The cerebrum -- which is just Latin for "brain" -- is the newest (evolutionarily) and largest part of the brain as a whole. It is here that things like perception, imagination, thought, judgment, and decision occur. I hope you are thoughtful as you leave your comments on this blog.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Chapter 6: Using Technology in Partnering
Describe the "Prensky Apostasy" and then agree or disagree with it... supporting your opinion. Before you write your response, read "Cell Phones are a Distraction" as well
Prensky stated this: "partnering teachers should never! Ever use The technology For their students. " He believes that teachers should communicate with their students via texts, Email and posting online. He believes that techinology should. Be used whenever possible, but not by the teachers. Instead of the teacher setting up the lesson using the smart board, Prensky believes that the students should do it for themselves. I agree with Prensky that the teacher should point out all of the technology available to the students, Watch carefully while the students present and ok with the technology, Eourage and point out any mistakes but I also think that the teacher is the one who needs to be able to teach their students how to use each piece of technology since not everyone is able to have it at home and may be unaware and unfamiliar with it. After reading the article on cell phones, It actually changed my opinion on it. I was always taught no phones in school, it's a distraction. After reading this article, I saw the other point of view. There are so many distractions in a classroom, such as the PA system, fire alrams and people doing the lawn outside. If the students phones are on silent, and they know and follow the rules that they will not answer their phone during class it can be a very helpful piece of techinology. It is inexpensive so most students have them and they have built in calculators so they won't have to go out and buy one. Also, with the Internet options these days, students will be able to google and research topics that interest them. In my opinion, if students are using them for the right reasons, cell phones can be very helpful in the classroom!
The "Prensky Apostasy" states that teachers should rarely use the technology in the classroom, if ever. It should eb the student who are using the technology for two reasons, 1. the students should learn about the technology by using it, not watching someone else use it. and 2. The students more often than not already knows more about the technology than the teacher does. I agree with Prenksy because we are supposed to be preparing the students for the future, and i believe that the future will involve them using all different types of technologies, not them watching someone else use them!
I agree with the cellphone article too, because i believe they aren't as much of a distraction as teachers make them out to be. I think students will use their cell phone more during a class that they know it bothers the teacher, than a class where it doesnt bother the teacher as much. Plus, if you cant stop them from using it, then why try and fight it. Instead encourage the use of them to look things up online in order to verify something they are skeptical about. They will still use it for things that arent exactly educational, but i feel the good will out weigh the bad. I do think there would have to be some rules that would limit the use, like no playing games. But, that to would be hard to enforce. For the most part if the teacher is willing to let the students use their cell phones then i feel the students will have the respect for the teacher to not abuse it.
The Prensky Apostasy is a little confusing to me. Partnering, in a sense, means sharing the classroom. If the teacher and students are sharing, learning, and discovering together, why shouldn’t teachers be allowed to explore the possibilities of technology as well? There are plenty of young, creative teachers who are almost or just as excited about technology as their students. If you’re a tech savvy teacher, I think there’s an opportunity for students to learn from you as well. That’s not to say that they know everything, but I think teachers and students can learn from each other. Sure, students know A LOT about technology, but they may not know about kinds of programs and software that they wouldn’t typically use at home. They could probably figure it out easily, but if teachers know something, why shouldn’t they share it? I agree, if someone’s at the board explaining a problem or idea, it should be the student, but I don’t think we should ban teachers from using technology. I think it goes against the ideas of partnering.
I loved the “Cell Phones are a Distraction” article! The description of all the types of distractions that occur in our classroom on a regular basis is hilarious. And it’s totally out of our control. I teach 9th period in a room next to the bus parking lot. Even though class doesn’t end until 2:18, the busses show up at 2pm every day and my students here the busses running outside the window. It’s torture! At 2pm, the students assume class is over! If I can handle the bus distractions, I think I can handle cell phones. The fact of the matter is that the phones are in their pockets anyway. It’s not like by not using them in class we’re never going to see them. Kids don’t even care if you take them away! The next class, they’ll still take their phones out. So why not use them productively instead of trying to control something we can’t? Teachers always complain about not having enough computers or lack of computer lab time or not enough laptops. Kids have the equivalent of laptops in their pockets! Just like if they’re texting under their desk and I take their phone, if they’re supposed to be researching and they’re texting, they’ll face a consequence as well.
The prensky Apostasy believes when it comes to technology in the classroom the teacher is the guide and the coach never the user. Prensky believes the teacher should never use the the technology but allow the student to figure the tool out on their own. Students should set up and navigate their own technology. Students must learn how to master these tools on their own. Teachers should always use their technological tools to communicate such as text, email, and posting online. Teachers do not need to show students how to operate the technology. Rather they should just make sure students work is correct and point out mistakes, bogus websites and plagiarized work. Teachers must incorporate the proper use of technology to keep students engaged. Teachers should point out all available technology and students are expected to take it from there. Students should be encouraged to use web 2.0, where they can publish work and get feedback. Teachers should also promote the use of cellphones in the classrooms as technology tools. Cellphones are becoming more popular amongst students so teachers should utilize them to their advantage. Cellphones can be used in various ways in the classroom such as calculators, research methods, and blog posting to name a few. Prensky main point is technology is moving forward and not backwards so teachers must find ways to incorporate it in the classroom. The prensky Apostasy also states computer and video games can be used as learning tools. I agree with the Prensky Apostasy teachers must let children learn the technology on their own, teachers of course will always be there to guide and assist in the correct usage. It is important that teachers allow children to make these discoveries on their own. You can only learn to fully operate something by beginning to utilize it yourself. I also strongly agree with the “cellphones are a distraction article”. Cellphones should be incorporated in to the classrooms for proper usage. Cellphone usage is not decreasing but increasing so we should find a way to maximize learning with it. Teachers must learn to allow children to use all available technological tools to advance learning in the classrooms. Smart phones are little computers anyway so why not let children utilize them as one. As we move forward in the future technology is becoming larger and greater in our world. If we want our students to stay ahead we must begin to embrace these tools and use them consistently.
I feel I agree to disagree with the Prensky Apostasy. I agree that the students should be using the technology to create, research and discover. I also believe the teacher is there to guide them through using the technology and point out other resources they can use. I also agree the teacher should not be doing the work for them but providing guidance and examples/models. However, I think the teachers should be aware of how to use the technology they are promoting in the classroom. How can a teacher guide the students in using technology if they do not know how to use it themselves? Also, how could they present examples/models to their students if they don't know how to use the technology? Technology is a very important aspect to use in today's classroom. Our students are surrounding by technology and it is rapidly growing. Students are always up-to-date with the newest technology and we should strive to be there too. We can also learn about the latest technology from our students and possibly incorporate a lesson on how to use it in class with the students as the teacher.
I agree with the cellphone article. We should incorporate cellphone use into the classroom. There are so many other distractions going on but most of them cannot be incorporated into the classroom like technology can. Instead of looking at cellphones as a nemesis in the classroom, they should be looked at as an ally. Cellphones provide students with so many tools (nouns) to complete the essential verbs in learning. Students constantly use cellphones in their daily lives that it would be a natural progression for them to use it in the classroom.
My students always ask to use their phones as calculators in class when they've forgotten or lost their TI-84. It's great that their phone has that capability, but they can't use it on state tests! They need to practice using the devices required by state.
I do not agree with “Prensky Apostasy" that technology in the classroom should not be utilized in the classroom, but students are encouraged to learn about the importance of technology and apply their knowledge about them in real life experiences. Teachers who find technology to be helpful and effective resources in their classrooms should be allowed to use them. There are many teachers who would disagree with Prensky’s argument. If teachers want to follow partnering procedures then technology may be the best way to implement this instruction in the classroom.
