Teacher to Be

Listen to the natives article

I find it interesting that this article assumes that all teachers are digital immigrants. I mean I am not and there are teachers out there the same age as me teaching. However what is more interesting is that even if there are digital immigrants out there, that does not mean they are behind the students. I know many people who were not brought up with computers around and they are much better at using them then I am. It states that “Our young people generally have a much better idea of what the future is bringing than we do. ” Yes they may be using many different means of technologies, but that does not mean that they might know more. I found that on my prac students use the different technologies in their schooling and yes sometimes they know something different to the teachers but I believe that teachers know more technology (or at least they should) then the students.  I like that this article is establishing that teachers can learn with the students, can use the students prior knowledge. This is essential in all subject areas, the use of prior knowledge is a must in teaching.

This article suggest collaboration is necessary for teaching in the future. Collaboration with students is an interesting concept, in theory it sounds like a great idea. However, it seems like there could be potential risks, it would depend on the students, the school and many different factors. Students can’t always have so much independence, they do not always respond well. I think this could be tested in different schools but it would not work in all.

“Today’s students have mastered a large variety of tools that we will never master with the same level of skill. ” This quote I find ridiculous, who is to say that we wouldn’t master this device if someone taught you how to use it. Anyone can learn, so why not just have a course to teach the teachers the needs of the students.

To sum up, all I think we need from reading this article is to teach in university the needs of our students. computers, technology, how to use them, are essential to the students today.

This entry was posted on Sunday, September 7th, 2008 at 3:52 pm and is filed under Readings. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.