This is such a great motivational video. It is about 3 minutes long and it was created by Sylvan for our National Conference a few years ago. I think if you are with Sylvan or not that the "Sylvan" can be replaced with just "teacher". I guess I don't want this video to make anyone think that Sylvan is trying to take credit for all the successes of students. I want everyone to know that Sylvan can't be successful without our great teachers that teach our kids everyday. Enjoy!
Student and Teacher Views About Technology:A Tale of Two Cities?
By:Qing Li
I read this article the other day and I thought I would share my views on it with you.
Computers are going to replace the need to have a teacher in the front of the classroom?This may sound crazy but this was the only theme that showed parallel results in this study.In this article they discussed the difference in views between the students and the teachers toward the topic of integration of technology into schools.They had quite different views on most of the topics.The study looked at 15 secondary Math and Science teachers with experience all across the board from 1 year experience to 30 years experience.Then they also had a total of 575 grade 7 – 12 students, both urban and rural.They looked at technology in classrooms and the affects that it has; both good and bad.Then they compared the data.The topics discussed included:
1)Did it increase efficiency for the students
2)Pedagogy
3)Did it prepare students better for the future
4)Did it increase their motivation and did it raise their confidence.
The students enjoyed the technology, craved more consistent use, and looked for constant upgrades.They said that it increased efficiency, motivation, confidence, and it prepared them for the future.“Their teachers, on the other hand, are far less enthusiastic.Two out of the 15 teachers had used computers frequently, with conditions; that is, 1)students should have strong academic background and 2) the teachers are comfortable with the subjects they are teaching.If the teachers have weaker students or are teaching unfamiliar subjects, computers are not considered.For the rest, computers have been used as no more than ‘souped-up typewriters” (Guerrero, Walker, & Dougdale, 2004)
This article was really interesting to me because it basically proved how far apart our teachers and our students really are in our expanding technology world.I did find it very interesting that the students felt it made them more efficient and it motivated them to learn more.I think a lot of teachers just think of technology as a waste of time and as an expensive pain in the neck.I thought it was great the students actually felt that it made them more confident and prepared them for the future.
The scariest part of the article to me was that at no time did any of the teachers mention that exposing these kids to more technology is going to prepare them for the workplace.I don’t know that I can think of any profession that you don’t need to be proficient in computers.The more proficient and comfortable you are the better.It is disturbing to think that all 15 of the teachers perceived the technology integration as no more than extra workload.That was eye opening to me and very disappointing.
In summary I don’t know that the study was earth shattering.I felt for the most part the article reported what I expected, but there were a few areas that were shocking and upsetting to me.Overall the students were in favor of the technology and wanted as much as they could get and the teachers really viewed it as something extra that the students could use.Most of the teachers viewed technology as extra workload and I think that is disheartening because teachers are the mentors for today’s youth and will impact how technology is used and how successful it will make our students in the future.
References:
Li, Q. (2007). Student and teacher views about technology: A tale of two cities? Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 39(4), 377-397. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/JRTE/Issues/Volume_39/Number_4_Summer_2007/Student_and_Teacher_Views_About_Technology_A_Tale_of_Two_Cities_.htm
Does Your Child Forget Everything He Learned in School, Once Break Arrives?
Within 24 to 48 hours after learning new concepts, students often begin to forget information unless it is reinforced or applied immediately. That’s why, during summer break, even the best students forget lessons they have learned during the school year.
While a break from school is great for recharging your children’s batteries, if students aren’t using the skills they acquired in the classroom, they could find themselves lagging behind once the school bell rings again. Sylvan Learning Center, the leading provider of in-center and live, online tutoring at home to students of all ages and skill levels, offers recommendations to inspire academic discovery when away from the classroom.
Writing - To help writing skills, encourage your child to start a diary or write letters to a grandparent or friend.If you are traveling on a vacation, ask your child to keep a travel journal recording where you stayed and what you did.At the end of every day, talk through the activities with your child and help him or her with a journal.It not only improves writing skills, but also creates great family memories.
Mathematics - Helping mom or dad with grocery shopping develops opportunities to use math skills, such as making change, weighing fruits and vegetables, etc.Providing assistance with cooking can also familiarize children with weights and measures, organization and planning and following a recipe.Perhaps you and your children could make a special dessert for the whole family.Help children pick a recipe, create an ingredients list and go shopping together.
Reading - You can’t start too early.You can’t read too much.Reading to young children nurtures an interest in language, words and communication.For older kids, reading together can be fun and interesting.Children also learn by example. If parents are setting time aside to read, it reinforces the fun and enjoyment of reading. Local libraries offer infinite resources for children.Librarians can recommend books appropriate for your child’s reading level and interests, and many libraries offer free children’s programs and clubs.
Research –There are an abundance of sites that provide summer reading lists for children. At www.bookadventure.com, children (K-8) create personalized books lists from more than 7,000 recommended titles, take quizzes on the books they’ve read at school or at home, and earn prizes for their reading comprehension. The program is designed to motivate students to read more often, for longer periods of time and with greater understanding.
Analysis and Logic - Many family games and puzzles are not only fun, but help children to develop and reinforce skills.A simple card game can involve mathematics, analysis and logical thinking.Be sure to select games appropriate for your child's age level.
Summer Enrichment Programs - There are many enrichment activities available for children when school is out-of-session.Sylvan Learning Center offers engaging programs that keep the interest and fun in learning alive through the summer and into the school year.Visit http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/academic-camps/index.cfm for additional information.
Well Sylvan is officially on vacation for one of our favorite holidays of the year! We will be closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We will re-open back up on Monday, July 6th. We hope everyone has a safe and Happy July 4th weekend. We would like to challenge all of you to go out of your way and thank a veteran and/or someone in the armed forces for our freedoms that we are all so lucky to have everyday. Enjoy the holiday and we will blog again next week.
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