Motivation
Teachers have a tendency to become overwhelmed with the idea of technology in their classroom. One way that is somewhat soothing to the soul for them is to have them treat it as a new personal technological tool such as a new Smartphone, iPad, camera, etc. They become truly motivated to learn all the cool gadgets that are on their new devices that they jump right in to learn everything they can and quick. Well, that's kinda what you must do when it comes to learning the right way to implement technology into the classroom. First, make it all about the teacher and their interests and likes. Next, tell them to play and experiment. The likelihood that a teacher will break a piece of technology is very low. Web-based programs are especially immune to that digital wrecking ball of a teacher who does occasionally find a way to hay-wire a device. After they develop skill with the technology, teachers should feel free to use this same process when teaching the technology to their students. A rigid, systematic set of directions given to either a teacher or a student will produce redundant, boring and unengaging products of learning. The technology will quickly become stale, ineffective and dull and teachers and students will stop using it. When learners of all ages are given the opportunity to explore the tools freely they very often develop innovative and creative products that can surpass the original intentions of the technology or device. Teachers often feel pressured by extrinsic motivation as if they don't master technology they will instantly be considered bad teachers. This negative learning environment creates resentment towards the technology itself. The intrinsic joys of discovery through play allow any learner to more easily adapt the technologies to their individual tool-kits.
Resources:
http://kimcofino.com/blog/2010/03/20/creating-a-culture-of-collaboration-through-technology-integration/
Hi Windie.
ReplyDeleteI like what you are saying here. “First, make it all about the teacher and their interests and likes.” I also believe it is very important to build relationships. Why waist funds and PD time on teachers that will not use that particular technology.
Just as students “one shoe does not fit all” theory also applies to teachers.
Check this article out. I believe it solidifies our take on Motivating teachers to advance using technology.
Mendis, Patrick. (2005) “Leadership Aspects of Integrated Learning with
Technology in Democratic Environments.” Academic Leadership: (vol.1(2):
http://www.academicleadership.org/volume1/issue2/articles/mendis.html.
Windie, here is my gmail address for next weeks 3-2 group work.
Have a great weekend and looking forward working with you.
Cheers,
Jason
Thanks for the article. And you are right "one shoe does not fit all" that is what I tell administration all the time. We all learn differently and realize that with students so why is the same concept not applied when it comes to our teachers? We have to be able to flex a little when it comes to sharing ideas and going through the motions educating them on how to implement new things. Again thanks for the article can't wait to read it.
DeleteJasonholcomb401@gmail.com
ReplyDelete3-2 Group work
Mine is: windiemfreeman@gmail.com Looking forward to working with you.
DeleteI like the idea of giving the teachers time to experiment. You're absolutely right, there is a very low likelihood that a teacher could break an online tool. They'd have to be a supreme hacker to really break something. Again, applying this attitude with students is fantastic. Most of the time they learn best through trial and error, and again they can't really break anything.
ReplyDeleteExactly! Sometimes learning by doing the motions is the best way to learn for some people. If they can see how they got there most often than not it sticks with them better. Collaboration is stressed for students for life-long skill building and I think it is important for educators to do the same. If they work together then more ideas start to come about and the sharing of different skills. This to me is a no brainer and needs to happen more often.
ReplyDelete