Blog 2

What was really interesting to me this week was the teacher panel from Monday night. I enjoyed hearing about their different experiences and the tips they gave for upcoming teachers in the Luther education program. I think what really stuck with me was the concept that classrooms are changing considerably in terms of technology with the rise of kids using computers in classrooms as well as the struggles that these teachers are having with cell phone usage. I agree with what the panel said about it changing the way kids behave socially and how they learn in certain areas because they can just look things up online. Especially hearing that young elementary students did not know what to do when they went outside for recess or for that matter did not want to was vastly different from when I was in elementary school. Comparing the couple of years from when I was in elementary school to elementary classrooms now, it is clear that the tools that kids are learning with are so different because of the technology that keeps being created. In my opinion, I think that 5th graders should know how to use a computer however the concept that they each get their own is a little extreme and when one of the teachers said that she was pushing for 4th graders to receive their own computers I was just shocked because I think it is important for kids to know how to interact with each other and learn social skills that computers and technology might prevent them from learning.

I read the article "Are One-to-One Laptop Programs Worth the Investment?" that was handed out in class today and I think that this article is very relative to what was discussed on Monday night. I think that since the data shows that laptops has no impact on standardized testing, teachers should think critically on what activities they are having their students use technology for. In no means am I saying that technology shouldn't be incorporated into the classroom, but I think that some other tools for teaching or activities are being overlooked that help students learn and will also help them succeed socially. By creating a classroom that is heavily focused on technology, students might miss out on social interactions that are crucial to learning such as working in groups and leadership. I think it is up to teachers to recognize when it is appropriate to use computers and this will ultimately help the students so they get a education that is well rounded in various aspects.