Blog Entry #2 - Teaching Belongs to the Teacher
Countermarch
On February 5, we viewed an American military video (Countermarch) from 1945. Although this video is nearly seventy years old, the pedagogy that was taught in it was very relevant. The video presented different scenarios of how to utilize pedagogy and technology together in order to teach students. Just like in the video, technology cannot be utilized on its own to teach children. The unsuccessful instructors in the video tried to just use the video to teach their class. However, the teaching is still depended on the teacher. Technology can only be an aid to teaching, but it cannot successfully take the place of a teacher. We cannot just play a video for our class and then expect the students to learn and retain everything we think is important for them to know. If there is no discussion before and after the video, and if the class is not told what to look for, then most of the video will not be useful to the students. Educators are constantly looking for ways to increase student engagement in learning. However, videos, computer apps and the Internet cannot by itself accomplish lasting student engagement. I really think that only humans can make technology engaging. In reality, technology can enhance learning, but it cannot replace the teacher, and this was one of the main themes of the Countermarch video.
Great blog Craig! I like how you have expanded on some of the things we have talked about in class. It is always interesting to see what other people think about topics.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this entry as I can remember my school days of watching videos and having no idea why we were watching them. I look back now and think that the teachers used them when they wanted a break from teaching. I don't recall many conversations about some of the videos and you are right, how are students supposed to learn from a video when they do not know what they are watching it for!? I like how you have pointed out that humans have to make the technology engaging. It can be very flashy stuff but if it isn't used properly, it can end up being pointless.
Hey Craig... I have enjoyed your blog. I especially like the snippet about how teachers make technology useful; they are not useful on their own. It's all about context. I think there is a lot of temptation to use technology as a replacement for sound pedagogy. Rather, good pedagogy should infuse technology only when it will not hinder a student's growth.
ReplyDeleteThe title "Teaching Belongs to the Teacher" describes this perfectly. We need to take ownership of our teaching, and not rely on technology as a teacher, but rather as only a tool.
I also liked your first entry about realism. Although technology mimics realism, does it actually create it? I think you're right that it creates virtual reality, but maybe not realism itself.
Great work Craig! Thought-provoking blog site.