After reading the article on “Cell Phones as Distractions” one may learn that having technology in the classroom is not a bad thing. Teachers can learn that using technology as part of their lessons, promotes learning and academic opportunities for their students. However, this article stresses that when technology is used and taught appropriately learning occurs. So when I read this article, I discover that texting and receiving phone calls will only be acceptable when it is relevant to the information discussed in class.
The "Prensky Apostasy" explains that in partnering it it the students' job and not the teachers' to to use whatever technology is available in the classroom. The students will learn more if they do not have everything set up for them, which I definitely agree with. Teachers', according to Prensky, should be extremely limited in how they use their technology. The only time he feels that it is appropriate is when a teacher has to model the kind of technological use they are expecting, which is something that I practice when students present in my classes now. Prensky goes on to explain that a teacher should never use the technology for the students. He or she should allow the students to explore and set up their own blogs, create their own presentations, and experiment with all the features of this technology. Prensky believes that in the long run, students can use technology more effectively than most teachers, which I strongly believe because they are born into this technology and we have to catch up. These students need a guide, but not someone to do it all for them.
The cell phone article was very interesting because it gave me the opportunity to reflect on all the distractions that I have already in the classroom. I am doing my student teaching now with two classes of senior economics class and so often they are pulled out of my classroom for behavioral issues or attendance problems. Also, the author mentioned about placing phones in the classroom and I have one in the room I teach in. I receive phone calls from counselors constantly during my classes to send students downstairs. This can be totally frustrating, but cell phones do have some capabilities that cannot be ignored. I was always taught absolutely no cell phones, but the students that are told to stop using them for Twitter, Facebook, and games are always going to continue. Responsibility is what needs to be learned and if they can see the positives in using this technology responsibly you can motivate many of your students to change their distracting habits.
I agree with the Prensky Apostasy. I believe that this new way of teaching will be beneficial to our students. Students enjoy sharing what they know with their peers and with their teachers. I like the idea that students are encouraged to utilize technology and take responsibility for their own learning. This sense of accountability is bound to increase engagement and achievement. I agree that work and research does not need to be done for students. They learn more by discovering on their own with the guidance of teachers. As a prospective Special Education teacher, I realize that some of my students will require additional support and modeling at first, but this technique will benefit them.
In my current position as a Teaching Assistant, I have recently considered the use of the smartphone as a learning tool. The struggle to keep the cell phones out of sight seems to be more distracting. I would love to implement the use of smartphones in the classroom and I believe this will soon be a reality for us, but I think that many administrators still view the smartphone as a distractor so this change will take time.
The “Prensky Apostasy” is about how teachers should not use technology for the students but instead should instead make students aware of different technologies and have the students use them and set them up for themselves. The teacher should then monitor and give feedback to the students as to whether or not they are using them correctly. I agree with this because there are so many ways for teachers to communicate with their students that will be more effective than creating a PowerPoint. The students should be making PowerPoint’s and not the teachers. And the teachers can communicate through blogs and stuff with their students and their students will take to it so much more than if the teacher just presented a PowerPoint to them. The students’ lives are surrounded by technology that they will be using with or without the teacher, but it can be so much more effective if the students are made aware of how to properly use this technology in a positive way. And kids love using their phones and computers and different stuff on the internet, it only makes sense to bring all of that into the classroom and use it to enhance learning.
The Prensky Apostasy confused me at first because I thought it was saying that teachers should never use technology, but the Apostasy offers that teachers should use technology only for giving a test, modeling or preparing technology based materials out of class. I thought it was so funny the book mentioned ARGs, Alternate Reality Games, as a technology. I wouldn't classify it as such but I can see how it is. ARGs allow students to become involved in a real time problem that forces working collaboratively to achieve the goal, depending on how the game is designed. The game is ever changing and game makers must constantly be on their toes if the goal is met too quickly, too slow, clues aren't being found, clues aren't making sense, etc. Technology in this sense, the teacher would play a vital role but as the guide, while the students played the game and solved problems on their own. I would like to think teachers can still use the smart board and power points (although I prefer Prezis.. which are stored in an account on the internet, offer a much more interesting and dynamic presentation of information, and regular power points can be converted into Prezi. It requires some trial and error but there are a lot of quick tutorial videos on the site and on youtube) Smart boards and presentations don't have to list information, but show pictures, discussion questions, charts of classroom progress, each others Service Learning plans, the class blog, etc. To say teachers shouldn't use the technology is misleading. I do agree though that the students should be more hands on, learning through doing, and using different media in a variety of ways. The Prensky Apostasy also said that teachers do not have to be experts in the technology the students are using but later says the techers need to "watch carefully" as the students use the technology and make sure the "students are producing high-quality rigorous work." If you do not understand the technology and all that it can do, how can you be sure the student is using it to his/her best ability and putting in the effort to use all the tools the technology may offer effectively?
In regards to cell phones, I think there is a certain stigma about this technology in regards to cheating. Even when I had a graphing calculator in physics, we were all storing our formulas that weren't on the sheet in the notes area. Don't judge me, I was 16 taking AP Physics.. I'm and English major. I think that if students were allowed to use them for certain things, they wouldn't see them as a tool to be utilized for cheating.. You do bad things with forbidden objects. Its human nature. I don't really agree with the book though as cell phones being used in the class to communicate with each other. I think blogs are a much more appropriate environment for class discussion and contact. But, mass texts from teachers as reminders could be very useful.. when I was active in my sorority the president would send out reminders and it was always very helpful and reached everyone quickly.
The Prensky Apostasy states that the students should be the only ones using technology in the classroom. The students should set up any blogs, wikis, and/or multimedia presentations themselves without assistance from the teacher. The teacher should not use technology herself, except to briefly model a task or communicate with students. I agree that today's students have grown up with certain technology and may be more knowledgeable about it then the teacher. I also agree that students learn by doing; that they should be completing much of the work on their own, with assistance from the teacher when needed. However, I don't think that a teacher should refrain from using technology herself. A partnering teacher shares the classroom with the students. So she should be able to use the Smart Board and make her own videos or presentations whenever she sees fit. In some cases, a teacher may have a better understanding of certain technology and vice versa. Students and teachers should be able to learn from each other, especially in a partnering classroom. The article on cell phones was great! I had never really thought about all the other distractions that students and teachers deal with every day, even though I have experienced most of them (the lawnmowers are the WORST, especially in an elementary classroom!). I agree that smartphones should be utilized more in the classroom. There are so many applications that can be beneficial to both students and teachers.
Describe the "Prensky Apostasy" and then agree or disagree with it... supporting your opinion. Before you write your response, read "Cell Phones are a Distraction" as well
Prensky suggests that technology (PowerPoints, twitter, computers, interactive white boards, etc.) should primarily be used by students, not teachers. He acknowledges that this is not a universal view; however, he believes it to be essential for the partnering classroom. Why should teachers reserve the right to work technology when most students are more proficient anyway? Further, just like with more antiquated instruction, teachers should never use technology for students in an effort to complete a given assignment. Students should be taught how to use technology responsibly and constructively to yield the best educational and social results. I am in partial agreement with Prensky. While I believe students should definitely be privy to the latest and greatest technology (because they must “do” to “learn,”) I don’t think it should exist solely for their use. Teachers should be trained and involved in whatever technology is being used to provide the maximum feedback for students.
Cell phones have always been a hot-button issue with me. It’s been my experience that they are a colossal distraction as most students trade texts, emails, and even phone calls during important classtime. However, in light of recent discussions and Whitby’s fantastic article, I am willing to reconsider and introduce cell phones into my classroom. I intend on teaching students appropriate educational uses (and non uses) for today’s phones (ie: polleverywhere.com.) Smartphones are not going away and teachers can best serve students by instructing them how to use such powerful technology responsibly.
