If we agree or not, let’s face it technology is becoming the new era of our classrooms and schools. Technology definitely has it perks and is a wonderful tool for educators to use, but how can we teach our students to use it purposely in our classrooms?
In Ohler’s article he questions if technology should completely taken out of our classrooms and become an out of school thing only. I do not agree with this-if we take it ban it completely the “want” to be on technology will take over children’s lives when they aren’t in school. I do think that this needs to be a collective understanding between school, student and families-we all have a responsibility when it comes to technology. Education and rules cannot only be set at school, parents need to do their part also to reinforce expectations. Open and honest communication is key, doing so will help students realize that they also need to be honest in what they are doing on technology instead of hiding their online activity.
I think there are many strategies we can use in relation to the nine elements of digital citizenship in our classrooms. I believe that every student should have the same opportunity to have technology in the classroom, as long as they can handle it. Some students really struggle with getting off of their iPad when “tech time” is over, this can then create undesired behaviours. I think that this when I would use a plan in my classroom so that both the student and staff know what the expectation of tech time is and what will happen if it continues. It is important to have both parties a part of this plan so that both students and teachers can have a say in the plan and agree on it together.
I really agree with Jurgenson when he talks how people are too connected to the “computer” in their pocket. I have been trying really hard to get better at not feeling like I need to be on my phone the minute there isn’t something going on, an example waiting at a Dr.’s office or standing in line at the grocery store. This has proven to be a difficult task as I have been so accustomed to having the world at my fingertips. If you look around a restaurant the next time you go out, how many people do you see on their phone? If you see me there I can guarantee that I am on mine-guilty as charged. We are losing the act of conversation with our family and friends. How does this relate to our classroom? We need to set the example in our classrooms, we need to stay off our devices during our school day-our students are watching us and they will follow along if we are proactive and monitor our own tech use.
Technology can be extremely useful in our classrooms to share resources and mixed work. We can set up safe and proper programs online to share missed assignments and notes for our students, such as Microsoft teams or google classrooms. Parents can also be added to these platforms and we can all work together to ensure we use these programs effectively and properly.
My biggest concern with an excess of tech time is the psychological effects that it has on both us as educators and students. Personally my son turns into a nightmare if he spends too much time on his devices, his listening skills lessen and he seems to be completely dazed. I feel like there are many other children like that out there and this can lead to other academic and social concerns in our classrooms. I think there can be a happy medium if we educate students on safe technology use.
I look forward to using all the wonderful apps and online platforms within my classroom. My hope is to create a digital citizenship agreement that would be signed by all involved parties: parents, students and staff to create an open technology relationship. I also hope that I am able to properly educate students so that they learn how to have an effective “combined technology world, not two separate worlds”. Technology isn’t going anywhere-in fact its blowing up in this new era and we need to jump on the train and help our children be safe and responsible citizens.
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Hey Angela,
I could not agree more! We should be setting an example for our students when it comes to being on our phones in school! If they see us on our phones, they are going to assume that it is ok for them to be on their phones as well. Students need proper education when it comes to personal devices and how to use them. I think there should be a class or a seminar dedicated to something like this for sure!
Hey Angela,
I really like your post. I talked about this in my post for this blog however I really think if you are able too and have the opportunity too, check out the book “The Anxious Generation”. It is a good glimpse into how technology has changed t he world and how technology and social media affects our mental, physical, emotional health. This book discusses the
since my post was cut short for some reason, I will finish this in a second post. This book discusses the changes in technology and when technology changes we see a futher deterioration in mental health among the users.
Dan,
I will check that book out, thank you for the recommendation. I totally agree that technology has affected our mental health as adults but even more so for kids. I see it on my own children and we actually limit our sons screen time as he turns into a completely different kid when he spends excessive amounts of time on a screen.