Cameron Foster
W200
Critical Thinking Essay
When a fourth grade classroom was asked to close their eyes and picture walking through their own created school, they all included within the first 3 things, a library. And in this library they got into detail, but mainly about computers, and things relative to technology, as well as communication with fellow classmates. As I read through the articles “Ideal School Library,” and “10 Ideas for Getting Started with 21st Century Teaching and Learning” I began to realize what a school would really be like and how it would flow so much nicer if technology was used, and used the right way.
In the article “Ideal School Library” the author talks about getting away from what we as people have grown up on what we think libraries are. The last sentence of the first paragraph ends with, “with shooshing not generally required.” I completely agree with this statement. As I have experienced in my schooling, I find it much easier when I enter the IUPUI library to head straight to the fourth floor, which is not the quiet floor. Being able to communicate verbally, especially when working in a group, is much easier than having to watch how loud you talk.
The article then begins to show questions, and answers to people who put in their two senses about their ideal library. I like Chad Lehmans thoughts on his ideal library. Chad states “that the modern library/media center should have lots of computers and tables for collaboration. There should be comfortable chairs and even small study rooms available for students. There should be a certain amount of printed books available, along with DVD's.” He then goes on to say that, in libraries students should be able to walk around and communicate. Basically Chad’s ideal library would be that of IUPUI’s, as it has room to move around and collaborate in groups, staff on hand and ready with information any student may need, and also small rooms for groups to get away and be able to do their own thing.
In summary of the article, the one thing that I noticed every ideal library posted had, was an immense amount of technology. And not only did they include computers and televisions, but someone that is always around who has knowledge on each piece of technology and can answer any questions need be. From personal experience, I think that sometimes always having a computer around today can cause a huge distraction for students. For instance I, yes im guilty, find myself always clicking around the internet or getting on facebook or twitter. It is interesting to see how many students are actually doing their homework in libraries these days.
The article “Ten Ideas for Getting Started with 21st Century Teaching and Learning,” is a informative article that makes people realize, that yes technology should be used in the classroom, but the educators should have a valid understanding about each aspect of the technology. It says that many people make the mistake that educators instantly need to be able to build their own websites, post their own blogs, etc. I have never even posted a blog and I am at the age where my peers do it every day. This just makes me think of my parents. The most technically challenged pair you will meet, but they try to hide it. Mom has a blackberry, and an i-touch, and really has no idea what she is doing. This is exactly what the article is saying, my mom basically just threw herself into the technological world without warning or chance to become familiar with it first.
The list of ideas to begin educating innovatively starts with equipment. Equipment is very important in being able to teach in a technological manner. The author states that the three key sources in a classroom would have to be, a computer, a projector, and internet access, also having a computer cart so that each student is able to access the internet alongside the teacher. Through the article, it gets into detail about curriculum, and standards. I think that these two are the biggest factors in classroom technology. For a teacher to be prepared to teach a class he/she must has something set up, and in this case a technological lesson needs to be well planned out, but also accessible.
In conclusion to the two articles, my position as far as technology in the classroom stays the same. I think it is a great idea to integrate technology, especially today, because it seems like technology is taking over the world little by little. Inside and outside the classroom its always going to be there, so being able to be warned and prepared for it is just another luxury we have today.
