Technology and Teaching

lajones — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:43:50 GMT

As far as I know, most universities do require a tech ed course. I had to take one 18 years ago. But it doesn't matter what they teach in those courses. In the very near future, it will be outdated. And besides, even if a "new" teacher is a technological wiz, it doesn't mean that they have the ability to use that technology to effectively teach their students. I can't tell you how many elaborate presentations I've seen developed by very hard working and dedicated teachers, that I just can't believe were all that effective in reaching the students. In my opinion, teaching and learning are interactions that happen dynamically. It's not canned, and then you pour it out on them. It just doesn't work that way.

I remember being taught a particular way of lesson design in college. I did use it for a couple of years because I thought I should. They said it was the "right way" to teach. Well, pretty soon I realized that I had to loose that altogether or I'd go insane, or have to find another career. It just wasn't my style. I wanted to be able to adapt the lesson instantaneously when students went a particular direction with it. Of course, I had a goal trying to ensure that everyone understood a main concept, but I personally needed the change. One year I taught geometry four times, in a row, every single days. The only way I survived that was by encouraging the students to direct it and hope (pray) that they went different ways!

I believe that technology is the same way. You can't expect to teach one thing and it be effective for very long. One type may not fit with different teaching styles. Our best bet would be to introduce new and "old" teachers to a variety of available options and offer the support that they will need to experience success with it.

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Technology and Teaching