Thursday, March 16, 2017

Pod People

We were short subs today so I was tapped to sub in one of the 4th grade classrooms. As a sub, the excessive use of technology was wonderful. They basically went from one app to another. Literally the only writing they did was 2 pages from their math work books and during their 20 minute writing period. That is it.

As an observer and a future education activist I have so many problems with this.

We are a 1:1 district and have been for 6 years now. So for all of you who wish you could be, let me tell you -- be careful what you wish for.

When we started -- the initiative was voted in in March or April. Devices were ordered over the summer and teachers got theirs about a week before the students came to school. At that time, K and First got Ipods; 2, 3, &4 got Ipads; and 5-12 got lap tops. FREE apps all around because there wasn't money for any apps. The free apps for Ipods by the way, went up to the letter E.

It was that way for 2 years, then they gave K&1 Ipads as well.

Free apps -- that's what we use. Special permission must be received to get a paid app and then you have to justify why you need it.

We have no actually trained IT person. We have a 26 year old business major who knows about computers.

We have blocked nearly everything in the name of safety-- and requests to get to a video or website has to be obtained from the administration before the IT department can install it.

The amount of people on the network was underestimated and the first couple of years there were many times it just didn't work. We have since gotten our own server and upgraded at least once if not twice.

In order to justify the expense of having the technology, staff are "encouraged" {sic: forced} to use technology as must as possible.

WE must prepare our students to be 21st century learners is the marching order. "Research shows....." followed by all the studies proving  showing evidence for why everything must be technology based.

We were actually told, " kids don't need to know the answer, they just need to know where to find the answer."

But there are studies showing how the excessive use of technology is leading to behavior disorders. Studies show that kids are losing fine motor control, and the core body strength to sit still. Studies show that an increase in recess time-- rather than balance balls, experimental seating, and Go Noodle --could alleviate these issues.

Kindergartners are capable of making a video presentation and monkeys can be trained to drive a car. Neither means they know what they are doing.

The kids today were fairly well behaved and quiet as long as they had MobyMax or Brain Pop in front of them. But as soon as they had to enter the world of the living and breathing they lost it.

Parents use technology as an electronic pacifier that allows them to not be bothered. I understand how hard it is to be a Technology Parent Pioneer. I can write more about that in another post. But as educators we are complicit in the society that is being created.

We say it is because technology is the world of the future. There are those who firmly believe they are doing good promoting this future.

I am not one of them. And it is not because I am unwilling to change. Life is not about immediate gratification. Love, happiness, and a thirst for knowledge are not acquired as quickly as a genie granting a wish. But in the world of technology you can find the "cheat" that answers the problem in your text book. You can play games until the only things in the world are you and your electronic device and you think you are having fun. The world is even becoming one where you can't meet someone in the real world but can through an app?

And for all the people who are pushing technology... because we have 1:1 we have e-learning days... No more make up snow days because they can get assignments through google docs. This may sound fabulous but how long will it be before they think that if kids can be taught as well with google docs, Study Island, and Brain Pop why would they need buildings, IAs, custodians and eventually so many teachers? If a teacher can put a lesson video on line for her class, why couldn't that same video be used for the entire district?

You may wish for technology because you don't have it. You may have technology and actually be using it in moderation and responsibly, but here, this is what technology is. We have been recognized for our whole hog approach.

 If you strive to get technology for all,  make sure you ask what the vision of your administration is. Be sure the best interests of your kids are at the heart of that vision and not the accolades,  glory and career advancement of the adults.

Because right now certain people are wearing a crown while kids are becoming emotional pod people who know where to find the answers to questions they don't know how to ask.



3 comments:

  1. Way to stake a claim and defend it! I can feel your emotion behind the argument. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. This is such an important post! The part about administrative vision is so key. I still believe technology cannot replace a good teacher. And much of the world of work still requires an ability to be with other people. Your point is well-taken and well-defended! Thanks for sharing this!
    -Lanny

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is such an important post! The part about administrative vision is so key. I still believe technology cannot replace a good teacher. And much of the world of work still requires an ability to be with other people. Your point is well-taken and well-defended! Thanks for sharing this!
    -Lanny

    ReplyDelete