Pedagogy Before Technology
As I think of my views on technology, I think back to when I began to notice the changes. I grew up in the 90's; we had a computer, but it was dial-up internet and I was allowed to use it for basic games. When I needed to search for information, I was able to use databases at our public library or find books on the topic. In middle school, I began using the Internet at home when we upgraded and my mother wasn't working on it. Technology is always changing, every improvement has helped people work more efficiently, communicate faster, and seek information instantly. Because of my age and the changes I have witnessed, my view on technology must be different compared to my young students.
Many of my kindergarten/first grade students are fluent with using tablets and computers, they are aware of the speed in which information appears. They get frustrated when it takes too long, however, we review how to be a problem solver. My students become shocked when they learn about technology from the past, they're in complete disbelief. Referring to the article, The First Marist Mindset List Is Released (n.d.), two points reminded me of my students knowledge. When students talk about using a phone, it's not for communication reasons, they talk about taking pictures and watching videos on Youtube. Even with the increasing popularity of Artificial Intelligence, students expect their phones or tablets to already know what they're looking for. Hence, their frustration for any wait time or further investigation. Their view on current technology explains their high expectations of information appearing instantly and answers almost always found. But it is up to educators to support learners to become problem solvers and practice patience, as they search for legitimate and beneficial answers.
I see technology as both a tool and a foundation for learning, especially given the time we live in. As we continue to grow as learners, technology is essential for acquiring 21st century skills. Recently, our Technology Application TEKS were updated to better serve our students learning experiences, beginning in Kindergarten. These skills are being tailored to each grade level, preparing students for real world applications using technology. Just as the Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy (2015) video states, it has been updated to match current technology trends, it's clear that technology is essential to the learning process. According to Churches (2008), collaboration also proves to be a key part of Bloom's Digital Taxonomy. Although it is not included, collaboration has been proven to enhance student learning. When students are given the opportunity to collaborate, educators can guide their higher order thinking skills by providing guiding questions and activities when exploring technology.
Librarians are specialists in education, technology, and information. In regards to technology, it's important for librarians to stay updated and current in recent trends. The information we seek can be utilized in classrooms, whether it's towards lesson plans, activities, projects, research, etc. As an educational leader, we look into activities and lessons utilizing technology, that will engage students and encourage them to apply their skills. One great resource to incorporate technology is Kathy Schrock's Guide to Everything. On the website, there are many examples of online tools based on Bloom's Revised Taxonomy cognitive processes. Another suggested resource would be K-12 Blueprint Toolkits. According to Clarity Innovations (n.d.), each toolkit was created to support and drive current technology initiatives. The toolkits are geared towards not only students and their learning, but teachers and fellow educators can also benefit from these informative tools. Based on the curriculum, skills, and techniques expected for students to master, librarians can make suggestions to teacher on ways to incorporate technology and practice strategies. As technology instruction continues to transform, librarians have a duty to remain flexible, continue learning, and communicate their findings. As a school community, we move forward with innovative work and support all learners needs.
References
Bloom's Digital Taxonomy. (2015, August, 5). Common Sense Education.
https://www.commonsense.org/education/videos/blooms-digital-taxonomy
Churches, A. (2008). Bloom's Digital Taxonomy �. http://www.ccconline.org/wp -
content/uploads/2013/11/Churches_2008_DigitalBloomsTaxonomyGuide.pdf
Clarity Innovations. (n.d.). K-12 Blueprint Toolkits. K-12 Blueprint.
https://www.k12blueprint.com/toolkits
Schrock, K. (2012). Bloomin' Apps. Kathy Schrock's Guide to Everything.
https://www.schrockguide.net/bloomin-apps.html
The First Marist Mindset List is Released. (n.d.). Marist College
https://www.marist.edu/w/marist-news-the-first-marist-mindset-list-is-released
Sabrina, I too see technology as both a tool and a foundation as we need it engage the students while at the same time they are learning new things from using it. Also, I must point out that you made an excellent point how librarians need to stay up to date with the trends that are not just current but ever evolving. I enjoyed reading that the tool kit not only benefits the students but the teachers as well.
ReplyDeleteI love to see how you are helping your students to practice patience and problem solve when running into a slow internet connection. I frequently go and work with one of the Pre K classes and they have the same issue when their tablets aren't working. I sit with them and show them where to go and how to fix the problem. I agree that kids nowadays are expectant on things to work instantly and that they grow frustrated when it doesn't. Teaching them how to wait or try to figure out the problem will greatly help them not only with technology but in situations in their lives where they must focus and try to solve the problem.
ReplyDeleteI love that when you work with your students, you help them to practice patience or problem solving when running into connection issues. I frequently go and work with one of the Pre K classes and they run into some issues and become frustrated when their tablets are running slow or aren't working correctly. I sit with them and show them how they can solve those issues. I think that doing these things will not only help with students when they working with technology in the future, but it will help them to remain calm and focus and problem solve when they are faced with other issues in their lives.
ReplyDeleteOne thing about the profession is that it is ever changing. The library is just the best place in the school!
ReplyDeleteThe other day, I was watching an episode of "Saved by the Bell"...Lol my 11 year old instantly caught on and said .."wait a minute...is that the famous ZACK MORRIS PHONE!?!" LOL so we can definetly relate to how your students are in disbelief! My students are middle schoolers, so we had a fun discussion about plagiarism and Napster a few weeks back during our research unit. I do love how you teach your students how to navigate through their frustration! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYour post raises some interesting points about the vastly different experiences with technology between generations. I was born in '92, so we were part of the generation that saw the huge bridge span between next to no technology, and watching it evolve into what it has today.
ReplyDeleteIn your post you mention kindergartners' frustration with anything less than instant information. I can definitely see this happening! It makes me stop and think, how can we, as educators, create moments that promote patience and critical thinking skills in a world designed for speed and "give me it NOW"?
We are part of the same generation, and I remember seeing those jumps in technology. It is so funny explaining the past to our littles, they are so confused! I think you are spot on when you said "As an educational leader, we look into activities and lessons utilizing technology, that will engage students and encourage them to apply their skills." We need to be able to teach other teachers about those skills too!
ReplyDeleteWe grew up in the same time period. It's wild how much technology has changed and now influences every aspect of our lives. Our students need that support and guidance as you stated. I also liked how you said technology is a tool and a foundation for students and I wish every educator could see it as that. In our role as librarian, it is important to show staff and students how to use it for the good.
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