February 13, 2009 blog
http://webmsi.free.fr/HEC-MSI-0705T-GR8/cyber_world_metaphor.jpg
Today in the world there is a rapid growth of technology. Different countries advance and surpass the old technology with something faster, and are equipped with far more superior gadgets. This can be a hazard to teachers because every time they have figured out one new source of technology the next day there is something new available in the market that the children are way ahead of. “Just when educators gain a foothold on technology, the landscape shifts right under [their] feet” (55).
Schools today, try their best to prepare their students for the tech savvy world that they will be entering. Public school today have the latest brands of computers and high speed wireless network. It really up to the teachers to decided how to come over their fear of using the technology. Teachers are scared that the power will not be in their hands, but in the hands of their student and they may feel weak. As teacher they must try to adapt and stay tuned with the children and with the latest technologies: ipods, cell phone, laptops, and other tech savvy games. Teachers rather then banning it from school they should really try to show them how it can be useful and encourage their learning. For example in schools they may allowed to bring laptops because it can help the children take faster notes, but if they are using it to go on other site then it should not be allowed. Teachers should not only rely on the traditional pedagogy , but try to incorporate technology in their teaching and work together to provide a good learning environment.
Technology today is very handy as in Mcgill University we have WEBct and that is where our class can have discussions and post their comments on the discussion boards. If a student has a question either the teacher or teacher assistant or even a fellow classmate can be helpful and answer the questions because it is a virtual classroom chat. It also very easy for student to hand in assignment online rather then printing and wasting paper and easy accessible for the teacher to grade them and at the same time they are helping the environment by keeping it green. This is also useful for those shy students who do not participate in big group discussion in the classroom but they may take part by writing on the class discussion board.
People more and more are becoming cybercitzens that is when an individual is actively involved in online communities and use the internet to engage social and political activities. Our generation is involved with a blogging device that is facebook it a social networking website and today you find everyone there from age 12-to 50. Eventually with time everyone will have to be ready to adapt with the new technologies coming out and if they are not well equipped or not ready for the change they will be left in the dark and outdated.
http://www.goldcoast.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2007/07/12/technology.jpg
