This
week in Bob Hale’s technology class, we were to reflect on the Five Best
Practices for the Flipped Classroom, the Five Future Technologies
That Will Shape Our Classrooms and the Khan Academy
video. And wow, there is some pretty scary stuff out there.
The
first thing I think about when hearing about the “latest and greatest
technologies” in the school systems, is the gap this will create between socioeconomic classes. Not everyone has
access to these groundbreaking tools. In
my opinion, the flipped classroom philosophy (when implemented correctly) is
actually a great idea…. for students that
have accessibility to a laptop. What
about everyone else? Even if only 3/75
students are without one, is it fair to give them the responsibility to learn
lectures outside of class? In order for
this to be an effective model, these resources need to be supplied to the
students… even down to transportation.
There may be computers available in school or town libraries, but how
will they get home if buses only arrive immediately after school? I think some major planning needs to be put
in motion before we get carried away with a seemingly good idea. Which, I think it is. In my opinion, the flipped classroom and the
Khan Academy method gives teachers much more freedom to be creative during
classroom hours. What high school students
need help with is not the understanding of lectured facts, but transfer of
skills, meaning making, and problem solving.
With guidance from the teacher and peer support, I think they will get a
more out of their resources. It is clear
that there will be more one-on-one interactions, which will foster better student-teacher
relationships.
And
as for the multi-touch surfaces and holographic displays, that is just
mind-blowing….and frightening at the same time.
At this rate, will we even need teachers at all in the year 2050?
Sarah - Regarding your last paragraph this was my thought exactly. I have a feeling too that pretty soon teachers will not be necessary nor will students even need to go to a school building for classes. I agree to that this will contribute to the gap in socioeconomic classes. I am not sure how they would ensure that all students have the technology needed to make these groundbreaking advances in education accessible for everyone.
ReplyDeleteyeah i think this is true, as for Bulkeley, as i understand it the technological resources are quite non apparent in regards to some of the other schools. It will always be up to educated people to help tell the stories of their subjects to the next generations. sometimes using electronics along the way. i don't think we will be out of a job anytime soon.
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