I was eager to read Mark Prensky’s article “Adopt and Adapt: Shaping Tech for the Classroom” after reading so many “interesting” and varied comments on an assortment of blogs.
While I agree with other bloggers that he does make some outlandish statements, fails to cite sources for his statistics, and shows his inexperience in an actual classroom/educational setting, he does raise some interesting points. And if you consider that his piece was written in December 2005, then some of his blanket statements deriding our (teachers) use of technology are almost forgivable.
(In 2005 I had just left a LARGE high school in Texas, where they had TWO LCD projectors in the ENTIRE school. AND I had to check it out in advance and haul it and the attached laptop (we didn’t even have teacher laptops) on the cart up three flights of stairs – no elevator). So one can see why overhead machines were the norm and why some areas are still technological “black holes”.)
Basically, things change…some people ignore it, some embrace it and some reject it. It has always been that way and history is full of plenty of examples. However, I think more teachers embrace technology than he credits, especially in international teaching.
While I agree with other bloggers that he does make some outlandish statements, fails to cite sources for his statistics, and shows his inexperience in an actual classroom/educational setting, he does raise some interesting points. And if you consider that his piece was written in December 2005, then some of his blanket statements deriding our (teachers) use of technology are almost forgivable.
(In 2005 I had just left a LARGE high school in Texas, where they had TWO LCD projectors in the ENTIRE school. AND I had to check it out in advance and haul it and the attached laptop (we didn’t even have teacher laptops) on the cart up three flights of stairs – no elevator). So one can see why overhead machines were the norm and why some areas are still technological “black holes”.)
Basically, things change…some people ignore it, some embrace it and some reject it. It has always been that way and history is full of plenty of examples. However, I think more teachers embrace technology than he credits, especially in international teaching.
In addition to resistance to new technology, Prensky discusses access to technology as another barrier to technological advancement. Even with the falling cost of laptops, one-to-one computing still remains a dream for many US school districts that lack wireless networks and other hardware. Last year I taught at a US public high school that did not have wireless capabilities. What good are $100 laptops when you are don’t have wireless?
According to Prensky access includes being able to use existing technology. While some safeguards should exist to protect students from inappropriate sites, this should be done with a view towards the curriculum. In Georgia, it was tough to teach Georgia history when the internet would not allow us to find sites the discussed things like the Klu Klux Klan. Of course we discovered “creative” ways to circumvent the filter, a great lesson on internet searches.
Until some of these issues are realistically addressed, the divide between “digital natives” and “digital immigrants” will continue to grow.
According to Prensky access includes being able to use existing technology. While some safeguards should exist to protect students from inappropriate sites, this should be done with a view towards the curriculum. In Georgia, it was tough to teach Georgia history when the internet would not allow us to find sites the discussed things like the Klu Klux Klan. Of course we discovered “creative” ways to circumvent the filter, a great lesson on internet searches.
Until some of these issues are realistically addressed, the divide between “digital natives” and “digital immigrants” will continue to grow.
Great points Laura! I especially appreciate the relevance of the dating of the article - it's amazing to think how much has changed in just the last 4 years - especially in international schools.
ReplyDeleteI also love your statement:
Basically, things change…some people ignore it, some embrace it and some reject it.
And I totally agree with the uselessness of laptops without wireless. I wonder if the iPhone's 3G connection will make all of that irrelevant (if we're looking at the iPhone as the next generation computer).