Jeff and Katie Dunn believe that Teachers will not
be replaced by technology, but that teachers who embrace technology will replace
those who do not (Dunn, 2015). So how important is it that teachers keep
themselves and their knowledge up to date with technology?
To get more of an idea, I met with John Smith, who is a
primary school teacher from Tonypandy Primary School, to discuss what he
thought about technology in education, and how useful it is for teaching.
Below is the full interview I conducted:
From the responses he gave and the information I gather, I believe
it is in the best interest of both the educator and the student, that
practitioners keep themselves up to date with modern technology. It not only supports teaching, but can allow
for a more engaged audience and more information being learned by the students.
To Quote George Couros - “Technology will not replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of great teachers can be transformational”.
Do you agree that teachers should keep themselves up to date
with technology?
Couros, G (2014). The Principle of Change: Stories of Learning and Leading. We need to see beyond the "Tool". Available At: http://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/4803. (Accessed on: 16th January 2017)
Dunn, J & Dunn, K (2013). Technology will not replace teachers. Available at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeff-dunn/teachers-technology_b_4130200.html. (Accessed at: 15th January 2017)
The interview presents a well-reasoned argument towards the importance and effectiveness of technology in a classroom. However there is a quote that states “the kids half the time are better than the teachers.” Does this not indicate that staff need slightly more training in order to use technology effective?
ReplyDeleteIt is also stated that John sees the importance in keeping up to date with technology and engaged in training. This indicates that from his point of view, the teachers’ knowledge is dependent upon the impact that ICT can have.
Daniel Pink quoted "We need to prepare student for their future and not our past" (SisuTech, 2009). While Daniel isn't an educator, he makes a valid point that should be considered.
ReplyDeleteAs technology becomes more integrated into everyday life, children will need to be prepared. I feel therefore it is a practitioners responsibility to ensure that their own knowledge is kept up to date, so they are able to pass on knowledge to their students.
Lucarelli, C (2009). SisuTech: Perserverance and spirit in educational technology. Daniel Pink: Preparing kids for THEIR future. Available at: https://sisutech.wordpress.com/2009/01/26/daniel-pink-preparing-kids-for-their-future/. (Accessed 18th January 2017)