Technology Curve

Teachers should not have fear of becoming replaced by a computer, but should start to change now if they want to progress a student’s knowledge (Davidson, & Goldberg, 2009). Today’s educators are hindering the advancement of students (Hartley, 2008). Whether it is because they are from an older generation and/or do not want to learn technology, their attitude can halt the learning of the students (Rich, 2008).

For instance, an older teacher from Wayne State University has banned the use of laptops in his/her class. This may be because of the fear of distraction or lack of knowledge in new media. Because of this banishment of new media, students now have more difficult time learning, taking notes and following the teacher. There is certain ease that we are able to Google or retype anything. Writing something down on paper seems final and no new ideas can come from it (Carr, 2008).  Not to mention the loss of a notebook with notes for an upcoming test, laptops are much easier to keep track of.

Teachers continue to struggle even as new media is growing in education (Blackboard K-12, 2010).  “While the number of teachers who have taught online classes has tripled since Speak Up 2008, states Blackboard K-12 (2010), “…we still have more work to do to help teachers learn how to effectively leverage online learning to drive student achievement and increase their own productivity” (p. 2). It is hard to imagine that not only do the students need help, but the teachers as well. 

 Have you seen a learning curve among your teachers when it comes to technology?