I have always known that American education is not the absolute leader around the world, but I have thought we were pretty close. After listening to Dr. Zhao's podcasts, I now feel like like we have a lot of catching up to do. I think that Dr. Zhao's is correct that at the federal, state, and local levels our educational regulations are being driven by traditional goals of teaching students to read, write, and do math. Before listening to this podcast, I would have said we are definitely on the right track. After listening to it, I'm not so sure. By following the traditional path are we really preparing our students for the global world of the future? Dr. Zhao made a number of suggestions for moving in a new more productive direction that I found particularly interesting.
The first was the concept of one to on computing, or having one computer for every student. While that in itself would be a huge step, it was his point about not just using these computers to change students' attitudes about learning but also changing the product of learning. Giving each student a computer is not enough. We then have to break down the walls around traditional uses of technology in schools to allow students to maximize the potential of such a powerful tool. Dr. Zhao said that students' use of technology is bound by what the adults that are teaching them know about it. I think that could not be more true. As he said, school districts spend millions of dollars on technology and internet connections, only to block student access to many great online resources. Currently because of regulatory constraints and lack of teacher knowledge we are severely limiting the potential of the technology we have invested in. As Dr. Zhao said, we are turning computers in to pencils (very expensive pencils). We need to expand our own knowledge of technology so that our students can do more with their computers than retype stories they have hand written and create Power Point presentations.
Which brings me to other part of this Podcast that struck me, the potential and future of online learning. Do I think that all teacher should have to go back to school and learn about all the benefits and potential of technology? Well maybe I used to think that was the only way to move into the future. But now I realize that's not necessary. Dr. Zhao discussed the use of educational outsourcing and insourcing. Why spend tons of money and time to retrain teachers, when there are already people out there that know more about educational technology than most of us could ever learn. By utilizing online learning experiences, our students could take advantage or expertise and knowledge of teachers around the world. Just like I am learning about educational technology through this online course, so could our students. Online learning seems like the key to bringing our education system to a competitive level, while staying in the constraints of time and budgets. As Dr. Zhao said, we need to prepare our students to be members of a global society. As a result of technology they will not only be competing with their classmates for jobs, but with other students around the world. And the only way to push them to the front of the pack is to use that technology to its full potential.
2 comments:
I completely agree with all of your thoughts. We have alot of changes that we need to start making in order to be competitive.
I was fascinated by your reflections on the podcasts. I have to agree with you. I never thought that American schools were that far behind. I think there has to be a balance between the "basics" and integrating technology. Just because you can find information using these devices does not ensure you can read and reflect on it. Kids Google all the time and get in over their heads. And texting has a place too, but again, a is needed balance between conventional writing and spelling and IM and texting. As long as students can do both, I see technology as a tool for knowledge and global communication.
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