Students and Electronic Devices
As the world advances into the 21st Century, educators have to constantly be aware of what changes are taking place. Many students in this era have cell phones, pda’s, laptops, ipods, psp’s and various other gadgets available to them. The question for educators is do we fight this gadget war and deny these tools in schools or welcome them with open arms taking advantage of the technology these toys have to offer. Many school administrators feel there is more harm in allowing certain electronic devices in the building then there are benefits. Others, however, advocate the use in school and think of innovative ways these tools could be used to improve upon preexisting classroom strategies.
I am interested to see what others have to say in regards to these devices. Do you advocate the use of cell phones, ipods, psp’s, pda’s and even laptops in school or are you an opponent? Let’s hear your thoughts….
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dale said,
February 1, 2008 at 1:29 pm
One of the things I’m interested in doing with the kids is teaching them how to create their own podcasts. I could see it as something they take a sense of pride in when they hand their ipods/mp3 players over to their friends and let them hear their OWN voice on it. These devices are distracting when the kids try listen to them in class, but if they’re going to bring them to school, at least we could teach them to do something useful with it.
Leann said,
February 1, 2008 at 5:08 pm
I read recently that some art museums are using ipods as a way for students … or other patrons .. to get information about their collections. The patrons can upload the information a get information on each of the artworks on display in a timely manner. I think it is a great way to allow for individual pacing in that environment. Since I teach art, I would not mind allowing students to listen while they work on their art projects. Very little of my class time is about lecture, it is mostly hands on and individual interaction with students. Our students are accustom to listening and viewing and doing all at the same time, it is comfortable for them. In many cases I have seen the ability of students to focus on their work be enhanced be the privilege of listening to music. If they are listening to music, they go into a personal work zone rather than trying to hold on conversations with others in the class. I am still working on researching this connection….anyone else have experience or thoughts on this?
indigo196 said,
February 1, 2008 at 6:02 pm
It is my opinion that resisting ‘gadgets’ that are going to be in use in the real world is hubris on the part of the educator. Why deny the use of a tool that a student would have access tool; is there a purpose?
I understand the need to teach students how to do certain things without technology, but not the pure rejection of technology. As an example how many teachers would advocate teaching all students how to milk a cow? The skill is not ‘real world’ anymore… though one could argue that if all the grocery stores closed tomorrow that skill would be crucial in getting milk.
Tina said,
February 2, 2008 at 2:34 am
It seems the more I speak with educators the more I realize many teachers want students to use the tools available to them. I find that it is the administration either building level or district level that inhibit the development of technology gadgets in classrooms. I think that in education we tend to think negatively before we think of the positive. We always assume the worst and do not give students the benefit of the doubt. I feel inhibiting the use of various tools in school that students are already using outside really limits student potential. Isn’t that the opposite of what we want to accomplish as teachers?
Karen said,
March 17, 2008 at 3:53 pm
This is a tough issue. I’m a strong proponent of technology in education and a gadget-lover. I feel that it’s important to embrace the technology, but I can also see the distractions the technology can cause within the school, from misuse of the equipment to theft of the student’s personal and/or school’s technology equipment. I think the key lies in stressing responsibility both in the use of technology and as citizens.