Response to July 6 Readings

Response to Mayer's Theories of Learning...:
There is no doubt that the more we understand about the way learners learn, the more effective our pedagogy will become, and in turn we will be able to help students learn to their full potential.

I agree with Mayer's statement that "The main idea is that more learning occurs when more channels are used for delivering the information." Using narrative, visual, and animations aid students in retention and making understandings/connections. However, we must be mindful, as to not over stimulate. Too many things presented simultaneously can distract students and they won't be able to make any connections or retain any information.

I do have a few criticisms. In some ways rote learning is made out to be "bad." Personally I was a rote learner. I could remember a formula or fact after just hearing it once. And I can see some of my students, not many, but a few learn best the same way. We have to be careful not to confine ourselves in classify they types of learner. Everyone learns differently. With that being the case, it is imperative that we address all types of learners in the classroom. Teachers need to mix up.

Another criticism is that all the evidence Mayer presents deals with either math or science. Take the formula and construct something. School is more than math and science. Evidence/examples in an English or Social Studies or Foreign Language class is needed for a stronger case.

Response to Oppenheimer's The Computer Delusion:
While computers aid in the educational process, they should not been seen as the savior of our schools. For nearly a hundred years, as long as public education has been a mass institution, schools functioned without computers in the classroom. And isn't funny how many people complain how schools are no longer doing their job; schools are no longer effective. And critics are saying that in the age of classroom computers. I think the quote from Wired magazine's interview with Steve Jobs sums it up nicely, "What's wrong with education cannot be fixed with technology. No amount of technology will make a dent...You're not going to solve the problems by putting all knowledge onto CD-ROMs. We can put a Web site in every school - none of this is bad. It's only bad if it lulls us into thinking we're doing something to solve the problems with education."

Unfortunatley some people are lulled into thinking we're doing something to solve the problems with education. When computers are placed into classrooms, parents and tax payers see their money at work. Their school district is making an effort and modernizing.

While it's acceptable and necessary to budget funds for computers and technology labs, other programs should not be cut in order to do this. There is more evidence of the positive impact that art, music, and sports/physical education classes have on student achievement. To cut those programs in order to by a 25 brand new Dell computers is ridiculous. We should not bring in more computers at the expense of other programs.

The reading also brings up issues about the priority of computers in terms of teaching skills. Is it the job of a public school to provide "real job training?" Well, at the high school level, the answer is probably yes. However the question then becomes, what skills should be taught? Students do not need to become experts in computer programming. They need basic skills. They need to know how to type efficiently (we don't need 90 words a minute) and should probably have a basic grasp of some Microsoft Office programs. Most companies have their own programs and software suited for their needs and provide training to new employees. All that is necessary, is a familiarity with computers.

The reading suggest that big business is a driving force behind the computer in every classroom craze. There is a modicum of truth to that belief. But the most frustrating part of that is the fact that within the profession of teaching, the professionals (teachers) have little say or control. Big business? What do they know about education? Why do they know what's best for a classroom? They don't. Teachers continue to lose power, authority, and decision-making ability within their profession. You don't really see this happening in other professions.

And lastly...One teacher was quoted as saying, "Every single child will do more work for you and do better work with a computer. Just because it's on a monitor, kids pay more attention. There's magic to the screen." Now, there is clearly a teacher who hasn't a clue. Hey, let's just throw a kid in front of a monitor...Magic will happen. I couldn't disagree more. Computers themselves don't inspire students. A well planned, structured, and exciting lesson does.