It's often said that adults are immigrants to the world of technology, but kids are natives. Inherent then in that relationship is some mutual fear. I wonder how many of you never learned to program the vcr before it became defunct, or how many of us don't know how to program our TIVO or use our remote or computer properly? Bet your kids could show you...
Educational Leadership magazine has a group of high school students called their "Screenagers" who provide technology feedback from a student's perspective. In the February, 2011 edition, some of these kids address the issue of the technology-challenged adult:
" I'd much rather explain some technology thing to a teacher than sit there and watch them try to figure it out for themselves. Just admit you don't get it. We all know you don't know. Because if you knew, it would be up already. Just don't be afraid to ask for help."
"There's a lot of pressure for teachers to use technology, but no one teaches them how. What drives me nuts is when we're going to watch a YouTube video, 10 minutes later the teacher still hasn't figured out how to start it. It's kind of cute, but it's a waste of time."
- Educational Leadership, Feb. 2011, vol.68 no.5, p. 45
So often, adults shy away from technology because of a fear of appearing inadequate. Often students can be a great resource, but more important is taking time to learn how a tool works before using it. We provide teachers constant professional development in the use of technology tools that are available to them. We are also happy to provide that training to parents and other adults. Periodically we offer sessions in accessing student grades and attendance, and we've sponsored sessions on cyber-bullying and internet safety. If any parent has a need for assistance with technology, please don't hesitate to contact us here at school and we will make training available on a one to one or group basis.
We are committed to our teachers using technology as a tool, but not at the expense of good instruction. If a tool takes longer to use than the task could be completed without it, we shouldn't be using it. With a new influx of technology coming into our building courtesy of the Grosse Pointe Foundation grant, even more teachers and students will have the opportunity to access new and better tools. We will provide our teachers training, but like all tools, technology can sometimes be difficult. Our students can be great resources.
While adults may be immigrants to the world of technology, we're in "immersion school" as we have no choice other than to learn how to use and access the available tools. As natives in the world of technology, it will be interesting to see what today's kids create as adults, and how fast those creations evolve and adapt. We have to embrace technology as both a tool and a way of life in the 21st century. After all, if you have to ask your child to show you how to shut down the computer, chances are technology immigration officers may be asking to see your technology immigrant green card...
The Principal's Office is a blog created by Tim Bearden, Chief Academic Officer and Upper School Director at Detroit Country Day School, an independent school in Beverly Hills, MI. While content will sometimes be specific to Country Day, the majority of posts are specific in scope to issues concerning teaching and learning in the 21st century.
