This article covers the topic of technology and how it relates to pedagogy and content knowledge. The purpose of the article is to educate and persuade teachers of all subjects to use technology as much to their benefit as possible. The authors of the article break down individually the meanings of technology, pedagogy and content knowledge to provide readers with a clear sense of just how technology and teaching directly apply to one another. The authors give three examples of applications teachers can use to “repurpose” technology in the classroom, which include microblogging, using specialized search engines, and using specialized DJ software to teach mathematical content. The article was extremely informative, providing examples of the DJ software and websites which utilize the current search engine technology.
Although the article was informative, a point to be noted is where the authors suggest that every child have access to a laptop computer in order to use all realms of current technology. While that idea may be great in theory, I would have to say that with the recent economy being in the shape it is, and with major budget cuts sweeping the nation, I highly doubt every child will have access to a laptop anytime soon.
Question 1: Is the use of current technology really necessary for successful teaching of content knowledge?
Answer 1: I believe it is understood by most citizens that technology is a much needed, and much welcomed concept in society. However, I have to say that while the idea of using technology in the classroom sounds great, the basics like reading and writing and math can still be taught with precision in the old-fashioned way by using those things we call “books.” Using technology to teach standard lessons is indeed a great concept, but until every child has access to that technology, and until every school has the funding to do so, technology simply cannot replace the time-tested standards used to teach the basics.
Question 2: Will I, as a teacher, be willing and open to play with new technologies to provide my students with new and enriching experiences, as the articles suggests I should?
Answer 2: Now don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of the internet, and more recently of cell phones, and I do believe that students would profit from many of the advantages that computers and technology provide for society today. However, I still consider myself old-fashioned in the sense that ALL children need to learn crucial language and writing skills, in addition to math, science and history. In order for the children to adequately learn these skills, teachers need to interact and work with the children through face-to-face contact and applicable activities that engage and challenge the children in all aspects. It is only through human contact and interaction that these goals can be achieved, and not while sitting in front of a computer staring at a monitor.
Although the article was informative, a point to be noted is where the authors suggest that every child have access to a laptop computer in order to use all realms of current technology. While that idea may be great in theory, I would have to say that with the recent economy being in the shape it is, and with major budget cuts sweeping the nation, I highly doubt every child will have access to a laptop anytime soon.
Question 1: Is the use of current technology really necessary for successful teaching of content knowledge?
Answer 1: I believe it is understood by most citizens that technology is a much needed, and much welcomed concept in society. However, I have to say that while the idea of using technology in the classroom sounds great, the basics like reading and writing and math can still be taught with precision in the old-fashioned way by using those things we call “books.” Using technology to teach standard lessons is indeed a great concept, but until every child has access to that technology, and until every school has the funding to do so, technology simply cannot replace the time-tested standards used to teach the basics.
Question 2: Will I, as a teacher, be willing and open to play with new technologies to provide my students with new and enriching experiences, as the articles suggests I should?
Answer 2: Now don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of the internet, and more recently of cell phones, and I do believe that students would profit from many of the advantages that computers and technology provide for society today. However, I still consider myself old-fashioned in the sense that ALL children need to learn crucial language and writing skills, in addition to math, science and history. In order for the children to adequately learn these skills, teachers need to interact and work with the children through face-to-face contact and applicable activities that engage and challenge the children in all aspects. It is only through human contact and interaction that these goals can be achieved, and not while sitting in front of a computer staring at a monitor.
I like your questions and responses. You gave some thoughts to the affordance and limitation of technology.
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