Technology in the classroom: Video games, computers, 3D screens, OH MY!!

            As the United States falls tremendously behind other nations in Science and Mathematics, many educators are searching for ways to put excitement back into those challenging areas. As the upcoming generation of children becomes more technologically advanced, shouldn’t we use the children’s interest in technology to reinforce learning?

            One of the main reasons children do not like math or science is because they find that it is boring. As an educator it is our responsibility to not only make sure that the children are learning, but to ensure that the children enjoy the material or lessons presented. If the children are able to realize that learning math or science can be just as fun as playing their favorite video game, then he or she will be motivated to engage in the activities presented. Incorporating technology does not mean allowing students to simply play video games, but to present unfamiliar technological devices to allow students to explore. Megan Timme, a principal at a Dallas, TX elementary magnet school used 3D technology in her classrooms, here is the article describing the students encounter, and the effects on the students learning: http://bit.ly/b8sxJO

            I believe that using technology in the classroom can be an excellent learning aid. I don’t believe that every lesson should involve technology. The teacher should be able to balance using technology aids with other teaching aids. Using technology is another way of engaging students in the learning process, while making learning fun and exciting.

Teaching to the test. Helpful or harmful?

Teaching to the test has been a very controversial topic in our education system. The main question about teaching to the test is, does it hurt or help students? I personally believe that teaching to the test is a bad thing. This method eliminates room for teachers to become creative in the classroom. Teachers are more focused on teaching items that will be on the test, rather than teaching things that will be beneficial in the students’ future.

Teaching to the test can also be very stressful for students who are not good test takers. The student may know the information located on the test, but because of anxiety issues, the student will perform poorly. I do believe that testing is an important part of the education system, but I disagree with the fact that a test score can be a determining factor on the child’s promotion to the next grade level. Test scores should work together with the child’s performance on other activities to determine promotion.

Here is a 2008 article about teaching to the test, and yes, the issue still remains unsolved. http://thejournal.com/articles/2008/04/10/accountability-yes-teaching-to-the-test-no.aspx

Self- motivation

As the Whitlow R. Green College of Education proposes new requirements for graduation, self- motivation should become a new word in the daily vocabulary of students. Although the requirements seem high and unreasonable, we have to motivate ourselves in accomplishing what we set out to achieve. Many times we often complain about the quality of teachers in the department, when we don’t strive to do what we can to help ourselves. Like the saying says, “If you can’t beat them you might as well join them”. If we cannot get the department to change the requirements, then we have to figure out what we can do to pass the examination with the required grade. This means purchasing test preparation manuals, missing parties, studying, and making other sacrifices. We often wait around for people to tell us when, how and where to do things. As a future educator, we must take the initiative to become successful ourselves. When we reach our career paths, no one is going to hold our hand to guide us through our job, therefore, we must motivate ourselves to strive for excellence and overcome any obstacles we may encounter. An excellent educator is many times recognized by former students as a motivator, but how can we motivate our students if we cannot motivate ourselves?

Here is an atricle regarding some steps to become and remain motivated
http://bit.ly/QHaBz

Waiting for Superman

With the decline in education ratings, "Waiting for Superman" comes along to save the day. This movie is a must see for every educator, parent, and student. This movie raises awareness of the danger of our education system.

As a future educator, I believe that the future of our education system lies in the hands of me, and my future colleagues. In order to solve a problem, you must first know what the problem is, and "Waiting for Superman" makes the problem clear. America is known as one of the most advanced countries in the world, but yet we rank number twenty- five when it comes to math education and number twenty four in Science. This is a problem because we have so many different resources, but we still rank below countries who have little or no resources.

With different technological advances, our country does not focus on the important things like education; instead we focus on things such as capabilities of a new cell phone.