Technology, why bother?......

Have you ever been to a lecture that was so interesting that you hadn't noticed that an hour had gone by? There are some very talented individuals who can engage students purely on their skill as on orator. I stand back and admire the skill of these people and their gift. However, as a visual learner I would find this hard to sustain for a long period. With an aging population we find that there are many teachers who may retire in the next 5-10 years. With the fast pace of technology how can older teachers and new teachers keep up with the changes when for many years the same methods have worked? This is a question I find myself often engaging in with teachers and I am always met with a variety of responses. 

Change for some is too hard. There is a definite resistance to use technology for technologies sake. There is a great awareness by these teachers that young people love engaging with technology but for them as teachers they do not have the time, resources or willingness to even give it a go. However I do find that they are engage with their learners and by no means do I wish to criticise their ability or talent as a teacher. Teachers like many other professions in the work place are by and large time poor. Younger teachers adapt to new technologies and learn much faster than older teachers or those with less experience using technology. Younger teachers tend to engage with technology and social media on a daily basis and are quite apt to change. I see that there is a great need to more training on two fronts. Experienced teachers are wonderful in encouraging, guiding and supporting new teachers and younger teachers also have a role in supporting and encouraging experienced teacher in using technology. There is the potential a great wave of change bought about through mutual respect and understanding. 

There is no doubt that there have been numerous studies that suggest that life long learning can be achieved through engaging students in learning through technology. I endeavor to continue to highlight the benefits and achievements of these technologies to enhance learning and I know there are many others who share my passion. Why bother?... Because it is important to our learners and we can't put our blinkers on because it is too hard. Thanks to social media teachers can stay on top of trends and technologies that can best suit our learners where necessary. Educationalists are leading the way when it comes to sharing intellectual knowledge and it is the wonderful community of like minded individuals who continue to drive change and excellence for learners worldwide. Some traditional methods of teaching are greatly beneficial and the right tool should be used for the right purpose. 


I need to continue to remind myself of these truths when I too feel time poor and exhausted. I have learnt through my use of  technology I am connected and am not alone as a teacher and there are others who will support me on my journey through the mind field of new technology. Find time, make time....it's important.


The favorite sites for the week:
Popcorn Share from The Teaching Channel. Nice little idea.
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/popcorn-share-generating-rapid-fire-ideas?utm_source=Alpha+List&utm_campaign=27dfd03c8f-Newsletter_Apr28_2012&utm_medium=email


Poetic devices wordle
http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/5212665/Poetic_Devices


Essay Map
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/essaymap/
Have been using this one this week. 


Hope you have a great week. 


Until next week,
K