Describe the "Prensky Apostasy" and then agree of disagree with it...Supporting your opinion. Before you write your response, read "Cell Phones are a Distraction" as well.
Prensky said that students should be able to use technology. That they should be the ones using the technology not their teachers. That teachers should be teaching the students how to use all forms of technology present that they can use it since not ever student will be tech savy and know how to use everything.
I think that article about cell phone usage had many good points. In my particular class cell phones need to be left in the locker room becuase they can be a distraction that can cause an injury. But i feel that if in a class room a teacher can spin the use of a cell phone and make it benefical for the students to use from time to time. Now each phone is basically like a computer, now every students that has internet access on their phone and is able to research during class. Why not use this piece of technology to your advantage as a classroom teacher?
*Describe the "Prensky Apostasy" and then agree or disagree with it... supporting your opinion. Before you write your response, read "Cell Phones are a Distraction" as well.*
The Prensky Apostasy states that it is the students job (not the teachers) to use the technology available. Also it is the students jobs to answer the guided questions and master the skills. Also Prensky states that materials such as Powerpoint and SmartBoards should be used by students and not teachers. He believes that these were created just for students therefore should just be used by the students. He also states that children are more "tech savvy" than most teachers-therefore they should be allowed to use the technology primarily themselves.
Using the cell phone article, it seems evident that technology can be extremely useful for students in the classroom. All different subject areas can have cell phone usage incorporated into it. All of the cell phones today are extremely advanced and have an abundance of uses from doing google research to going on youtube to email. All of these different components of the cell phone make it an excellent tool for a partnering classroom.
The Prensky Apostasy suggests that students should be the primary user of the technology that is available to them within a Partnering classroom. The teacher's role is that of a guide, or coach, not a user, with the exception of modeling what they expect from their students. The main objective of the Prensky Apostasy is that the teacher never use the technology for their students, but rather allow their students to use whatever means of technology to help them achieve and understand the guiding questions provided by their teacher.
I agree with the article that cellphones should be utilized within the classroom. With smart phones becoming more mainstream, they come equipped with tools that students can take advantage of. The key point of the article was teaching students the right way to use their cellphones in the classroom. In doing so we can take advantage of smart phones and transform them into a good learning tool.
The Prensky Apostasy believes when it comes to technology in the classroom the teacher is the guide and the coach, never the user. The "Prensky Apostasy" basically states that teachers should allow their students to be the ones using the technology rather then the teacher herself. I think teachers and students can learn from each other. I do agree that yes, the students should be using the technology in the classroom to learn. Since students are children of “today” they usually know how to use many of these technologies, but in my opinion, in some cases the students do not know. It is the teachers responsibility to incorporate the proper use of technology to keep students engaged. Teachers and students should work together to investigate new technologies and use them to better themselves.
During my time as a teacher I have always agreed with administration that cell phones are a distraction. Distracting us and the youth of this world from “real life” and what is going on right in front of them. I never really allowed my students to use their cell phone in class except for the occasional, “I forgot my calculator, can I just use my cell.” I never thought about incorporating cell phone into my lessons until I read this article. After reading, I completely agree with the article. I think that as a partnering teacher it is very important to use the tools our students use. Many cell phones that our students have are like a small computer, being able to access all internet website. Some even have word processing application on them! What about the students that don’t have those capabilities in their phone? Or better yet, what if a student does not have a cell at all? I love the idea behind this, but to be honest I am still a little torn on this topic.
The Prensky Apostasy refers to the use of technology by the teacher in partnering. Prensky feels teachers should rarely use the technology they encourage students to use. Most of the time, teachers use technology, such as PowerPoint, in place of something they could do with paper and pen. The benefits of technology seem to get lost because it is not enriching the classroom, it is just doing something, like presenting information, in the same way that it has been done before. Students feel teachers do not use technology to its full potential and often, they do not allow students to use it. Technology can be a motivational tool for many students and teachers sometimes overlook that, thinking a simple PowerPoint satisfies the need for technology in the classroom. Prensky states that teachers should never use technology for their students but rather, have their students learn and use technology on their own. Teachers can only use technology to show students examples of what they want to see and to communicate with students. The Prensky Apostacy allows teachers to assign guiding questions and assignments that use technology they are not personally familiar with. This presents an opportunity for students to teach their teachers which can help to form connections and promote respect within the classroom. I have mixed feelings about the Prensky Apostasy. I do agree that teachers should never use technology FOR their students. If teachers start thoroughly helping students use technology, it is no longer the students' original work, but the teachers. The teacher may have a tendency to just 'do' with technology rather than teach. In partnering, it is the teacher's job to prepare students to be able to use the verbs skills in the real-world. This can be achieved through the use of technology. However in the Prensky Apostasy, teachers can assign a project that uses technology they are not personally familiar with. I do not agree with that concept because, like I stated earlier, it is the teacher's job to teach and readily prepare students with verb skills for the real world. I would not feel comfortable not being able to help a student who needs help with a certain type of technology because I don't know how to use the technology myself. I would make sure I at least had some understanding of the technology before I assignment a project that uses that technology. The article on cell phones in the classroom presents a great argument for the use cell phones in the learning process. Cell phones can provide a large array of knowledge that the teacher cannot provide their students. Cell phones are not a distraction if there are rules set down about the use of this form of technology and if students are taught to use them correctly. When used in a classroom, cell phones broaden the horizons of the classroom and can serve as a motivational tool.
According to the text, Prensky Apostasy states that teachers as they are in partnering are s imply the coach or guide even when it comes to technology. Prensky Apostasy states that teachers are not a user of technology when it comes to partnering. He stresses numerous times that any form of technology such as smart boards, PowerPoint’s, Facebook, wikis, twitter and computers are strictly for the students and not to be used by the teachers. Prensky states that a key rule is “partnering teachers should never, ever use the technology for their students”. This means that they should not use the technology to project a lesson. The students are not doing the research or critical thinking therefore it is not partnering. He does agree that teachers could use technology in order to communicate with their students such as text message and emails. Prensky believes that technology should be used as often as possible but by the students and not by the teachers. After reading chapter 6 I was particularly interested in Prensky’s justifications of Prensky Apostasy. I do agree to an extent that students should be doing the majority of the technology use. Students today are wired completely differently than even my generation who are wired far more advanced than the generation before them. I do believe that all classrooms should have the greatest opportunities to bring technology into the classroom. Smart Boards are an excellent way to bring technology into the classroom to share with everyone. I understand Prensky’s hate towards power points, power points are a glorified way of write notes on a chalk board as educators did years ago. Using a power point does not truly qualify the use of technology in the classroom. The use of technology is opening the internet and allowing students to explore for the information on their own. I do think that it is important for teachers to use the technology to guide the students to their answers. I also do agree with Prensky’s use of technological communication. E-mails have become the new way of communicating through all work forces. The students need to become familiar with emails and by using them in school can allow the students to work from home and in class to communicate with their teachers. I do not completely agree with cell phones in the classroom thought. I think for elementary level, cell phones are too much of a distraction if they even posses one.
In partnering it is the student’s job to use whatever technology is available, answer the guiding questions and use the verbs. The author believes that the teacher is not the user but the coach. He says the teacher should not use power-point or smart-boards, but that the students should be users. While I think it is a bold concept, I disagree. I think it is important for the teacher to have a background so that they can use these technologies and have the students then use the technologies on their own. I think students can then use the teacher’s feedback to improve their use of the technologies such as power-point and the interactive white boards. I think that the technology should still be seen as a partnering technique, where the students and teachers both use it and learn from each other. I can see why students may appreciate the teacher giving them the opportunity to “know more” than the teacher by trying out new technologies. Some students could see it as a way to build a deeper connection by offering new technology experiences, but I still feel like I would want to have some control of what is going on in the classroom, or at least know what to expect from my students. I do not believe that the teacher should do everything for the students, because they should be experiencing it for themselves. However, I do think that the teacher should be competent and able to help struggling students.
