It is amazing how some things cannot be completely
learned. Pick a subject, any
subject! Okay, you think history is a
subject that can be 100% learned. Well,
sometimes history depends on the writer or storyteller? Sometimes history depends on how far removed
we are from what happened. I remember in speaking to my grandparents and
parents – actually listening to them about their youth. In spite of World Wars and the Great
Depression, they spoke of fond memories as if the “bad” was far away from
them. Their lives revolved around family
and what directly affected them. Their
stories were always first person. It
seems they were always provided with what they needed from God above. They grew their food and harvested. They went to war but never spoke of it. It is the love of God and family they
remember. Yet, if we open up a history
book we see a different story – stories of hate and destruction between
Nations.
When I turn on my computer, I do not consider all the
gadgets in it or downloads that come with it.
I entrust the manufacturer and my husband have chosen well for me. Some things I just leave to the
experts. I figure if I can play World of
Warcraft with my family with little lag, I have a great computer. On the other hand, programs are another
story. I want user-friendly programs
where I do not have to know the binary language that put it all on the screen
for my use. I leave the “how” up to
individuals who have a love for puzzles.
For instance, I really do not care how Prezi works – just that it does.
There are individuals (like my husband and son-in-law) who
can tell what every piece of the guts of the computer are. I, personally, am happy all those pieces make
my life easier – creating blogs, paying bills, and etcetera.
In education, technology has made our lives easier. Many resources can give my students an edge
over my grandparents: if they take
advantage. For example, students can
turn on their computer to explore the world.
My grandparents knew only what was told to them through word of mouth or
the newspaper.
And today's classroom technology is user friendly for both
teacher and student. Old technology
(overhead projectors and the like) were for the teachers use, to augment the
lecture. Now, technology is used by teacher and student, making learning an
interactive conversation.
Do you need to know everything about hardware and software
to be a great teacher? No, but you do
need to learn the basics to be able expose your students to the technological
world they are a part of and to help them use the tools. Not all students will become the inventors
but they certainly will be the users.