- Practicing math skills using a variety of game-like programs
- Reading a book while also listening to it
- Reading into a voice recorder and listening to the playback
- Writing stories, poems, etc.,
- Easy access to other resources (i.e. dictionary/thesaurus while writing a story)
- Recording rough drafts of essays, listening to the playback, and making changes to things that "don't sound right"
- Hearing recordings of correct pronunciations of words (esp. for ELL students)
- Changing font size (for students with visual impairments) or volume control (for students with hearing impairments)
The motivation for this plan boils down to: using technology to help EVERY student. Especially when class sizes are getting bigger and staff is decreasing, these devices provide the opportunity for the teacher to reach out to every student at the student's level, in a style best-suited for each student, to boost skills. What a terrific tool for teachers to have. Plus, it's fun! While this program is still pretty new, the data seems to back up their idea, because they have seen marked improvement from all groups of students.
With all of the press, there have been a swirl of comments posted, and I was shocked by some of the negative ones like...(paraphrasing here) letting technology do the work so the lazy teachers don't have to, just a way to dumb-down the education process, should focus more on the basics instead of the fun technology, we should teach these kids what the real world is like, etc. First, I know that there are crazies out there who see the negative elements of everything and who are afraid of technology. However, it seems to me that it's a great day in education when we have tools that:
- Help equalize students (poor, rich, ones with disabilities and handicaps, ell learners, etc.)
- Focus on lifting up all students
- Reach each student at his/her level and learning style
- Teach students how to find answers to their own questions
- Allow students opportunities to self-correct their work
- Gives different methods to practice (and to make new pathways in the brain)
- Moves student perception from "busy work" to fun time
- Doesn't cost the district funds (since it is being done through grants)
I often wonder if those negative people (many of whom seem to be older, because they say things like "back in my day") understand the challenges facing today's schools or if they realize what some people faced back in there day. Most students, no matter what difficulties they might face, are in school and deserve an equal education. In addition, life is much tougher for a student now who does not finish high school. So, maybe they don't get it or maybe they're just negative. Either way, I'm glad that technology gives us the tools to help each student do his/her best.
What do you mean by 'help equalize students' exactly? Do you mean equal opportunity, equal outcome, equal resources?
ReplyDeleteSome argue that individualizing learning to such a degree actually denies the students the capacity to strive against obstacles. In other words, if the schools demonstrate a willing to break down obstacles, it relieves students of learning how to overcome them. How would out respond to this argument?
Thanks
@Neil - What I mean is equal opportunity by providing an environment where all students have access to resources and a means by which the resources are used most effectively.
ReplyDeleteThis isn't exactly taking the struggle out of the lives of these students. It doesn't eliminate poverty/lack of resources, neglect or abuse, disabilities or handicaps, etc. Instead, it provides the opportunity to find a means for overcoming these issues & a means to access potential. Hopefully, when these students get out into the world, they will have greater skills & the understanding of how to use the resources available to help them solve their problems.