The Harris article brought to light some great ideas of incorporating Internet projects in the classroom. Unfortunately, I do not believe that these learning projects are prevalent in today’s classrooms. All classes that I’ve ever observed or heard about (from my 15 year old daughter) are sadly lacking when it comes to integrating technology into their lesson plans.
I believe that there are many reasons as to why teachers do not use these internet supported classroom strategies. Some educators may not realize that these types of possibilities exist. Others may feel that these activities take too much time and effort. Yet another reason that teachers do not incorporate these strategies into their classrooms may be that they lack this type of access to computers. Most classrooms do not house computers and their may be time constraints on access to computer labs. Furthermore, not all students have computers in their home.
However I do not feel that these reasons are good enough to exclude many of the ideas in this article. I believe that if teachers consciously make an effort to overcome obstacles in incorporating internet learning ideas such as information searches, global challenges, tele-field-trips, and other internet ideas that they will! Maybe it means being creative with computer lab time or raising money for computers through local businesses (even having older models donated to the classroom), or increasing know-how of what methods there are….where there’s a will there’s a way. Students deserve to have more hands on opportunities with technology in their classrooms!
5 comments:
I agree! Internet is a great resource that teachers should utilize more. If the lessons are designed to incorporate several learning goals, than they are using precious time more efficiently.
Donna,
I couldn't agree with you more! I definately think that technology is not incorporated enough in classrooms today, however it can be. It does take time and creativity, but it can be done. I like the idea of fundraising, I never even thought about it. Even if we have older models to work with, at least it's something.
I kind of agree, I think there are teachers out there who do a great job incorporating technology in the classroom but as you pointed out sadly there are a lot who don't. I also think it is sad that so many schools do not have adequate access to computers, I think computers open up a whole new world to education.
Donna, I completely agree with you. I believe that many of the resources for implementing technology may not be in place in the schools. However, I agree with you when you said that there are many ways to obtain the resources necessary to integrate technology into lesson plans. Even if individual classrooms do not have their own computers, most schools do have a computer lab. I believe that if these computer labs were used on a regular basis that the use of technology in the classroom would be more prevalent and would benefit all students.
I totally agree!! I remember that in Elementary we had a computer lab schedule for all of the classrooms and we only got to go into the lab once a month. This is hard for teachers to incorporate technology into their classrooms when they don't have the resources or the funds to do so.
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