Welcome to my 21st Century Classroom!
Most would imagine walking in to find interactive whiteboards, computers and/or iPads for every student, and teachers leading students through technology-integrated instruction...
Not here.
In this little 5th grade teacher's classroom, you'll find a single interactive projector (that stopped working interactively the beginning of last year), one "teacher" desktop computer, and two "student" desktop computers. THAT'S IT. Now, don't get me wrong.... We have access to our grade level laptop cart (28 laptops for 150 students). Good odds, right?
Frustrated
is the only word that comes to mind when thinking about the hardware situation in my school. There are so. many. amazing. software resources for education today, but we do not have the hardware capacity to support them, nor do we have enough for all of my students to have access to. Too many teachers today are looking to pages like Go Fund Me, in hopes of earning monetary donations to purchase class sets of iPads or computers for their students... Something that shouldn't be happening in my opinion.
I'm also frustrated
because I am working in an affluent school district where our resources and funds could and should be used for educational technology. I walk into other schools in my district and I see these amazing technology resources available to students and teachers, so why isn't there continuity throughout the classrooms and schools.
We have 21st Century Learners who do not basic Word Processing Skills. We have 21st Century Learners who do not have access to computers and internet outside the classroom walls. We have 21st Century Learners who do not have education courses that teach them internet safety and computer skills.
As I continue to read resources regarding technology increasing in today's classroom, I am hopeful. I'm just not seeing or feeling the impacts of this yet. And the even more frustrating part is that my students are the one receiving a disservice in their education.
Not me.
Kalee,
ReplyDeleteThe second I started reading your blog post this week I was super excited because I wrote about the same things this week!!! How weird!!
In my blogpost I talked about the evolution of technology in the classroom and how when I was in Elementary School my teachers had blackboards and as I moved up in school my teachers moved from blackboards to whiteboards and finally to smartboards.
I cannot imagine how frustrating it is to not have the technology in your classroom that is needed. It is so sad to read your post about your students being behind technologically and not have basic word processing skills. I am wondering if maybe you could take them on a field trip to the library or something to advance their skills?
Kalee, I am sure there is a way you can creatively show them technology. Maybe you can bring your devices to show them what its all about and allow them to take turns using your devices if you want.
I really enjoyed reading your post Kalee and I wish you and your 5th grade class the best of luck in the future and I hope you find some sort of funding soon!!!
Lindsay Pulse
Kalee,
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain! Often times I catch myself feeling the same way. There have been too many instances where I am trying to plan an innovative lesson for my kids using all sorts of cool technology to only realize my school does not have the means for me to do so. :(
Students get so excited to use technology because it can make learning fun. I too, sometimes feel as though I am doing my students a disservice because I am not able to expose them to a technologically-rich environment as much as I would like.
In my classroom, my cellphone has been a great tool. There is an app called "Plickers" that you can use straight from your smartphone. You can print QR codes for your students and have them answer questions by scanning them. It's a very easy and quick process. I would recommend checking the site out.
I have put the link here: https://plickers.com/
I enjoyed reading your post, Kalee. I could relate on many levels.
-Annie Chippa
Kalee,
ReplyDeleteIt was really interesting to read your post, as it allowed me to see a teacher's experience with technology that is opposite of my school. I could only imagine how frustrating it must be to not have access to technology when our society is starting to revolve around technology. As a teacher, you always want the best for your students and I can see why you are frustrated that they are at a disservice for not having the adequate access to technology. I feel frustrated for you!
At my school, at times I have felt like we have too much technology, but after reading your post I have realized that I should be more grateful for the resources we have. I am also a fifth grade teacher and with FSA testing being done on the computer, it is important that students are comfortable with using technology prior to taking the test. I could see the testing leading to more frustration.
I wonder if your school could possibly look into writing a grant in order to purchase more technology to integrate into your school. I hope you start to see a change, so your students can be exposed to more technology.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Kaitlyn
Kalee,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post.
It got me thinking about Marzano and how we, as teachers, get evaluated. We are supposed to incorporate technology within our lessons and students are supposed to be familiar with technology and conducting research to a certain extent. If all you have is an interactive projector, a teacher desktop computer, and two desktop computers, it is almost impossible for you to assign your students any research projects. To top it off, you teach fifth grade! Students at that age can be very independent with a computer or laptop. They can produce in depth research projects and be creative.
I completely agree with you that your school should put aside funds for educational technology especially if you are located in an affluent school district. I would never think this could be an issue.
I work in a Title 1 school located in a low income community. I teach second grade. In my classroom, I have a Smart Board, three desktop computers, three student laptops, and a teacher laptop. I have 17 students, so I can group two or three students together on a computer or laptop when conducting minimal research. However, I prefer each student to be accountable for their own work. For this to happen, I would have to request computer lab time which can sometimes be very difficult to get.
Why can’t all schools and all grade levels be given IPad’s or laptops for their students regardless of the district or community the school is located in?
Hopefully things will change for the better for you! Thanks for sharing.
Joanndeliz