Edu 545 Topic Paper Impact of Technology on Curriculum by Laurie Haddock

Topic Paper-Impact of Technology on curriculum

By Laurie Haddock

Introduction

Technology has powerful implications on curriculum, and more specifically the learner. As a Science teacher the topic of technology rings loud and clear, as a life long learner I have witnessed an amazing burgeoning of information for teachers and learners alike. Technology has offered to anyone who dares to partake; efficiency, world wide collaboration, world wide accessibility, experiences galore and of course, adverse consequences if not handled in good judgment. If used respectfully technology can positively impact our lives personally and professionally.

I will travel through a few positive and negative impacts as well as positive and negative opinions of technology in our curriculum.

Positive effects of Technology on curriculum

Curriculum at all levels can benefit from the use of technology; when curriculum is viewed as effecting the total person; the social and moral being, the scholar and skilful member of a community. Once students have learned the fundamentals in their early educational experiences such as sharing, following instructions, and follow through; technology can only help a student see more than they ever would with just one person standing at the front of the classroom presenting notes. I have benefited from the following technological advantages by embedding technology in curriculum objectives and classroom practices;

· Research

· Efficient keeping of grades and attendance

· Real-life skills are gained

· Opens windows for students

· Student engagement increased

· Parent/Guardian communication

· Portability

· ESL learners

· Special needs

· Students absent form classroom experience

· Data collection

· Increased exposure

· Collaboration

· Learning styles effectively reached

· Multi media engages higher percentage of class

Students and teachers have endless research available to them increasing the significance of assignments and lessons. I have utilized “teacher directed” research in my classroom for 12 years, every year the resources become more interactive and user friendly for my students. Students become so engaged with the use of technology and research their motivation level soars!

Sheila Baldwin, an high school ESL teacher, began to think about how she could better utilize technology to benefit the developing language skills of her ESL students.(2001, Baldwin)

Sheila utilized authoring and presentation to facilitate language for her4 ESL students.” This software allowed them to clearly "see" what they wrote and to manipulate blocks of written text to improve coherence. Having the knowledge of the features of the word processing programs enabled them to independently complete assignments with a level of success and feeling of power.” This is an excellent example of technology efficiently showing students many learning objectives which they immediately could improve their skills. In the spirit of Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences, technology can offer diverse methods of learning and assessment.

recent report on technology education, conducted by SRI International for the Department of Education, has concluded: “On average, students in online learning conditions performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction.”(New York Times Steve Lohr) “The report examined the comparative research on online versus traditional classroom teaching from 1996 to 2008. Some of it was in K-12 settings, but most of the comparative studies were done in colleges and adult continuing-education programs of various kinds, from medical training to the military.” Over a 12-year span the report found 99 studies they could use as quantitative comparisons of online versus classroom performance. The department of Education found a 9% increase in performance testing (59 % for online students vs. 50% for the classroom student). (2009,New York Times Steve Lohr) Although these numbers are not staggering, with collaboration from educators the technology tools can only be improved. Keep in mind that this study took place over a decade ago, since then there has been increasing use of Web-based video, instant messaging, collaboration tools, such as blogging, Skyping and so much more the learner really receives a customized experience where the educational value is unprecedented. Please view the following link for further information: 93-page report on online education, conducted by SRI International for the Department of Education. Barbara Means, the lead author in the SRI study stated, “The study’s major significance lies in demonstrating that online learning today is not just better than nothing — it actually tends to be better than conventional instruction”. (2009,New York Times Steve Lohr)

AThe real promise of online education enables the constructivist’s dream, “learning by doing,” which many students find more engaging and useful applications.

Philip R. Regier, the dean of Arizona State University’s Online and Extended Campus program stated that “The technology will be used to create learning communities among students in new ways,” Mr. Regier said. “People are correct when they say online education will take things out the classroom. But they are wrong, I think, when they assume it will make learning an independent, personal activity. Learning has to occur in a community.” (2009, Steve Lohr) As an online student I have engaged in more collaboration via blackboard threads and multimedia learning than I had ever experienced in a classroom. If I do not understand a concept or term I merely look it up while learning! People have to be willing to take chances and discover new horizons, as with every technological advancement in history. The research and data continues by hundreds of organizations, but I personally have seen students perform better with the addition of technology in my curriculum. At the end of this paper I will add a list of ways I incorporate technology into the 7^th grade science.

