TESL 100 - Unit 9

I am definitely a teacher who uses technology in my classroom. I use different applications like Seesaw and Kahoot, as well as using it as a means of going paperless. My students absolutely love using the computers and iPads and even though they are using them for work, they don’t seem to mind as they get to use the computers. I have 3 big questions, however, about using technology in the classroom.  This follows Graves’ idea of “problematizing” during course design (in Brown & Lee, 2015, p. 184). These questions help to raise the many problems that can arise out of using and teaching education in the classroom.
How do we keep learners safe?

The first is “how do we keep students safe?” While this question is vague, it is important for learners to know the difference between credible websites, as well as the possibilities of scams. Unsafe websites can lead to not only computer viruses but also can use ‘phishing’ methods to obtain personal and financial information.  Additionally, with young learners there is the possibility of online predators or cyber bullying that must always be kept in mind in order to protect these learners from any physical or emotional harm. With my students, I also go over these concepts at the beginning of the year, however I never find it is enough.

Cheating prevention

I have heard many people say that if the information is on the internet, that it is not worth teaching (for examples, historical dates). With information so readily available on the internet, it is very easy for learners to search for the information without actually using it.  Essentially, this teaches the learners how to “Google” and not much more. When doing assessment activities, it is difficult to keep an eye on everyone’s screen. Therefore, I constantly question what good techniques or ideas are for how to make sure learners are learning the information and not just learning to “Google” for the answers.

Make sure students are doing their work

This is an issue that is on-going in many schools and even universities. In schools, while cellphones and laptops can be useful tools, the students are not always using them in the right way. Brown and Lee discuss the continuous change that is taking place in the separation of work and play with technology, as cell phones and computers can easily be used for both (Brown & Lee, 2015, p. 245).  For example, my students do many research projects throughout the year. I noticed one day, that one of the groups was never actually working on their project, but were actually playing computer games and then closing the screen when I walked by. In university, this also happened, instead of computer games the students were on social media websites. So, how do we get students to stay on task?

References:

Brown, H. & Lee, H. (2015) Teaching by Principles: An interactive approach to language pedagogy (Fourth Edition). White Plains, NY: Pearson Education

SecurEdge Networks. (2012). [Wireless Technology in the Classroom]. [Infographic].  Retrieved from https://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/Wireless-Technology-in-the-Classroom-101-Infographic?goback=.gde_2811_member_231114664

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