Discuss the advantages and challenges of the use of Modern Technology in the English subject.
With a quite formal headline I will introduce the intension and some of the content of this blog post. We have been asked to write a blog and therefore I intend to take use of some of the characteristics of the genre. This will represent my personal opinions and experiences. Unlike other academic papers I will take the liberty to feel, believe and even make conclusion that is not supported by authors on the curriculum. I know, I’m out on a limb, living life in the fast lane. But as the kids say: you only live once. The digital tools that we now have available in our classroom is such an enrichment to the way we teach that I should be able to make this post easy obtainable and engaging.
So let us start with the reason why I am not writing a proper discussion on the pros and cons of Modern Technology in the English subject. First of; what is modern technology? The oxforddictionaries.com gave me the following definition: “Relating to the present or recent times as opposed to the remote past.” The didactics book that is on the curriculum, “English teaching strategies”, gives me a throwback to my days at school. All I am missing is a beautiful narrative of the lovely sound of the 56k modem. If you don’t remember the sound you can push here. This also points to one of the challenges of Modern Technology, it is always changing. The modern is in the present, not in 2004 that was the year this book was written. So how could it be expected that teachers stay in the Modern? Should we concentrate on the teaching what we are familiar with? The pupils will often have more knowledge than the teachers by the age of thirteen. This is definitely one of the main challenges to the use of modern technology. I am always fascinated when I am showing a colleague something on the computer or IPad and she/he finds a note to write down what I am showing. If you are going to use modern technology as an aide when you are teaching you have to be familiar with it. You have to try it out yourself. The pupils have great knowledge in this area, but it is our assignment to guide them through their tasks. We need to stay up to date on Modern technology so we are able to be relevant for our pupils in their development.
It feels kind of strange to comment on the use of modern technology in the English Subject. It is natural to focus on oral skills, but when the pupils are able to make a film or make a recording it spikes the engagement in making oral presentations. If the use of IPad and computers is modern technology then it would be strange to exclude it from the English Subject. As singing a song is a nice way for the pupils to practice their pronunciation using a digital tool is also a way of helping the pupils in the learning processes.
The Teachers capability to use modern technology is a challenge in the use of modern technology. Another is the availability of everything. When you are using IPads and computers you are showing your pupils trust. They have the possibility to find everything. This atmosphere of trust is important to create in the classroom. I once had a pupil that typed in a google search for “naken sex”. My reaction when I checked the log was “oi, oi”. So even if it is an atmosphere of trust, you need to have the technical skills in order to make sure that the pupils do not violate this trust.
But in the end all of these concerns are minor, as long as the teacher is able to conduct their role as leader. And the processes that are being aided by technology have an educational focus. The use of Modern Technology opens up for so many possibilities that all teachers should embrace it. But the focus has to be on engaging the pupils not pacifying by watching a screen. Never forget to ask yourself, why. It is now four year since I had a classroom set of Ipads for the first time. I wonder what the next Modern will be. Will I be able to embrace it, or will I pout as the old man I am becoming???
A small digression in the end or maybe it is the essence of modern. The definition that I cited claims that the modern is in the presence. Last week I received an e- mail from the ICT responsible on our school. All the children have access to their personal gadget. With this in mind I will claim that the digital revolution of the classroom is no longer the Modern Technology. The modern, or the future, is in the didactics of the subject. How should we combine the ways of doing assignments with collaborative software and the classic views on learning? How do we keep the kids writing skills when writing is so easier on a digital platform? How should we arrange the classrooms when the focus is on problem solving and collaboration? The emerging of more and more digital solutions in the classrooms changes the focus to a more student- centered education. This will have to change our conception of the teacher – student relationship. And maybe that is the current Modern, the teacher as a facilitator of learning processes and no longer the main source of knowledge in the classroom.
Bildet er hentet fra: https://www.slideshare.net/npedro/redesigning-classrooms-for-the-future
Let me start by saying that I really enjoyed reading your blog. The word «Modern” is an interesting and contentive word. The technological development amazes me, and I guess it has no limits? As you said, the students grow up in » a technical world». Their level of skills in using modern equipment may seem out of reach to a lot of teachers. The development is ahead of us, and I guess it always will be? Nevertheless, it is my job to always improve my knowledge, and to be able to use the modern equipment that is required and available. When teaching English, I seldom use books, I find what I need on the internet. I find it easier working with the aims in the Curriculum in this way, not depending on what your English book tells you to do and how to progress. The use of digital recourses brings the world closer and makes it easier for the students to relate to what is being taught. I have been told that the publishers will stop producing traditional Textbooks, instead all will be made digital. I don’t know if that is a fact, but it would most certainly change the routines in many classrooms.
Teachers are individuals with different qualities, and should be allowed to do what they are good at in the classroom. I totally agree with you when you write that it is our job to improve and evolve, nevertheless some may find this demanding. No teacher should be allowed to cling to the known, traditional and safe because it is comfortable. We need to improve and keep track of development if it is for the better. No one can argue the importance of using computers, iPad, SMART boards and other technical equipment, if it is used right. As you said, you always have to ask WHY and HOW this equipment is used to develop the student’s skills. Not all teachers are likely to adopt and be able to use this knowledge of new technical equipment. I believe there should be an expert team at every school to share their knowledge. Every school should have teachers like you, who eagerly share their ideas and help their fellow colleges, if being asked.
I liked the idea you presented about the teacher’s new role in the classroom. As teachers we love to see engaged students in eager discussions. I agree in what you wrote about the need for us to change the way we teach in the Modern school. Have you heard about, or tried out Flipped education? That is a pedagogical approach where the traditional way of teaching (teacher as a barer of the knowledge) is inverted. The students have to watch introduction videos and prepare before class. In this way the teacher does not have to use time explaining to the class, but rather help those who experience problems at home and try to clarify and help them in further work. The lessons consists of deepen understanding, discussions and problem-solving activities. This way of teaching allows the teacher in engaging the children in lessons and in their own learning process. I believe this is an excellent way of using modern technology to differentiate the level of learning, and also in developing the student’s level of cognitive skills.
I am looking forward to reading your next blog post, thank you for sharing!