Failing computer literate students
In the article Teachers ‘risk failing computer-literate children’ professor David Buckingham argues that teachers are beginning to fail their computer literate students.
Research by the University of Bristol earlier this year found that teachers were happy using computers at home, but would not take the risk of getting it wrong in front of a class of pupils. Some 30% of teachers surveyed failed to make good use of computers in the classroom - despite the government’s £1bn investment.
I believe some teachers are afraid of failing in front of their students, while others are ignorant to how the technology can make their teaching better and lives easier. Just simple things like setting up a template for their lesson plans, or create tests on the computer. I still see teachers write out their quizzes and tests.
Offering professional development is a start. Unfortunately, you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. It must begin with good examples, and go from there. I encourage sharing as much as possible, because when it comes from another teacher it seems to have more weight than from me!
Related Posts
Why do students need email?
Videogames as part of a reward system
Five percent of American adults illiterate
CNN.com - Study: College students lack literacy for complex tasks - Jan 20, 2006
Daily Links
Discussion Area - Leave a Comment