Dave Neal, Week Two, Chapter Three Reflection

Three ideas from our reading that are of interest to me:
1. The author poses the question, “What knowledge is worth learning and knowing?” The cynical side of me immediately thought, “That is what state and national standards are for…the government tells us what is worth learning and knowing!” Of course…I can’t stand this idea of teaching like a puppet guided by standards alone. After reading this statement of the author, I got the feeling that the authors were implying that they agreed with my position. This encouraged me to continue reading.
2. According to educational psychologists, education occurs “when experience causes a relatively permanent change in an individual’s knowledge or behavior” ((Woolfolk-Hoy, 2004, p. 198). This makes me think about how engrained technology has become in the vast majority of our society, adults and youth. Nearly every fifth grader at our school has an email address, owns a USB, and relies solely on the internet for research. Technology has already caused a relatively permanent change in the majority (if not every) student in America.
3. This chapter delves into what teachers should be teaching their students to ensure that they are prepared to use technology properly and efficiently. Our school is coincidentally in the process of re-writing our technology standards. Today I had to look at the standards and address how the fifth grade attempts to meet each of them. After looking at the standards and reading this chapter…I can’t help to wonder “how much exposure to technology is sufficient? Where do we draw the line in integrating technology into classroom instruction?”

Two ideas for integrating technology for student learning in my own classroom/content area:
1. Interestingly, my first idea for integrating technology for student learning in my classroom that came to me from this chapter, was to actually take technology away from my students for a period of time. Thinking of what school was like in the nineteenth century definitely made me realize how technologically dependent we are today. I think it would be interesting to challenge my students to carry out a ‘normal’ week without using any form of technology. It would be important to include activities that included writing papers and research. This could be great learning experience.
2. My second idea for integrating technology into the classroom would piggy-back my first idea. The class could then research the main characteristics of the agricultural age, the industrial age, and the informational age. After the research is conducted, the students could present their information or write a paper on their findings.

What is my one main concern about integrating technology for student learning after reading this chapter?
1. As I mentioned above, technology has already caused a relatively permanent change in the majority (if not every) student in America. The challenge that educators face is making sure that the kids learn to use technology safely and efficiently. Another challenge is to keep on top of the advances of technology, both as an educator and providing the advancements to the students.