What type of teacher are you?

Mr. Hall believes this chapter is the most important part of this book.   I would say the chapter was an interesting read.  The section, I believe, that stood out to me is the section describing the three dominant teaching delivery practices.  The traditional teaching is where the teacher is solely in charge – totalitarianism.  Certainly, this type of teaching has its place – in history.  I believe since this was the way I was taught might be the reason I just passed my way through the early years of my education.  Looking at my time at UTSA (not giving its full name to protect identity) it seems the courses where creativity and critical thinking were present my grades soared.  On the other hand, the courses where the instructor was traditional I simply slide by to pass. 

The next type is the innovative teaching style.  The teacher is still mainly in charge but is willing to engage in bringing new strategies and methodologies to the students.  This type is essentially a dictatorship.  Students are given little opportunity to explore technology except through research and multimedia presentations for the most part.  It would seem most teacher fall into this style of teaching.

 The last practice is that of brain-based learning – a democracy (at least as close to it as possible as compared to the other styles).  The key is collaboration between teacher / students and students / students.  The students have choice about their education journey.  Technology is central to the curriculum.  It would seem some teachers have hesitation to let the reins drop to let the spirit fly. 

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6).  Training does not mean control the spirit.  Should not the same apply to learning in our classrooms?

Picciano’s chapter six to most might seem boring and it is.  We must realize technology is a part of the educational journey.  Whether the discussion is how or when to incorporate technology each teacher must explore the possibilities to ensure each students has an opportunity to learn.  Technology in reality makes the teacher’s job easier.  Technology opens up doors to the future – so why would anyone want to withhold the future from the students? 

When is the Right Time to Learn Computer Technology?

 

 

There is much debate as to when children should learn computer technology.  In Chapter 3, according to Picciano and others, studies show middle school is the time when students make the greater use of the applications.  Papert believes earlier is better since children develop logical reasoning between 7 and 11 years old.  Elementary schools started introducing computer technology in the late 1990's, thus, agreeing with Papert's theory.

 

 

I would tend to agree with Papert's theory of "earlier is better."  In having four grandsons who ranged now from 7 years old to 15 years old; they are able to navigate through most of the programs I am familiar with.  My 9 year old grandson read a book and using an Avatar program did a book summary and review.

 

An Avatar Book Review by RM - it was his first so I let him go crazy with the effects. LOL

 

Which leads me to Chapter 4 in Picciano's book.  Things we learn from databases to office software.  I will generically combined technology in general for purposes of my thoughts.

 

When is computer technology to much for children?  What have we lost during recent generations?  A lot of my students in past years have become computer junkies.  Kids come home from school - hopefully after doing their homework - jump on the computer to get their "fix."  I remember as a child we went outside to socialize (play) with our friends until dark or Mom called us in for dinner as a family.  On the weekends after chores we were outside with our friends unless Mom and Dad had other plans for us - like a trip to the lake.

 

Watch this video to jog your memories!  Please share your thoughts or memories with us.

 

Remember When?

Reference:
Picciano, Anthony G. (2011). Educational leadership and planning for technology (5^th ed). Pearson Education, Inc.: Upper Saddle River, NJ.