With regards to the other article, I believe that students should be allowed to use cell-phones as another form of technology in the classroom. I can see why most people can think cell phones are a distraction, but after reading the article I realized that there are many other distractions to the learning process that are probably worse than phones (loud speaker announcements, gardening outside, interruptions in the halls, etc.) I think that phones offer another tool for internet web searching, word processing and poll taking during the lesson. I agree that they can be less of a distraction if there are rules and procedures put in place. Maybe cell phones are only allowed to be used during specific times, or the teacher guides students through its use. It can be a regular classroom management issue where students know what rules to follow and what the consequences are. I think that using the phones as a new way to do things can make learning more interesting in the classroom. The fact that most kids are attached to their phones anyway, will make them more excited to use them and participate, instead of trying to sneak/hide its use during class. I think that as a partnering teacher it is very important to use the tools our students use. The only limiting factor is when a student does not have a smart phone, I guess they can share with another student. If teachers are more accepting of phones as a positive learning tool, maybe students will learn to use them as a tool and monitor their use effectively.
The old adage: “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink”, no longer hold true. Technology keeps the horse thirsty and ocean is never ending.
According to Prensky Apostasy students should be the masters of the technology in the classroom. The students need no guidance from the educator when setting, searching and exploring when using technological tools. The educator need not spend a lengthy period of time using technology in the classroom. However I believe it is necessary to utilize technology to conduct the class in an orderly fashion and present the lesson. It is my opinion that the educators can more efficiently lead, guide and coach the students towards success if they too use the technology in the classroom. The children of today are digital natives they know no other way of life. Most teachers on the other hand have not been as exposed as the children they are responsible to teach. After reading this chapter I can see more now how a cell phone is an asset and not a distraction. Smart handheld devices should be used more in the classroom. Both students and educators will benefit by actively using technology. The more experience they have the more they will use technology to achieve a comprehensive, relatable and real lesson. Personally I find that the iPod Touch is one of the best investments I’ve made thus far for my son Hunter who is not yet school aged.
I agree and disagree in several points of the Prensky Apostasy. I agree that the students’ job is to use available technology to answer guiding questions, to master the skill and to use the verbs. I agree that most of the cases students’ knowledge in technology can be superior to the teachers’ knowledge and they can teach teachers about it. I agree that the use of technology is essential in a partnering classroom but I strongly disagree that teachers can’t use or show how to use a technology to their students. I think that teachers should have a basic knowledge on the tools that they are going to include in their lessons. How can they guide or coach the students if they don’t have knowledge of the tool that they are suggesting to use to answer the guiding questions? I support the author on including the use of cellular phones in a lesson. I think that students can learn how to use their everyday phone in their education and have fun doing it.
The “Prensky Apostasy” states that technology should be used abundantly in the classroom, but the students should be the ones using it, not the teachers. He says that teachers shouldn’t use the whiteboards, create powerpoint presentations or even concern themselves with being experts on how to use these technologies in the classroom. I feel like this statement completely violates the entire concept of partnering, and I couldn’t disagree with it more. While I do agree that teachers should not be using these technologies FOR the students (of course, you never want to do the students’ work for them), teachers should have a pretty thorough understanding of the technologies they are using. Prensky says the teacher should be a guide, but how can you guide someone when you yourself are not well-versed in the subject matter? It’s like the blind leading the blind. Imagine going to a museum and taking a guided tour, and the guide doesn’t really know much about any of the exhibits or their history. What is the point of the guide then? What can I get from that guide that I can’t just get out of just wandering around the museum on my own? Shouldn’t that guide be knowledgeable in order to answer any questions you may have or point you in the right direction of what you’re looking for? If the role of the teacher is to be the guide, then this almost eliminates the role of the teacher completely. Prensky pushes this idea of partnering where teacher and students play equal roles in the learning experience, but having the teacher never use any of the technologies is a reversal of roles, not an equal partnership. Saying that teachers should never (with few exceptions) use the technology available in the classroom is a rather bold statement, and I feel like there are a lot of factors that should be taken into consideration when making such a claim. Should I, as a teacher (who may be teaching in a public school with over 30 students in an inclusive classroom, with culturally and socio-economically diverse students), just assume that every one of my students has had extensive, equal access to technology, and is an expert in every form of it? I think that is an unfair assessment, and while students can also learn from each other, I think it would be helpful to have a teacher who is extremely knowledgeable in the technologies they utilize in the classroom. Additionally, while most students may know how to use these technologies, they may not be using them to their full potential. I know I personally have an appreciation for a teacher who can teach me how to use technologies in a more efficient manner. Even being in this class, I learned how to use technologies that I use on a daily basis in ways I had no idea I could. I learned this directly from the professor, and I’m quite certain I would not have figured it out on my own. I think it’s more about teachers learning how to share and utilize technology in the classroom in the right way rather than just not use it all.
Cell phones are definitely a distraction in the classroom, and I know this first-hand because I can think of countless times in my own classroom experiences when I have been completely immersed in some inane conversation via text message and completely zoned out on what has been going on in the classroom. I mean, I couldn’t tell you a single word that was said, I was just somewhere else completely. But, you know what? If the cell phone wasn’t there, I would probably be writing a note to someone, doodling in my notebook, or staring out of a window anyway. So maybe my cell phone is not the problem. Maybe if my classroom experiences were a little more interesting, a lot less lectures and note taking, and more lessons were utilized where I was actively participating and engaged I wouldn’t feel the need to mentally checkout! Cell phones are a great tool for students to use in the classroom, as long as they are being utilized in conjunction with fun, interesting, engaging lessons so they are actually being used as an educational tool as opposed to an escape route.
Technology in partnering is a way of guiding students to utilize technology as a source of learning and putting their skills into practice. In doing so, teachers must stay current to not only connect with their students, but to be able to teach them to decipher which tools will work best to tackle the goal at hand. It is the students job to be able to navigate within the sources of technology while the teacher continues to provide guidance. For example, the use of cell phones being incorporated into the classroom would be great. I'm quite sure many students would agree that it would be more stimulating if it is used the correct way in class, which is to aid in learning. As teachers, we can incorporate using cell phones into our everyday practice of teaching, to our advantage.
In Using Technology in partnering, It states is the usage of technology within classrooms are rare. However, students should be exposed to technology and also in being taught how to use properly so it can be resourceful. So, responsible such as setting the smartboard should be included in the curriculum. As for cellphones, it can be distraction if not properly used. If students are trained and educated just as teachers than it also can be resourceful.
Describe the "Prensky Apostasy" and then agree or disagree with it... supporting your opinion. Before you write your response, read, "Cell Phones are a Distraction" as well.
According to chapter 6, the Prensky Apostasy tells us that students should be the main user of the technology available to them in a partnering classroom. The chapters’ states that the teacher's role is to guide, coach, not a user, with the exception of modeling what they expect from their students. This chapter reminded me of chapter 2 “Leaving the Stage” I believe that the objective of the chapter is that the teacher never uses the technology for their students, but to allow the students to use all kids of technology to help them achieve and understand the guiding questions. I agree that the teacher should never, ever do the work of the students. However, there are times that some students do not know or have a clue or what to do and the teacher has to step in even if it’s minimal. Some students do and can learn independently but others students would need the teachers to hold their hand and guide them step-by-step and then they can do it independently. I feel that teachers are responsible to incorporate the proper use of technology to keep students on task, motivated and engaged. As a future educator I would feel helpless if I was not ahead of the students with regards to my lessons. Therefore, I would make sure that I always read ahead a chapter or two before my students and the same goes for technology. The cell phone article was very interesting and brought up some points that I totally agree with. Cell phone is a small computer to the students and me can learn a wide range of information during class, or group discussions. At the same time I know that teachers have to set rules about the use of cell phones in order for the students to use them correctly.
