More and more teachers are using digital imagery in the classroom to enhance the learning experience and there is little doubt that many students are strong visual learners. How is this technology changing the way we see our world, communicate within it, and share experiences? Are Smartboards part of that future?
I believe more teachers have to use digital imagery in the classroom because it’s one of the most important ways to retain students’ attention in school. Students today are brought up on television and movies. After experiencing television's fast-paced visual environments, using a remote control to change channels, and playing video games, a teacher faces a difficult time in keeping their student’s attention. Within five minutes of sitting in a traditional classroom, their attention span has been lost.
I believe more teachers have to use digital imagery in the classroom because it’s one of the most important ways to retain students’ attention in school. Students today are brought up on television and movies. After experiencing television's fast-paced visual environments, using a remote control to change channels, and playing video games, a teacher faces a difficult time in keeping their student’s attention. Within five minutes of sitting in a traditional classroom, their attention span has been lost.
Many students daydream and look out the window until they get into trouble for doing so. As we all know, students pay attention and learn more when they are actively involved. This is where new technology forms such as the Smartboards, digital cameras/video recorders, podcasting etc, come into play. They all involve the student so they are constantly thinking and using all their senses.
These types of new technology involve a multisensory engagement from the students. It allows students to use their own curiosity to learn and develop their own personal understanding of the world. Through the World Wide Web, students learn about the ability to link ideas, access information, and interconnectedness. Students can choose to express their own ideas with words, music, pictures, and video to anyone in the world in real time.
However, there are some drawbacks that can be associated with this new technology. For example, if podcasts/digital videos are the new form for class presentations, do we run the risk of raising a generation that lacks in core public speaking skills? Also students’ grammar/spelling come into question with their constant use of slang in their e-mails/instant messaging (eg. Okay becomes OK which becomes K which becomes some Smiley Face Emoticon giving you the thumbs up!).
Technology has changed so much, and the availability of technology both in homes and schools will continue to evolve. The important thing to remember is it is about how technology is used and presented in order to reinforce the core skills. The other side of the coin is that education might become too fast paced with this new technology, which results in students lacking concentration and focus. Back when our parents were young, students were strictly forced to pay attention. I think this had more to do with learning the material than it did with paying
These types of new technology involve a multisensory engagement from the students. It allows students to use their own curiosity to learn and develop their own personal understanding of the world. Through the World Wide Web, students learn about the ability to link ideas, access information, and interconnectedness. Students can choose to express their own ideas with words, music, pictures, and video to anyone in the world in real time.
However, there are some drawbacks that can be associated with this new technology. For example, if podcasts/digital videos are the new form for class presentations, do we run the risk of raising a generation that lacks in core public speaking skills? Also students’ grammar/spelling come into question with their constant use of slang in their e-mails/instant messaging (eg. Okay becomes OK which becomes K which becomes some Smiley Face Emoticon giving you the thumbs up!).Technology has changed so much, and the availability of technology both in homes and schools will continue to evolve. The important thing to remember is it is about how technology is used and presented in order to reinforce the core skills. The other side of the coin is that education might become too fast paced with this new technology, which results in students lacking concentration and focus. Back when our parents were young, students were strictly forced to pay attention. I think this had more to do with learning the material than it did with paying
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