"Who Are Today's Learners?" is the question that Christine Greenhow asks in her article regarding how students feel about technology use in the classroom. By referring to academic research regarding middle schoolers and their attitudes toward "traditional learning" and "technology-based learning," Greenhow examines how students of many ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds experience and feel towards technology. The study she discusses asked students about the extent of their computer and technology use at home and school, how much time they spend online, what they enjoy about school, what tech devices they own, and what their top three activities were. While many people assume that low income students would have less access to technology, this study found that almost all students, regardless of their background, had very little difference in computer use at home. In fact, they all spent a ton of time on their computers and felt comparably competent in their tech skills. The most common tech tools that the students used were the Internet, digital music, Web-based gaming, cell phones, and social networking sites. Virtually all of the students in the study said that technology was an integral part of their lives and the number one activity they enjoyed in the classroom was using a computer. The students also commented that they wanted more technology in their curriculum, especially portable technologies and more computer-based testing. Overall, the students who were surveyed felt that technology made learning more comfortable and appealing.
I think this article was interesting because it showed that all kids want, need, and enjoy using technology regardless of their personal backgrounds. I find it disappointing that school districts with less funding cannot always provide the technological training that kids, even of low-income, need in the classroom. Overall, I think this article shows that all kids love technology, and that they have far more access than anyone could imagine. Teachers may be intimidated by technology, but for students, it's exciting and appealing. Teachers need to realize that not only is technology essential for students to learn and function in this generation, it motivates them! In fact, it's their absolute favorite activity in school.
This article can be found in ISTE Learning and Leading with Technology Vol. 36. No.2 , September/October 2008.
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Teachers who feel too intimidated to use technology in their classroom should take the time to learn how to incorporate technology in the classroom. Teachers who don't use technology in the classroom are handicapping their students. Technology is everywhere nowadays and it would be great to see more of it in the classrooms. Students already know how to use technology such as social networking sites for recreational purposes. Now it's time for teachers to step up and show their students how technology can be used in the classroom to make learning and school projects more interesting.
ReplyDeleteI found it surprising that there was little difference in technology use/access between students from different SES backgrounds. Thankfully, students have more access to technology than ever before. I remember being the only person in 7th grade without the Internet. During that time the only other place I had access to the Internet was at my friends' house. Most public libraries now are equipped with the lastest technology tools such as high speed Internet, online library catalogs, online journal databases, video and music equipment, etc.
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