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Prensky stated this: "partnering teachers should never! Ever use The technology For their students. " He believes that teachers should communicate with their students via texts, Email and posting online. He believes that techinology should. Be used whenever possible, but not by the teachers. Instead of the teacher setting up the lesson using the smart board, Prensky believes that the students should do it for themselves. I agree with Prensky that the teacher should point out all of the technology available to the students, Watch carefully while the students present and ok with the technology, Eourage and point out any mistakes but I also think that the teacher is the one who needs to be able to teach their students how to use each piece of technology since not everyone is able to have it at home and may be unaware and unfamiliar with it.
After reading the article on cell phones, It actually changed my opinion on it. I was always taught no phones in school, it's a distraction. After reading this article, I saw the other point of view. There are so many distractions in a classroom, such as the PA system, fire alrams and people doing the lawn outside. If the students phones are on silent, and they know and follow the rules that they will not answer their phone during class it can be a very helpful piece of techinology. It is inexpensive so most students have them and they have built in calculators so they won't have to go out and buy one. Also, with the Internet options these days, students will be able to google and research topics that interest them. In my opinion, if students are using them for the right reasons, cell phones can be very helpful in the classroom!
The "Prensky Apostasy" states that teachers should rarely use the technology in the classroom, if ever. It should eb the student who are using the technology for two reasons, 1. the students should learn about the technology by using it, not watching someone else use it. and 2. The students more often than not already knows more about the technology than the teacher does. I agree with Prenksy because we are supposed to be preparing the students for the future, and i believe that the future will involve them using all different types of technologies, not them watching someone else use them!
I agree with the cellphone article too, because i believe they aren't as much of a distraction as teachers make them out to be. I think students will use their cell phone more during a class that they know it bothers the teacher, than a class where it doesnt bother the teacher as much. Plus, if you cant stop them from using it, then why try and fight it. Instead encourage the use of them to look things up online in order to verify something they are skeptical about. They will still use it for things that arent exactly educational, but i feel the good will out weigh the bad. I do think there would have to be some rules that would limit the use, like no playing games. But, that to would be hard to enforce. For the most part if the teacher is willing to let the students use their cell phones then i feel the students will have the respect for the teacher to not abuse it.
The Prensky Apostasy is a little confusing to me. Partnering, in a sense, means sharing the classroom. If the teacher and students are sharing, learning, and discovering together, why shouldn’t teachers be allowed to explore the possibilities of technology as well? There are plenty of young, creative teachers who are almost or just as excited about technology as their students. If you’re a tech savvy teacher, I think there’s an opportunity for students to learn from you as well. That’s not to say that they know everything, but I think teachers and students can learn from each other. Sure, students know A LOT about technology, but they may not know about kinds of programs and software that they wouldn’t typically use at home. They could probably figure it out easily, but if teachers know something, why shouldn’t they share it? I agree, if someone’s at the board explaining a problem or idea, it should be the student, but I don’t think we should ban teachers from using technology. I think it goes against the ideas of partnering.
I loved the “Cell Phones are a Distraction” article! The description of all the types of distractions that occur in our classroom on a regular basis is hilarious. And it’s totally out of our control. I teach 9th period in a room next to the bus parking lot. Even though class doesn’t end until 2:18, the busses show up at 2pm every day and my students here the busses running outside the window. It’s torture! At 2pm, the students assume class is over! If I can handle the bus distractions, I think I can handle cell phones. The fact of the matter is that the phones are in their pockets anyway. It’s not like by not using them in class we’re never going to see them. Kids don’t even care if you take them away! The next class, they’ll still take their phones out. So why not use them productively instead of trying to control something we can’t? Teachers always complain about not having enough computers or lack of computer lab time or not enough laptops. Kids have the equivalent of laptops in their pockets! Just like if they’re texting under their desk and I take their phone, if they’re supposed to be researching and they’re texting, they’ll face a consequence as well.
The prensky Apostasy believes when it comes to technology in the classroom the teacher is the guide and the coach never the user. Prensky believes the teacher should never use the the technology but allow the student to figure the tool out on their own. Students should set up and navigate their own technology. Students must learn how to master these tools on their own. Teachers should always use their technological tools to communicate such as text, email, and posting online. Teachers do not need to show students how to operate the technology. Rather they should just make sure students work is correct and point out mistakes, bogus websites and plagiarized work. Teachers must incorporate the proper use of technology to keep students engaged. Teachers should point out all available technology and students are expected to take it from there. Students should be encouraged to use web 2.0, where they can publish work and get feedback. Teachers should also promote the use of cellphones in the classrooms as technology tools. Cellphones are becoming more popular amongst students so teachers should utilize them to their advantage. Cellphones can be used in various ways in the classroom such as calculators, research methods, and blog posting to name a few. Prensky main point is technology is moving forward and not backwards so teachers must find ways to incorporate it in the classroom. The prensky Apostasy also states computer and video games can be used as learning tools.
I agree with the Prensky Apostasy teachers must let children learn the technology on their own, teachers of course will always be there to guide and assist in the correct usage. It is important that teachers allow children to make these discoveries on their own. You can only learn to fully operate something by beginning to utilize it yourself. I also strongly agree with the “cellphones are a distraction article”. Cellphones should be incorporated in to the classrooms for proper usage. Cellphone usage is not decreasing but increasing so we should find a way to maximize learning with it. Teachers must learn to allow children to use all available technological tools to advance learning in the classrooms. Smart phones are little computers anyway so why not let children utilize them as one. As we move forward in the future technology is becoming larger and greater in our world. If we want our students to stay ahead we must begin to embrace these tools and use them consistently.
I feel I agree to disagree with the Prensky Apostasy. I agree that the students should be using the technology to create, research and discover. I also believe the teacher is there to guide them through using the technology and point out other resources they can use. I also agree the teacher should not be doing the work for them but providing guidance and examples/models. However, I think the teachers should be aware of how to use the technology they are promoting in the classroom. How can a teacher guide the students in using technology if they do not know how to use it themselves? Also, how could they present examples/models to their students if they don't know how to use the technology? Technology is a very important aspect to use in today's classroom. Our students are surrounding by technology and it is rapidly growing. Students are always up-to-date with the newest technology and we should strive to be there too. We can also learn about the latest technology from our students and possibly incorporate a lesson on how to use it in class with the students as the teacher.
I agree with the cellphone article. We should incorporate cellphone use into the classroom. There are so many other distractions going on but most of them cannot be incorporated into the classroom like technology can. Instead of looking at cellphones as a nemesis in the classroom, they should be looked at as an ally. Cellphones provide students with so many tools (nouns) to complete the essential verbs in learning. Students constantly use cellphones in their daily lives that it would be a natural progression for them to use it in the classroom.
My students always ask to use their phones as calculators in class when they've forgotten or lost their TI-84. It's great that their phone has that capability, but they can't use it on state tests! They need to practice using the devices required by state.
I do not agree with “Prensky Apostasy" that technology in the classroom should not be utilized in the classroom, but students are encouraged to learn about the importance of technology and apply their knowledge about them in real life experiences. Teachers who find technology to be helpful and effective resources in their classrooms should be allowed to use them. There are many teachers who would disagree with Prensky’s argument. If teachers want to follow partnering procedures then technology may be the best way to implement this instruction in the classroom.
After reading the article on “Cell Phones as Distractions” one may learn that having technology in the classroom is not a bad thing. Teachers can learn that using technology as part of their lessons, promotes learning and academic opportunities for their students. However, this article stresses that when technology is used and taught appropriately learning occurs. So when I read this article, I discover that texting and receiving phone calls will only be acceptable when it is relevant to the information discussed in class.
