teacher’s perspective on technology in the classroom
i was a long term sub for 5th grade last year, and i’m currently a long term sub for 3rd grade (subbed all elementary grades K-6 in between). i can’t help but constantly compare what i’m observing in schools nowadays to what things were like when i was a kid (24F). obviously i know times change and things won’t be the same years later, but i’m really shocked by the level in which technology has infused itself in education. i know educational tech policies/practices aren’t the same everywhere, but i wanted teacher insight/opinions on what i’ve been seeing in my area (which many of you may be able to relate to).
i’m shocked that kindergarteners learn how to use an ipad before they can write their own names. i’m shocked that elementary schoolers spend hours reading books, taking tests, and learning math and reading on their laptops. my students don’t even pick up a physical book to read from the fully stocked classroom library and opt to read books on their screens instead!! their handwriting is terrible, they aren’t being taught how to type, they’re eager to use their laptops for non-educational things rather than assigned work, they’re glued to screens for hours to take tests.. the list goes on! i don’t even want to start with Lexia and ST math…
when i was in elementary school, i loved the fact that we had a computer lab that taught us how to type, how to write a resume (yes in elementary school!!), how to write recipes, how to use microsoft word and excel, and how to save files/basic computer literacy. we even learned how to be safe using the internet! we would only go there at designated times of day and then return to our paper pencil classroom instruction. reflecting on what i’m seeing now, i’m so grateful for having been raised that way in school, especially since that time was pretty much when the internet/social media/technology rose the quickest.
i can’t help but feel bad for what i’m observing now and feeling like the quality of education is taking a massive hit here. i do believe there are ways technology can be usefully incorporated in education (like computer labs, learning to research online, etc), but it simply doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. i’m sure the tech companies love cutting their deals with school districts and is probably a big reason behind why tech implementation has become so thoughtless now. it does feel like a disservice to these students, who now more than ever, need to be taught the right tech and internet usage skills!! it sucks that prioritizing tech in this way seems to be coming at the expense of their literacy and attention spans.
would love to hear from teachers who have any opinions or observations on this!! again, i know times are not the same as when i was a kid, but i really do feel like tech in school was handled better back then and prepared students more for tech literate lives compared to now :((