Technology and Teaching | Brandi Kubat-Snow | TEDxWWU

Summary

The speaker emphasizes the need for a shift in education to incorporate technology into classrooms, as students today are digital natives. While traditional classrooms have remained largely unchanged, the world has evolved, and students are accustomed to using technology for communication, learning, and creativity. Teachers, as digital immigrants, must adapt and embrace technology as a tool for teaching. The importance of digital literacy, equitable access to resources, and teaching students to be responsible digital citizens is highlighted to prepare them for a tech-driven future.

Takeaways

• 📚 Classrooms haven't significantly changed in decades, despite changes in how we communicate and learn.
• 👨‍🏫 Technology is deeply ingrained in the lives of today's students, who are digital natives, while many teachers are digital immigrants still adjusting.
• 🎥 Children, like the speaker's son, are already creating content and engaging with the digital world from a young age.
• 📵 Schools often restrict technology use, even though it’s a key part of students' everyday lives outside of school.
• 💻 Technology should be used as a tool for learning, enabling students to access information, ask bigger questions, and expand their curiosity.
• 🌍 Classrooms can now connect with people and experiences across the globe, breaking the traditional boundaries of education.
• 📝 Teachers no longer need to be the sole experts; they can guide students in finding credible and reliable information online.
• 💡 Students should shift from being mere consumers of information to creators of content, demonstrating their learning in diverse ways.
• 📶 Not all students have access to technology, making it crucial for schools to provide the necessary resources to level the playing field.
• 🌐 Educators need to teach students digital citizenship, ensuring they make safe and responsible choices in the digital world.

Q & A

What is the main message of the script regarding the use of technology in classrooms?

The main message is that while classrooms have remained relatively unchanged for decades, the way students communicate and interact has evolved with technology. Educators need to incorporate technology into teaching to prepare students for a tech-driven future.

How does the speaker describe the difference between digital natives and digital immigrants?

Digital natives are described as students who have grown up with technology and are familiar with using it in their daily lives. Digital immigrants, on the other hand, are teachers and parents who did not grow up with this technology and may struggle to understand or integrate it effectively.

What does the speaker suggest educators should do to help students use technology effectively?

Educators should shift their mindset to view technology as a tool for learning rather than just for entertainment. They should teach students how to access, evaluate, and use information from the internet and other digital resources responsibly.

Why does the speaker believe it is important to integrate technology into education?

The speaker believes it is important because the world is becoming increasingly digital, and students need to be prepared for jobs and environments that require technical skills. By integrating technology, schools can better prepare students for the future.

What example does the speaker give to highlight how technology expands learning opportunities?

The speaker mentions that classrooms can virtually visit places like the bottom of the sea, the Taj Mahal, or interact with astronauts on the space station, showing how technology can provide experiences that go beyond the physical classroom.

How does the speaker suggest handling the fact that not all students have access to technology at home?

The speaker suggests that it is even more crucial for schools to provide access to technology for students who lack it at home. This ensures that all students have the opportunity to develop the digital skills needed for their future.

What role does the speaker envision for teachers in a technology-rich classroom?

In a technology-rich classroom, teachers no longer need to have all the answers but should guide students in finding, evaluating, and using information responsibly. Teachers can help students become creators of content rather than just consumers.

What challenge does the speaker give to digital immigrants regarding understanding digital natives?

The speaker challenges digital immigrants (parents and educators) to engage with the digital natives in their lives by asking about their favorite social media platforms and learning how they connect with their peers. This helps bridge the gap between generations.

According to the speaker, what percentage of jobs will require technical skills by 2020?

According to the speaker, 77% of jobs will require some degree of technical skill by 2020, underscoring the importance of preparing students for a technology-driven workforce.

What does the speaker say is required for classrooms to make the shift toward better integration of technology?

The speaker emphasizes that for classrooms to make this shift, both students and teachers need reliable access to resources such as internet, computers, software, and support from leadership that advocates for this change.