The "Prensky Apostasy" explains that in partnering it it the students' job and not the teachers' to to use whatever technology is available in the classroom. The students will learn more if they do not have everything set up for them, which I definitely agree with. Teachers', according to Prensky, should be extremely limited in how they use their technology. The only time he feels that it is appropriate is when a teacher has to model the kind of technological use they are expecting, which is something that I practice when students present in my classes now. Prensky goes on to explain that a teacher should never use the technology for the students. He or she should allow the students to explore and set up their own blogs, create their own presentations, and experiment with all the features of this technology. Prensky believes that in the long run, students can use technology more effectively than most teachers, which I strongly believe because they are born into this technology and we have to catch up. These students need a guide, but not someone to do it all for them.
The cell phone article was very interesting because it gave me the opportunity to reflect on all the distractions that I have already in the classroom. I am doing my student teaching now with two classes of senior economics class and so often they are pulled out of my classroom for behavioral issues or attendance problems. Also, the author mentioned about placing phones in the classroom and I have one in the room I teach in. I receive phone calls from counselors constantly during my classes to send students downstairs. This can be totally frustrating, but cell phones do have some capabilities that cannot be ignored. I was always taught absolutely no cell phones, but the students that are told to stop using them for Twitter, Facebook, and games are always going to continue. Responsibility is what needs to be learned and if they can see the positives in using this technology responsibly you can motivate many of your students to change their distracting habits.
I agree with the Prensky Apostasy. I believe that this new way of teaching will be beneficial to our students. Students enjoy sharing what they know with their peers and with their teachers. I like the idea that students are encouraged to utilize technology and take responsibility for their own learning. This sense of accountability is bound to increase engagement and achievement. I agree that work and research does not need to be done for students. They learn more by discovering on their own with the guidance of teachers. As a prospective Special Education teacher, I realize that some of my students will require additional support and modeling at first, but this technique will benefit them.
In my current position as a Teaching Assistant, I have recently considered the use of the smartphone as a learning tool. The struggle to keep the cell phones out of sight seems to be more distracting. I would love to implement the use of smartphones in the classroom and I believe this will soon be a reality for us, but I think that many administrators still view the smartphone as a distractor so this change will take time.
The “Prensky Apostasy” is about how teachers should not use technology for the students but instead should instead make students aware of different technologies and have the students use them and set them up for themselves. The teacher should then monitor and give feedback to the students as to whether or not they are using them correctly. I agree with this because there are so many ways for teachers to communicate with their students that will be more effective than creating a PowerPoint. The students should be making PowerPoint’s and not the teachers. And the teachers can communicate through blogs and stuff with their students and their students will take to it so much more than if the teacher just presented a PowerPoint to them. The students’ lives are surrounded by technology that they will be using with or without the teacher, but it can be so much more effective if the students are made aware of how to properly use this technology in a positive way. And kids love using their phones and computers and different stuff on the internet, it only makes sense to bring all of that into the classroom and use it to enhance learning.
The Prensky Apostasy confused me at first because I thought it was saying that teachers should never use technology, but the Apostasy offers that teachers should use technology only for giving a test, modeling or preparing technology based materials out of class. I thought it was so funny the book mentioned ARGs, Alternate Reality Games, as a technology. I wouldn't classify it as such but I can see how it is. ARGs allow students to become involved in a real time problem that forces working collaboratively to achieve the goal, depending on how the game is designed. The game is ever changing and game makers must constantly be on their toes if the goal is met too quickly, too slow, clues aren't being found, clues aren't making sense, etc. Technology in this sense, the teacher would play a vital role but as the guide, while the students played the game and solved problems on their own. I would like to think teachers can still use the smart board and power points (although I prefer Prezis.. which are stored in an account on the internet, offer a much more interesting and dynamic presentation of information, and regular power points can be converted into Prezi. It requires some trial and error but there are a lot of quick tutorial videos on the site and on youtube) Smart boards and presentations don't have to list information, but show pictures, discussion questions, charts of classroom progress, each others Service Learning plans, the class blog, etc. To say teachers shouldn't use the technology is misleading. I do agree though that the students should be more hands on, learning through doing, and using different media in a variety of ways.
The Prensky Apostasy also said that teachers do not have to be experts in the technology the students are using but later says the techers need to "watch carefully" as the students use the technology and make sure the "students are producing high-quality rigorous work." If you do not understand the technology and all that it can do, how can you be sure the student is using it to his/her best ability and putting in the effort to use all the tools the technology may offer effectively?
In regards to cell phones, I think there is a certain stigma about this technology in regards to cheating. Even when I had a graphing calculator in physics, we were all storing our formulas that weren't on the sheet in the notes area. Don't judge me, I was 16 taking AP Physics.. I'm and English major. I think that if students were allowed to use them for certain things, they wouldn't see them as a tool to be utilized for cheating.. You do bad things with forbidden objects. Its human nature. I don't really agree with the book though as cell phones being used in the class to communicate with each other. I think blogs are a much more appropriate environment for class discussion and contact. But, mass texts from teachers as reminders could be very useful.. when I was active in my sorority the president would send out reminders and it was always very helpful and reached everyone quickly.
The Prensky Apostasy states that the students should be the only ones using technology in the classroom. The students should set up any blogs, wikis, and/or multimedia presentations themselves without assistance from the teacher. The teacher should not use technology herself, except to briefly model a task or communicate with students. I agree that today's students have grown up with certain technology and may be more knowledgeable about it then the teacher. I also agree that students learn by doing; that they should be completing much of the work on their own, with assistance from the teacher when needed. However, I don't think that a teacher should refrain from using technology herself. A partnering teacher shares the classroom with the students. So she should be able to use the Smart Board and make her own videos or presentations whenever she sees fit. In some cases, a teacher may have a better understanding of certain technology and vice versa. Students and teachers should be able to learn from each other, especially in a partnering classroom.
The article on cell phones was great! I had never really thought about all the other distractions that students and teachers deal with every day, even though I have experienced most of them (the lawnmowers are the WORST, especially in an elementary classroom!). I agree that smartphones should be utilized more in the classroom. There are so many applications that can be beneficial to both students and teachers.
Describe the "Prensky Apostasy" and then agree or disagree with it... supporting your opinion. Before you write your response, read "Cell Phones are a Distraction" as well
Prensky suggests that technology (PowerPoints, twitter, computers, interactive white boards, etc.) should primarily be used by students, not teachers. He acknowledges that this is not a universal view; however, he believes it to be essential for the partnering classroom. Why should teachers reserve the right to work technology when most students are more proficient anyway? Further, just like with more antiquated instruction, teachers should never use technology for students in an effort to complete a given assignment. Students should be taught how to use technology responsibly and constructively to yield the best educational and social results. I am in partial agreement with Prensky. While I believe students should definitely be privy to the latest and greatest technology (because they must “do” to “learn,”) I don’t think it should exist solely for their use. Teachers should be trained and involved in whatever technology is being used to provide the maximum feedback for students.
Cell phones have always been a hot-button issue with me. It’s been my experience that they are a colossal distraction as most students trade texts, emails, and even phone calls during important classtime. However, in light of recent discussions and Whitby’s fantastic article, I am willing to reconsider and introduce cell phones into my classroom. I intend on teaching students appropriate educational uses (and non uses) for today’s phones (ie: polleverywhere.com.) Smartphones are not going away and teachers can best serve students by instructing them how to use such powerful technology responsibly.
Describe the "Prensky Apostasy" and then agree of disagree with it...Supporting your opinion. Before you write your response, read "Cell Phones are a Distraction" as well.
Prensky said that students should be able to use technology. That they should be the ones using the technology not their teachers. That teachers should be teaching the students how to use all forms of technology present that they can use it since not ever student will be tech savy and know how to use everything.
