Old and New

BPR Ch. 3

New technologies and the changing times are things that teachers now much just learn about and accept. I feel that many digital devices could provide positive reinforcements to the more standard class materials. I do not think it needs to be thought about as an either/or for the classroom. I like what Gee had to say about online games; he predicts that Internet video games will “sit beside [books], interact with them, and change them and their role in society in various ways” (25). It is important for teachers to learn about new and emerging technologies, and many different digital tools, and play around with them to see how they could be used in the classroom as an enlightening learning resource. Many kids see text messaging, video games, blogging, etcetera as gear to use when they are not in school or not in an educational mindset. If we can get kids using those same tools in a classroom environment, it may increase their motivation and interest. I think it is important that the new goods be used alongside the more standard texts, novels, and pen/paper. For example, if a student reads a book in class, they could have the choice of writing a response or maybe creating a webquest. Most importantly, technology in the classroom needs to be used in a meaningful way. I think it is probably true that “learning with multiple sign systems often helps even the least motivated and underachieving readers redefine their literate competence” (26). A reluctant student may become more intrigued with literature and learning if they are given a different outlet in which to express themselves that may interest them more than a standard written assignment would. Most importantly new and old teaching tools/devices need to be used in collaboration with each other.