I would like to end this portion with a video by Alan November founder of Novemberlearning.com. Alan has an interesting and perhaps accurate view of the use of technology in our schools. It is not just the use of technology but the proper and honest use that educators need to facilitate. As I had described earlier in this paper we must teach the students how to do responsible and ethical research. As Alan stated “anyone can get on the Internet and find the information they are looking for to support their view, but is your research accurate?” Alan further explains that life long learners need to be reflective about what they are learning, by collaborating with others they can discuss and rework the information they are acquiring in a meaningful way. I agree with his views wholeheartedly; people learn by socializing and engaging in conversation, especially important under the guidance of a thoughtful teacher. If we do not teach students social responsibility and ethics, then our worst fears of children abusing these tools will come true.

“Alan challenges us to think about the emerging role of “student as contributor” and to globalize our curriculum by linking students with authentic audiences from around the world.” Please take time to view this 12 minute video clip as Alan tours his hometown of Marble Head MA and explains his take on a vision for students and the future.( Brian Mull 2009) http://www.blip.tv/file/1937278

Pessimistic views of technology and curriculum

Although there is a plethora of data which presents positive results from the use of technology in the curriculum the devils advocate lets say, should also be represented in order to further improve the notion that technology should absolutely be implemented in our schools far and wide.

Major Concerns:

Economics
Time
“Old School”
Students use
Loosing childhood

It is not a secret that monetary concerns would inhibit technological advancement in education. Technology itself is costly and must be upgraded continuously. Training for educators can also be costly; however the gains are greater and must be proven.

Implementing technology and actually getting the majority of teachers on board takes time. Some educators will be able to study technology and apply it without instruction, however most teachers need to see how the technology works as an application to their subject area. All teachers will benefit from collaboration on the use of technology applications in the classroom. The teachers then need time to practice the new technology and discover the components that will be beneficial for their students.

“Old School” teachers are hesitant to add technology to a system that they feel already works. They may also have a feeling of being inadequate or overwhelmed which will inhibit their desire to learn new methods of teaching. (Ironic for a person with an educators title) This “change” or transformation will require a dynamic technology team (working closely with administration) who anticipates such resistance. All teachers will benefit from technology integration!

It is all in the timing! The pace at which teachers are presented with new goals is also a significant factor. Teachers are not going to be receptive if new technology is one of 59 new initiatives for the school year. The district technology manager must set an initiative plan for implementing technology. (The position of District Technology Manager is vital for the cohesiveness of the implementation of technology goals). Our department has been successful with obtaining grants which will provide teachers with substitutes, technology facilitator and the time to “play” with the new technology. This approach coupled with highly motivated teachers had proven to get the new technology rolling and students benefiting in a timely manner. If teachers can see proof as collected by teacher Hilve Firek in her book Ten Easy Ways to Use Technology in the English Classroom perhaps this would be the motivation they need. .Firek lists many free resources at www.teneasyways.com for teachers. A book review by Cheryl Wozniak states tantalizing remarks such as:” We live in a media-driven world where our students not only want, but practically expect, to be entertained. I have fought this idea for years, saying to my students: "It's not my job to entertain you; it's my job to teach you." While I still have days when I feel this way, I have come to realize that the audio and visual tools available in today's technology are a curricular gift I can no longer ignore. Firek makes using those tools as simple as the title of her book implies. (Wozniak 2005)

Alan November (Mull 2009) mentions in his video that poor use of technology can be indicated by students who have the wrong intent behind the use of the Internet; such as instant gratification. If students are not guided by a thoughtful teacher they may not learn ethical use of the material gained from the Internet.(ie. “Copy Paste”)“I wrote my paper in no time” Students will say to their buddy. Our middle school media specialist presents the 7^th grade students with a 4 day lesson on academic Integrity where students learn to cite sources correctly and why they must do so! All staff in our school abides by and consistently refers to these lessons for the students.

There is one last area of concerns I will address, with the following questions in mind. Will children lose their ability to relate to other human beings? Will they become dependent on technology to learn? Will they find inappropriate materials? Will they forget to stop and enjoy life (the outdoors ect.) if instant gratification of technology takes over? These are questions I found repeatedly in my research and ask myself.

I have seen children time and again hooked to their gaming systems, ipods (never to surface or engaged in conversation), and cell phones (oh dear that is a whole other paper). Well, as with everything we do in life there needs to be respect and balance. It is not what technology does to people, but how people are taught to use technology.

I am concerned about children being children first! They still need to have a balance of outdoor play and exercise. Personally as a mother, who is an avid technology geek I have not and do not intend on putting my children on the computer. I have given them some but limited access to hand held, Leap frog educational software. My ideals are that they should develop first and predominantly with the classic types of learning at home; blocks, puzzles, board games, books, crayons, physical manipulatives and once they have experienced this then they are slowly exposed to technology at short periods of time .Children learn very quickly they will be able to “catch up” need be during early adolescence. I do not mind if the schools use technology, I am putting my trust in the teachers. I only limit “at home” use. Some technological tools are better left to older students who are better equipped to make good decisions about the use.

