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Moreover, many recent studies identify persistent barriers to integrating new technologies into instruction, including lack of training and help for teachers and insufficient access to functioning technology (Cuban, 2002; Zhao & Frank, 2003).
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The article "Teaching Media Literacy" by Jane David makes perfect sense to me. I completely agree with many of her arguments about the importance of teaching media literacy. Choosing appropriate search engines, following relevant links, and judging the validity of information are difficult challenges, not only for students of all ages, but also for most adults, including many teachers (David, 2009). Keeping up with the changing times can be daunting for teachers but I believe it is imperative. In order for us to best prepare out students for their future we must teach them how to use modern technology correctly. As the quote reflects there are "persistent barriers" when trying to do so. Obviously lack of training and help for teachers is a huge barrier. But even worse would be an insufficient access to functioning technology. When your entire lesson plan requires your students to work online, or even just with a computer, and that computer fails... then what? How can you hold students accountable for assignments when they can always use the excuse that they had a computer glitch? How can you instruct your class if you can not access your lesson online? If you teach your class using Powerpoint slides on Blackboard and Blackboard is experiencing technical difficulties it really puts a damper on your lesson plans. Not only must teachers have incredible knowledge of media literacy in order to teach it, students and teachers must also have very reliable technology and reliable technical support.
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These are just some pointers to start children on the right track when it comes to using computers.
How to Teach Kids with Computers
References
David, J. L. (2009, March). Teaching media literacy. Educational Leadership, 66(6), 84-86. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar09/vol66/num06/Teaching-Media-Literacy.aspx
Zhao, Y., & Frank, K. A. (2003). Factors affecting technology uses in schools: An ecological perspective. American Educational Research Journal, 40(4), 807–840.
I do think it is important for teachers to always have a back up plan for if their technology is not functioning correctly. Technology is important but it is also important to be able to teach without technology as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Technology is important but it's not the only thing out there. There are other resources that teachers can go to.
ReplyDeleteI love the picture! It is possible to teach media literacy with out technology but computers are our cultural tools. I agree with you Jennifer! If computers are available teachers need to know how to use them productively and creatively.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, i find that technology is great to use as a visual tool and to help get kids connected because it is what they are use to. Yet, it is equally important to teach and have "a Back up Plan" to teach using no technology to help them learn to understand things when technology is not used. Children need to understand that there is more out there then just technology. Yes lots of things use technology but some times we need to get them to understand when they don't have the help of technology.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you! I realize there can be many bariors to integrating technology into the classrooms. I feel that if teachers try harder and give it there all, integrating technology into the classroom is not that difficult. Students need to be familiar and learn how to use teachnology. Technology is the most important thing that needs to be integrated into the classrooms.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you it is important for not only our students to know how to use media literacy but as teachers we also know how to use it. The internet is a great way to keep our students interested in modern ways of learning. As teachers we also need a modern way of teaching our students
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