I think that article about cell phone usage had many good points. In my particular class cell phones need to be left in the locker room becuase they can be a distraction that can cause an injury. But i feel that if in a class room a teacher can spin the use of a cell phone and make it benefical for the students to use from time to time. Now each phone is basically like a computer, now every students that has internet access on their phone and is able to research during class. Why not use this piece of technology to your advantage as a classroom teacher?
*Describe the "Prensky Apostasy" and then agree or disagree with it... supporting your opinion. Before you write your response, read "Cell Phones are a Distraction" as well.*
The Prensky Apostasy states that it is the students job (not the teachers) to use the technology available. Also it is the students jobs to answer the guided questions and master the skills. Also Prensky states that materials such as Powerpoint and SmartBoards should be used by students and not teachers. He believes that these were created just for students therefore should just be used by the students. He also states that children are more "tech savvy" than most teachers-therefore they should be allowed to use the technology primarily themselves.
Using the cell phone article, it seems evident that technology can be extremely useful for students in the classroom. All different subject areas can have cell phone usage incorporated into it. All of the cell phones today are extremely advanced and have an abundance of uses from doing google research to going on youtube to email. All of these different components of the cell phone make it an excellent tool for a partnering classroom.
The Prensky Apostasy suggests that students should be the primary user of the technology that is available to them within a Partnering classroom. The teacher's role is that of a guide, or coach, not a user, with the exception of modeling what they expect from their students. The main objective of the Prensky Apostasy is that the teacher never use the technology for their students, but rather allow their students to use whatever means of technology to help them achieve and understand the guiding questions provided by their teacher.
I agree with the article that cellphones should be utilized within the classroom. With smart phones becoming more mainstream, they come equipped with tools that students can take advantage of. The key point of the article was teaching students the right way to use their cellphones in the classroom. In doing so we can take advantage of smart phones and transform them into a good learning tool.
The Prensky Apostasy believes when it comes to technology in the classroom the teacher is the guide and the coach, never the user. The "Prensky Apostasy" basically states that teachers should allow their students to be the ones using the technology rather then the teacher herself. I think teachers and students can learn from each other. I do agree that yes, the students should be using the technology in the classroom to learn. Since students are children of “today” they usually know how to use many of these technologies, but in my opinion, in some cases the students do not know. It is the teachers responsibility to incorporate the proper use of technology to keep students engaged. Teachers and students should work together to investigate new technologies and use them to better themselves.
During my time as a teacher I have always agreed with administration that cell phones are a distraction. Distracting us and the youth of this world from “real life” and what is going on right in front of them. I never really allowed my students to use their cell phone in class except for the occasional, “I forgot my calculator, can I just use my cell.” I never thought about incorporating cell phone into my lessons until I read this article. After reading, I completely agree with the article. I think that as a partnering teacher it is very important to use the tools our students use. Many cell phones that our students have are like a small computer, being able to access all internet website. Some even have word processing application on them! What about the students that don’t have those capabilities in their phone? Or better yet, what if a student does not have a cell at all? I love the idea behind this, but to be honest I am still a little torn on this topic.
The Prensky Apostasy refers to the use of technology by the teacher in partnering. Prensky feels teachers should rarely use the technology they encourage students to use. Most of the time, teachers use technology, such as PowerPoint, in place of something they could do with paper and pen. The benefits of technology seem to get lost because it is not enriching the classroom, it is just doing something, like presenting information, in the same way that it has been done before. Students feel teachers do not use technology to its full potential and often, they do not allow students to use it. Technology can be a motivational tool for many students and teachers sometimes overlook that, thinking a simple PowerPoint satisfies the need for technology in the classroom. Prensky states that teachers should never use technology for their students but rather, have their students learn and use technology on their own. Teachers can only use technology to show students examples of what they want to see and to communicate with students. The Prensky Apostacy allows teachers to assign guiding questions and assignments that use technology they are not personally familiar with. This presents an opportunity for students to teach their teachers which can help to form connections and promote respect within the classroom.
I have mixed feelings about the Prensky Apostasy. I do agree that teachers should never use technology FOR their students. If teachers start thoroughly helping students use technology, it is no longer the students' original work, but the teachers. The teacher may have a tendency to just 'do' with technology rather than teach. In partnering, it is the teacher's job to prepare students to be able to use the verbs skills in the real-world. This can be achieved through the use of technology. However in the Prensky Apostasy, teachers can assign a project that uses technology they are not personally familiar with. I do not agree with that concept because, like I stated earlier, it is the teacher's job to teach and readily prepare students with verb skills for the real world. I would not feel comfortable not being able to help a student who needs help with a certain type of technology because I don't know how to use the technology myself. I would make sure I at least had some understanding of the technology before I assignment a project that uses that technology.
The article on cell phones in the classroom presents a great argument for the use cell phones in the learning process. Cell phones can provide a large array of knowledge that the teacher cannot provide their students. Cell phones are not a distraction if there are rules set down about the use of this form of technology and if students are taught to use them correctly. When used in a classroom, cell phones broaden the horizons of the classroom and can serve as a motivational tool.
According to the text, Prensky Apostasy states that teachers as they are in partnering are s imply the coach or guide even when it comes to technology. Prensky Apostasy states that teachers are not a user of technology when it comes to partnering. He stresses numerous times that any form of technology such as smart boards, PowerPoint’s, Facebook, wikis, twitter and computers are strictly for the students and not to be used by the teachers. Prensky states that a key rule is “partnering teachers should never, ever use the technology for their students”. This means that they should not use the technology to project a lesson. The students are not doing the research or critical thinking therefore it is not partnering. He does agree that teachers could use technology in order to communicate with their students such as text message and emails. Prensky believes that technology should be used as often as possible but by the students and not by the teachers.
After reading chapter 6 I was particularly interested in Prensky’s justifications of Prensky Apostasy. I do agree to an extent that students should be doing the majority of the technology use. Students today are wired completely differently than even my generation who are wired far more advanced than the generation before them. I do believe that all classrooms should have the greatest opportunities to bring technology into the classroom. Smart Boards are an excellent way to bring technology into the classroom to share with everyone. I understand Prensky’s hate towards power points, power points are a glorified way of write notes on a chalk board as educators did years ago. Using a power point does not truly qualify the use of technology in the classroom. The use of technology is opening the internet and allowing students to explore for the information on their own. I do think that it is important for teachers to use the technology to guide the students to their answers. I also do agree with Prensky’s use of technological communication. E-mails have become the new way of communicating through all work forces. The students need to become familiar with emails and by using them in school can allow the students to work from home and in class to communicate with their teachers. I do not completely agree with cell phones in the classroom thought. I think for elementary level, cell phones are too much of a distraction if they even posses one.
In partnering it is the student’s job to use whatever technology is available, answer the guiding questions and use the verbs. The author believes that the teacher is not the user but the coach. He says the teacher should not use power-point or smart-boards, but that the students should be users. While I think it is a bold concept, I disagree. I think it is important for the teacher to have a background so that they can use these technologies and have the students then use the technologies on their own. I think students can then use the teacher’s feedback to improve their use of the technologies such as power-point and the interactive white boards. I think that the technology should still be seen as a partnering technique, where the students and teachers both use it and learn from each other. I can see why students may appreciate the teacher giving them the opportunity to “know more” than the teacher by trying out new technologies. Some students could see it as a way to build a deeper connection by offering new technology experiences, but I still feel like I would want to have some control of what is going on in the classroom, or at least know what to expect from my students. I do not believe that the teacher should do everything for the students, because they should be experiencing it for themselves. However, I do think that the teacher should be competent and able to help struggling students.
