When reading the question "Are we doing what is best for our students or are we doing what is most convenient for us?" I think that question is one that does not have a real answer , there is such a wavy line, with that thought.
What one may think is best for their students, may not be what is best. In the same thinking, what is convenient for some may not be for others.
Sooo as I sit here and think about my own class I have to honestly say that everything I do is for my students, whether it be the best is something that sometimes we dont have control of. I teach middle school ESE TMH & EMH students so many things are out of my control and theirs as well.
My students for instance are not "digital students" as the book points out, nor will they really have the abilty to become those kids. They do not have the capacity to multitask and hypercommunicate. We focus on one goal at a time. They are all unique and special in their own ways.
Now is that to say they have no knowledge of technology, not at all, they do. We have computers and I use a SMARTboard with the students daily. They all can get on the computer and know the basics. This is my first year teaching and I am technology savvy so most of my lessons involve technology I have taught the students how to use the SMARTboard and integrate it with all our lessons in one way or another. I use games and videos to catch their attention and make things fun so they will retain the information. I am not one for worksheets and textbooks. Could things be better for my students...ABSOLUTELY. I would love to be able to give each one a Tablet PC or something of the sort and let their knowledge grow and grow and teach them all the ins and outs of technolgy that they can retain. Unfortunately, I do not have the power to make that happen, so I work with what is best in our class and what is convenient for us all. One day I hope to see that opportunity where more and more technology is available to all schools, but until that day I will keep doing my best.:)
I teach in a similar high school setting where the majority of my kids are ESE at varying levels, whether it is documented or not. I find that upper level, highly motivated children do well with the challenge and structure of online programs, like Florida Virtual School, whereas when I offer that option to my students they much prefer working one on one with me. They tend to answer questions wrong, memorize the answers, and retake the test with the correct answers. If only they could tap into that efficiency in other areas of their life! They are very familiar with technology like iPods and smartphones, which can be to their demise. But at the same time, I allow them to listen to music with headphones and use them for class research. I almost feel like someone stepping into a foreign country having to learn a new language. If this is their future, is it us that has to learn to keep up and change? Or can we work together...we need to follow their lead by integrating what they are tech savvy with into our lesson plans. I have found even my most severe ESE kids, functioning at elementary levels, can text and use a smart phone. Could you utilize what your students may already own?
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