As a teacher, it is important to know that technology serves as not only an outlet for Olivia’s ingenuity, but as an escape from reality. She herself says in the video that she lives in an impoverished environment and her mother wants to move them away. Even though Olivia lacks the same privileges as certain others, she creates opportunities for herself through technology. Social networking and web design help occupy her time in between school and home life while music helps her cope with everyday stress. MySpace in particular is an important element of her life and is one of her hobbies. Olivia displays her resourcefulness by accessing technology in public facilities and using email as a means to send assignments to herself. If she were a student of mine, incorporating technology into the curriculum would be a priority. Seeing how well versed she is with computers, it would be effective if some aspects of the class were geared towards that medium so that she can stand out. Technology allows students to be proactive in their learning and forces them to think outside of the box. And if students feel in control, then learning becomes more than just easy. It becomes second nature.
The three forms of technology that I listed in terms of learning new information are: computers, phones, and music. Through the computer, one gets the ocean of knowledge known as the Internet as well as the means to create and change material. Graphic design and video sharing are ways of using the computer to spread knowledge. When someone presents an important subject, they need visual aids such as photos and videos to get their point across. People use social networking to connect with other people in far off places and these can range from family to recently moved friends. It is how people stay in touch and, at times, rediscover colleagues. Phones have the same exact function, now that they have been upgraded from what they used to be, and can be used to communicate with people while having the same capabilities as a computer. Music is how people talk about the world without insulting anyone and if they do, they can wave it off as art with no message. Only music has messages. Musicians pour their emotions into their work and when people feel those same emotions, then that means they have done their job. Music helps people communicate with one another because it makes everyone feel good and each piece of music has a bit of culture in it. So in a sense, by listening to different kinds of music, you are learning more about the world.
I may not be as in tune with technology as the current generation in terms of uploading videos or creating my own websites, but I can do the basics and I know the importance of it all. Like Olivia, I listen to obscene amounts of music in my everyday life and these sessions of pure jamming out depend on my mood. The emotions I feel dictate what type of music I listen to. It is a sort of catharsis that I do, that I am sure almost everyone who loves music does. Computers allow me to write papers, to research, to learn more about the world. Just by watching lectures online or a documentary film or even entertainment; I like to think I learn more every day in the smallest of ways. I have no knowledge on how to completely immerse myself into the world of technology, but I scrape the surface every now and then with my Powerpoint presentations. I do not own an iPhone nor will I ever. I own an old-fashioned one that has buttons and can slide open. For me, a computer is a computer and a phone is a phone. Some people like blending the two together, but I prefer keeping them apart. It reminds me that despite my young age, I have a bit of grandfather-ness in my veins. And I like to think this is how I get those occasional lapses of wisdom and such. As someone aspiring to be a teacher, technology is significant when educating the future youth. But I want to be one of the few who borders generations and that by having an equal balance of both technology and old school knowledge, one can still teach students.
I entirely agree that technology gives people a sense of control. I n our classrooms I believe that this is a way that students can feel that they are a part of their learning experience rather than simply having to listen to the teacher talk. Getting the students involved whether it is through the computer or through music will absolutely get them engaged in learning.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that I am not as in tune with technology as the newest generation is. In this aspect of our teaching I think allowing students to see our weaknesses and having them assist us will show them that we are just as human as they are. It is important to show that we are just as vulnerable, while managing control over our own classroom.
Technology can definitely be used as an escape from reality but I think that can also help people become motivated and inspired. For example, being in a situation like Olivia's may motivate her to work harder so that one day, she can move on and live a better life; someplace she wouldn't call impoverished. Building your creativity using technology and having people like teachers drives you to do better is what students like Olivia need.
ReplyDeleteAside from that, I found it interesting how you feel phones and computers should be separate and how you don't think you will ever own an iPhone. I honestly never thought anyone had that kind of feeling towards the evolving world of technology and I respect your opinions and decisions Vincent. In contrast, I rely on my iPhone because it is just so convenient. I can get an answer to a question or a definition of a word I do not know within a matter of seconds. However we may feel about technology, we are unable avoid it and it will definitely be a part of our teaching careers.
Vincent, I admire your steadfastness and courage in sticking to an "old-fashioned" phone. I used to be like this as well. I had a flip phone up until this past December. I envied those who had iPhones, but secretly enjoyed being one of the few to own an older phone. However, I have recently passed over to the dark side. I bought one! You would not believe the difference it has from the flip phone! Do you not ever envy your friends who have them? I understand that you would rather remain in between generations and not convert to one, but have you ever been stranded anywhere and wished you had a GPS on you? Or have you ever wanted to Google something on the internet but didn't have your computer on you? The smart phones really do have a lot to offer, and I can claim that it has been such a useful tool to me these past few months. I have learned way more in the click of a button than ever before! Technology is only going to advance more. In teaching it can be such a useful tool! There are numerous teaching apps available for classroom management, etc... Will you remain on this side forever? I strongly encourage you to reconsider..
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