With regards to the other article, I believe that students should be allowed to use cell-phones as another form of technology in the classroom. I can see why most people can think cell phones are a distraction, but after reading the article I realized that there are many other distractions to the learning process that are probably worse than phones (loud speaker announcements, gardening outside, interruptions in the halls, etc.) I think that phones offer another tool for internet web searching, word processing and poll taking during the lesson. I agree that they can be less of a distraction if there are rules and procedures put in place. Maybe cell phones are only allowed to be used during specific times, or the teacher guides students through its use. It can be a regular classroom management issue where students know what rules to follow and what the consequences are. I think that using the phones as a new way to do things can make learning more interesting in the classroom. The fact that most kids are attached to their phones anyway, will make them more excited to use them and participate, instead of trying to sneak/hide its use during class. I think that as a partnering teacher it is very important to use the tools our students use. The only limiting factor is when a student does not have a smart phone, I guess they can share with another student. If teachers are more accepting of phones as a positive learning tool, maybe students will learn to use them as a tool and monitor their use effectively.
The old adage:
“You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink”, no longer hold true.
Technology keeps the horse thirsty and ocean is never ending.
According to Prensky Apostasy students should be the masters of the technology in the classroom. The students need no guidance from the educator when setting, searching and exploring when using technological tools. The educator need not spend a lengthy period of time using technology in the classroom. However I believe it is necessary to utilize technology to conduct the class in an orderly fashion and present the lesson. It is my opinion that the educators can more efficiently lead, guide and coach the students towards success if they too use the technology in the classroom. The children of today are digital natives they know no other way of life. Most teachers on the other hand have not been as exposed as the children they are responsible to teach. After reading this chapter I can see more now how a cell phone is an asset and not a distraction. Smart handheld devices should be used more in the classroom. Both students and educators will benefit by actively using technology. The more experience they have the more they will use technology to achieve a comprehensive, relatable and real lesson.
Personally I find that the iPod Touch is one of the best investments I’ve made thus far for my son Hunter who is not yet school aged.
I agree and disagree in several points of the Prensky Apostasy. I agree that the students’ job is to use available technology to answer guiding questions, to master the skill and to use the verbs. I agree that most of the cases students’ knowledge in technology can be superior to the teachers’ knowledge and they can teach teachers about it. I agree that the use of technology is essential in a partnering classroom but I strongly disagree that teachers can’t use or show how to use a technology to their students. I think that teachers should have a basic knowledge on the tools that they are going to include in their lessons. How can they guide or coach the students if they don’t have knowledge of the tool that they are suggesting to use to answer the guiding questions? I support the author on including the use of cellular phones in a lesson. I think that students can learn how to use their everyday phone in their education and have fun doing it.
The “Prensky Apostasy” states that technology should be used abundantly in the classroom, but the students should be the ones using it, not the teachers. He says that teachers shouldn’t use the whiteboards, create powerpoint presentations or even concern themselves with being experts on how to use these technologies in the classroom. I feel like this statement completely violates the entire concept of partnering, and I couldn’t disagree with it more. While I do agree that teachers should not be using these technologies FOR the students (of course, you never want to do the students’ work for them), teachers should have a pretty thorough understanding of the technologies they are using. Prensky says the teacher should be a guide, but how can you guide someone when you yourself are not well-versed in the subject matter? It’s like the blind leading the blind. Imagine going to a museum and taking a guided tour, and the guide doesn’t really know much about any of the exhibits or their history. What is the point of the guide then? What can I get from that guide that I can’t just get out of just wandering around the museum on my own? Shouldn’t that guide be knowledgeable in order to answer any questions you may have or point you in the right direction of what you’re looking for? If the role of the teacher is to be the guide, then this almost eliminates the role of the teacher completely. Prensky pushes this idea of partnering where teacher and students play equal roles in the learning experience, but having the teacher never use any of the technologies is a reversal of roles, not an equal partnership.
Saying that teachers should never (with few exceptions) use the technology available in the classroom is a rather bold statement, and I feel like there are a lot of factors that should be taken into consideration when making such a claim. Should I, as a teacher (who may be teaching in a public school with over 30 students in an inclusive classroom, with culturally and socio-economically diverse students), just assume that every one of my students has had extensive, equal access to technology, and is an expert in every form of it? I think that is an unfair assessment, and while students can also learn from each other, I think it would be helpful to have a teacher who is extremely knowledgeable in the technologies they utilize in the classroom.
Additionally, while most students may know how to use these technologies, they may not be using them to their full potential. I know I personally have an appreciation for a teacher who can teach me how to use technologies in a more efficient manner. Even being in this class, I learned how to use technologies that I use on a daily basis in ways I had no idea I could. I learned this directly from the professor, and I’m quite certain I would not have figured it out on my own.
I think it’s more about teachers learning how to share and utilize technology in the classroom in the right way rather than just not use it all.
Cell phones are definitely a distraction in the classroom, and I know this first-hand because I can think of countless times in my own classroom experiences when I have been completely immersed in some inane conversation via text message and completely zoned out on what has been going on in the classroom. I mean, I couldn’t tell you a single word that was said, I was just somewhere else completely. But, you know what? If the cell phone wasn’t there, I would probably be writing a note to someone, doodling in my notebook, or staring out of a window anyway. So maybe my cell phone is not the problem. Maybe if my classroom experiences were a little more interesting, a lot less lectures and note taking, and more lessons were utilized where I was actively participating and engaged I wouldn’t feel the need to mentally checkout! Cell phones are a great tool for students to use in the classroom, as long as they are being utilized in conjunction with fun, interesting, engaging lessons so they are actually being used as an educational tool as opposed to an escape route.
Technology in partnering is a way of guiding students to utilize technology as a source of learning and putting their skills into practice. In doing so, teachers must stay current to not only connect with their students, but to be able to teach them to decipher which tools will work best to tackle the goal at hand. It is the students job to be able to navigate within the sources of technology while the teacher continues to provide guidance. For example, the use of cell phones being incorporated into the classroom would be great. I'm quite sure many students would agree that it would be more stimulating if it is used the correct way in class, which is to aid in learning. As teachers, we can incorporate using cell phones into our everyday practice of teaching, to our advantage.
In Using Technology in partnering, It states is the usage of technology within classrooms are rare. However, students should be exposed to technology and also in being taught how to use properly so it can be resourceful. So, responsible such as setting the smartboard should be included in the curriculum. As for cellphones, it can be distraction if not properly used. If students are trained and educated just as teachers than it also can be resourceful.
Describe the "Prensky Apostasy" and then agree or disagree with it... supporting your opinion. Before you write your response, read, "Cell Phones are a Distraction" as well.
According to chapter 6, the Prensky Apostasy tells us that students should be the main user of the technology available to them in a partnering classroom. The chapters’ states that the teacher's role is to guide, coach, not a user, with the exception of modeling what they expect from their students. This chapter reminded me of chapter 2 “Leaving the Stage” I believe that the objective of the chapter is that the teacher never uses the technology for their students, but to allow the students to use all kids of technology to help them achieve and understand the guiding questions. I agree that the teacher should never, ever do the work of the students. However, there are times that some students do not know or have a clue or what to do and the teacher has to step in even if it’s minimal. Some students do and can learn independently but others students would need the teachers to hold their hand and guide them step-by-step and then they can do it independently. I feel that teachers are responsible to incorporate the proper use of technology to keep students on task, motivated and engaged. As a future educator I would feel helpless if I was not ahead of the students with regards to my lessons. Therefore, I would make sure that I always read ahead a chapter or two before my students and the same goes for technology. The cell phone article was very interesting and brought up some points that I totally agree with. Cell phone is a small computer to the students and me can learn a wide range of information during class, or group discussions. At the same time I know that teachers have to set rules about the use of cell phones in order for the students to use them correctly.
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