Differing Perspective on Tech in Schools
Do you agree with Nina’s comment that our students need to learn how to live in the real world with digital tools accessible there? Does blocking access to those tools in school hurt them in the long run?
I am one of those “Most Fortunate” teachers who have the freedom to pursue my passion of teaching this generation with the tools they understand because of the structure and support… I am not a veteran teacher, this being my fifth year as the technology teacher for the intermediate school, but I am a veteran parent. I have a nine year old that I am convinced would have been diagnosed as autistic at two years of age. My husband said something to me that I will never forget, and I think applies to the situation discussed in your blog. “He has got to LEARN to LIVE in the REAL WORLD.”
Our students live in the real world. It is my job, and I take it very seriously, to make sure they LEARN to live in the real world by teaching them how to be responsible with the privileges they are given. That applies especially to content on the internet.
Yes, we have filters in place, but it makes me sad for teachers I talk to that cannot access anything from their school because it is blocked to protect the students. How is that teaching them to live in the real world? I am so grateful I have administrators who have faith in me and my students, and I believe in the final analysis, my students will be better prepared to understand the joys and dangers of accessing the on-line world.
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Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin’s blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure