My Blog My Vision 4/3 Part2

Perceptions

1. The mind coupled with a computer infinitely amplifies its capacity to perform the basic cognitive functions. Yet, there is no configuration of microchips that replicates the intricate, vital interface between mind and emotions-a basic limitation of computers.

Very simply this perception to me means that computers have their limitations. I think everyone agrees that they have limitations, however with proper use they can be very beneficial. To me this perception is a warning to not become overly dependent and obsessed with only using computers for teaching.

2. Computer technology has been adapted to amplify the capacity of professionals in virtually every aspect of society-with the exception of the teacher. Rationalizing this reality becomes increasingly difficult, since teaching and learning is an information-intensive process.

Technology is everywhere and the younger generations are very attuned to this technology to a level that it is almost a staple in their lives. It is sad that the one aspect of society that is lacking in computer technology is the classroom. I think as the percentage of teachers who are computer literate increases we will see the integration of technology in classroom that has begun to be expected.

3. There is a generalized intuitive feeling that computers should have a vital role in teaching and learning. What is lacking is a sharply focused definition of that role and a strategy for integrating computers into education alongside books and chalkboards-in a mode that secures the teacher's central role.

I believe everyone agrees that computers should have a major role, but no one seems to know how to make it that way and how to balance traditional learning and technology. Some teachers have found a method that works for them, but most are lost and fearful and confused. The reason I am taking this class is to hopefully transition from lost and confused into understanding.

4. Interactive multimedia, stored and retrieved by computer, represents a linkage, or convergence, of print literacy, video literacy, and computer literacy. Its growing importance in contemporary society suggest it be identified by the term the new literacy. Its full potential in the classroom is significant and still to be realized.

The evidence is everywhere to suggest computer multimedia is the new thing. Newspapers published online, journals and journal databases online, even CNN online. Even back issues at your fingertips in case a friend told you about a story you missed. Sadly we point out yet again that it hasn't reached its full potential in the classroom yet.

5. There is ample evidence that after more than a quarter century of high expectations, dedicated effort, and substantial expenditures, computers have failed to improve what happens in the classroom. Additionally, it appears there has been no serious attempt to analyze and thereby learn from this failure.

The part of this perception that grabs me the most is the failure to analyze the failure. Are we not taught from a young age to "learn from our mistakes." Why then has there not been a great effort to see where we went wrong in regards to computers in the classrooms and fix it? Almost everyone sees and understands they haven't been the huge success they were predicted to be, but no one seems to want to look back and understand why.

6. The fundamental role of computers in the classroom is to extend the capacity of teachers to provide individualized tutoring to learners, thus compensating for the disparity in each individuals capacity to achieve.

Computers are one more tool in a teacher's tool belt to ensure all students are presented with a method of teaching that caters to their learning style and thus accelerates their learning.