This week our class was lucky enough to have Jon Finch, Coordinator for Manitoba Education and Advanced Learning, speak about a number of issues, primarily copyright and the use of technology in the classroom. What struck me most about Jon's presentation was his background in technology purchasing for a Manitoba school division. He talked about how school divisions are spending big bucks to bring in this technology that isn't being properly integrated into the students learning, whether it be from technological issues or a lack of education on how to use these technologies effectively.
While it is great that divisions are spending to upgrade technology it is frustrating when some of the most powerful tasks that can be done are blocked in certain divisions. I understand, but do not agree with, the mentality that blocking sites does not allow students to get into trouble when using technology. As an educator I believe it is important to teach the students what is appropriate and what is not while on the internet, rather than block anything that can get them into trouble. It is time to end the Access Denies era and embrace technology and teach our students how to use it effectively and appropriately.
I agree with what you are saying Trent and in my last placement they blocked Facebook. The students took some time to study some programming on their own time and managed to get around the blocked sites and use Facebook on school computers. If the students want something they are going to find away to get what they want. In most cases it is the administration that are having trouble with dealing what a student can do and can't do. The teacher is kind of stuck in between and has a hard time getting to use resources because they are blocked.
ReplyDeleteYeah I they spend way to much money on things like smart boards and then teachers end up using them as a projector for power point slides and nothing more. I agree its very frustrating seeing the money get wasted like this, would be nice if school divisions offered teachers a pd about how to use technology to enhance learning in the classroom.
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