An important part of curriculum is teaching students to respect themselves and their community, country and the world! All of the teachers in a students life need to be careful how much access and what tools a child is given, you do not give a toddler a sharp knife, therefore do not give a young adolescent free range on the internet (parents beware)! The ability to use the internet responsibly and constructively comes with maturity. Just as in everything else we teach the children we must infuse the lessons of responsibility, resourcefulness and respect into our use of technology.

Just because computers are being used in the classroom they are not necessarily facilitating learning. According to the New Horizons for learning quarterly journal; “Inappropriately used in the classroom, technology can be used to perpetuate old models of teaching and learning. Students can be "plugged into computers" to do drill and practice that is not so different from workbooks.”(Foltos 2002) A more effective idea; teachers can also utilize technology for data collection about objectives they have just covered in class, and would like to know quickly and efficiently if students learned a valuable lesson.

Global Learning is also an excellent use of technology, getting kids excited about topics and collaboration with children across the great Atlantic! There are still issues that may arise with this:

Inequities among people: “Countries such as Mexico, Brazil, India, and China which represent the leading developing economies of the world with vast pools of resources, people, and growth potential have recognized and mandated total or partial K-12 schooling requirements. But, realizing the lack of trained educators and the lack of infrastructure, they struggle to implement such requirements.” (2000, Masullo and Ruiz) Many underdeveloped countries do not even have telephones in their schools never mind a computer. If our students today are to connect and collaborate in a meaningful educational manner how can we do this if such a low percentage of the children in the world are connected? “Internet; outside of North America the numbers decrease to 9% in the UK and Germany, 3% in France, to absolutely privileged use elsewhere.” (2000, Masullo and Ruiz)

Changing the opinion of the Critics

How are we to change the thinking of people who are critical of the use of technology in curriculum? While we may not always be able to change everyone’s opinion, collection and presenting of data is significant piece of moving forward with technology. As time goes on and more reflective data is available, I must predict that the vast majority of communities will see the necessity of technology for a more efficient and productive life. The life long learner of today needs to be considered carefully in these curricular choices.(Walker and Soltis pg 45) .

How will we offer our educators appropriate training?

In sum and stated by (Fullan 1998). “If we expect teachers to use technology in ways that enrich and enhance student achievement, we must provide them with the professional development they need to develop the confidence and skills to apply technology, and an understanding of how technology supports standards-based education. Preparing teachers to use technology effectively may also mean following the example of Missouri's eMints program and ensuring that professional development focuses on instructional strategies like project-based learning, and cooperative or collaborative strategies, in addition to technology skills.” Technology can be used in a way that does not reap the benefits, educators need to be educated!

In this day and age to avoid further resistance changes must be made: as teachers go through their undergraduate programs the ideal of appropriate technology use and “life long learner” must be instilled. Technology can change your life! Enter with caution!

References

*Shelia Baldwin, 2001, Vol 4, No 2 Infusing Computer Technology: A Novice Teacher User Meets the Challenge with High School ESL Students ( Text Electronic version)

*Brian Mull, 2009 Myths and Opportunities with Alan November

(For more, read Alan’s article, Students as Contributors: The Digital Learning Farm. http://novemberlearning.com/resources/archive-of-articles/digital-learning-farm/ ( Electronic version digital interview)

*STEVE LOHR, 2009, Keeping abreast of innovation in the Continuing Education special section. New York Times, (News paper, Electronic version)

*Les Foltos, 2002 New Horizons for Learning, Technology and Academic Achievement, posted in © October 2005 New Horizons for Learning

http://www.newhorizons.org, ( Journal Electronic version)

*Fullan, Michael.1998. "The Three Stories of Educational Reform: Inside; Inside/Out; Outside/In". Kappan Professional Journal. Archived at http://www.pdkintl.org/kappan/kful0004.htm, ( Electronic version) Journal

*Walker,Decker and Soltis,Jonas,2004 Curriculum and Aims, Teachers College press Columbia University New York (Text)

*Brandt, Deborah. 2001. Literacy in American Lives. Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press.

* Wozniak ,Cheryl ,2005 Book Review: Ten Easy Ways to Use Technology in the English Classroom,Publication: The Quarterly, Vol. 27, No. 2 , National Writing Project

Links for educators

The links below are accompanied with a beneficial use for the life long leaner. I have used these throughout the year with my 7^th grader science students.