
to assisted technology for students with disabilities may be talking keyboards,
and word processors. All of these types of technology will provide instant
feedback that will keep students with learning disabilities on track and on
task. Even though mew technology for education has many benefits, it also has
some critics. New technology is quite expensive to implement. You can imagine
how much it can cost to have 30 computers in a classroom of 30 students. A lot
of schools cannot afford that luxury. Public schools use less technology than
private schools in the classrooms. This could create a big gap between the
digital have and have nots which could create a “digital divide”.
A note to the class: I realize I did not answer the
questions that were ask in a direct manner, but I did give my perspective as a
64 year old Grandparent that has 11 Grandchildren in the public school system.
I am very much interested in the future of our educational system for now and
years to come.
