The future of computers in the classroom is ever growing and changing. There are new possibilities being created at an incredibly rapid pace. It appears that these possibilities are only limited by our own creativity, and are strongly influenced by the needs of the job market. So, let's see how creative i can be as I envision my first grade classroom in the future.
My students will have touch screen computers unobtrusively built into every desk. These computers will replace or enhance physical manipulatives by providing an unlimited and indestructible supply of virtual manipulatives, games, and puzzles. Students will have the ability to immerse themselves in other cultures and languages by attending virtual foreign exchange programs without having to leave the safety of their parents. Just about everything in the classroom will be operated by voice command. The chalkboards and whiteboards will be replaced by new smarter boards.
I can barely fathom how this will affect be or my students. Student assessment will be easier for me, enabling me to provide quick feedback to my students. However, if everything is available for my students online, what role will I play? Will I merely be their supervisor and technical director? How will I help my students to engage in cooperative learning? How will they interact with each other, a necessary skill for their growth and development? And, what about their fine motor control? As I write this, I see that I'm beginning to answer my own questions. In this online masters program, we students are, in fact, engaging with one another, while be facilitated by an instructor.
Thinking of possibilities is fun, but my question is always, at what cost? This technology will have to be made available for all students everywhere. That hasn't happened yet. Through this MEIT program, I am anticipating getting the information I need to influence my school district and community to move efficiently and equitably towards the future. Overall, technology will need to be made available to each student. In addition to my commitment to making technological availability more equitable, it will be important for me, as a classroom teacher, to focus on sustaining opportunities for my students to develop and strengthen their skills in sharing, cooperative learning, and small motor function.
Erin,
ReplyDeleteYou are so right that the technology will grow so fast ,but what will be lacking more is how the technology will be available in every classroom at every grade level. As right now not that many people have an access to all these technology advancement ..