Check out this article from this month's Wired Magazine on literacy and students-The New Literacy: and read through "Is Google Making Us Stupid?"
What is your stance on the impact of technology on our students literacy and its role in our classroom instructional practices? As the instructional leader for your school (aka The Principal), how do you support this "new literacy" model and balance the impact that technology is having on our student's activities? Examples of these type of issues could be: Do you accept blog posts for homework? Are wikipedia entries ok for sources? Does tech speak really hurt anything if students are writing and communicating (e.g, U get 2 decide). Is this issue one of lack of comfort by adults or lack of access or is there harm being done by these changes in practice brought on by the impact of our students lives involving technology 24/7.
32 comments:
Ok, so I think the key here is balance. I have to admit, when I’m online I honestly don’t read longer blogs or articles…which was one of the points, I know. So, while I was reading that I scrolled down to see where the end was at least two times. Not that it wasn’t interesting, I’m just not used to reading like that online. However, I love to sit down and read a good book. And that’s what I think is important. Technology is such an important tool for us and students do need to know how to use it. I don’t see anything wrong with blogs for homework assignments and using things like smart phones in the classroom if they are used for teaching and learning. Why would you try and avoid something that is so dominate in our world and something that the kids really enjoy? I think as an instructional leader, you have to be on top of this and know your “stuff” in order to teach your staff how to use it so they feel comfortable using it. I also believe that it’s important to promote reading throughout everything. Somewhere in all the madness I think a lot of children see reading a book as only a task or hassle….maybe using things like the nook (www.barnesandnoble.com/nook) would get them excited again? Reading is important, we all know that but as an instructional leader I wouldn’t be opposed to having nooks in my school if it made children excited about reading again.
So, I don't think "google is making us stupid". I think it's just giving us another "tool" to add to our toolbox. We just can't forget the basic hammer and nails in the process.
I'm thinking exactly like Courtney....BALANCE.
I do not believe "Google is making us stupid". I believe that it is actually allowing us an opportunity to become bilingual in a sense. The ability to "speak" and use the language of the Internet is becoming fundamental in schools. Adults, particularly educators, who are unable to "speak" this new language will be left behind, and maybe even become somewhat useless. (That statement may be a little harsh.)
My point is, as instructional leaders, we must embrace the different ways in which our brains act when engaged with technology and this method of receiving and transmitting information. There is nothing, in my opinion, that can replace enjoying a good book the "old fashioned" way. We just need to learn the new way as well. And, according to this article (which, like Courtney said, was rather long for on-line reading, so I printed it!) old dogs (or brains) can learn new tricks!
I found the information presented by the study at Stanford University very positive. I have heard comments about how texting has really messed up the ability to really write. I even fell into this belief as I struggle to spell things correctly after spending a lot of time texting (like "what r u doing 2day?") But these findings were very encouraging and make perfect sense. Young people are writing much more thanks to technology. They are also writing much more purposefully, which is so important. I really enjoyed this article.
The New Literacy Article I found very interesting. The thought that children are reading and writing more now, but not in the "usual" ways, such as essays. To this day, I would struggle to write an APA 20-page essay because I haven't done one in 12 years now. The last one I wrote was in AP English in 11th grade! Not to say I counldn't do it, I could but it wouldn't mean sitting in a library for days to gather 10-15 resources. I could compile data and resources in a matter of minutes with the internet. I have never been a person to sit down and just read a book, so yeah for the WWW!!
So, I do feel that Google could be making us smarter, but in a different way. What if I go on the internet and reserch how to rebuild my car's engine- that doesn't mean I can do it- I would screw that up royally-lol. The internet has a wealth of information but it doesn't mean we should attempt or think we are experts because we know how to use a computer. As Plato was quoted in the article,"(people)be thought as very knowledgable, but for the most part quite ignorant."
I believe that the internet has a bit of a desensitizing quality to it. I have even gotten to the point were I will call someone before sending an email because it is the personal connection I miss. That's why people (including teachers and administrators) have been disciplined for posting on facebook, etc. because you think no one really reads what you say/type. You are just typing into this machine and that's not true.
The Goggle article has kinda been tough for me. I really believe that technology is a great tool and administrators need to be "current" with the new tools and tricks. But I do not agree with Brin's statement,"Certainly if you had all the world's information directly attached to your brain, or an artificial brain that was smarter than your brain, you'd be better off." So, does that mean and every person would be intelligent enough to be a doctor, run heavy machinery, or be Donald Trump. I believe that would ruin individuality. I don't want to know every thing there is to know, unless I need to know it and I don't. What fun would it be to never be able to learn something new! Everyone is different and I'd like to see it stay that way. Not working with robots:) I have to agree with Courtney and Connie- No, it's not making us stupid (there is a wealth of information), but the balance between what is real and what's not shouldn't be taken lightly, especially with our children. They are our future. I want children to have experiences and feel real emotion, not read about it on the computer.
I found both articles to be extremely intriguing. I do truly believe that technology has provided a means for children and adults alike to write, although in a different manner. When I was a little kid, if I wanted to talk to my best friend, I had to call on the phone or wait until school the next day. Now, my child either calls or texts. She sends her daddy texts all the time (along with silly pictures or crazy video clips she and my 4 year old put together) - to make him smile, they say. The function of writing remains the same - to convey a message or persuade. The difference now is the mode in which we do so.
In the classroom, there should undoubtedly be a balance in the use of technology. However, I do feel that providing children with a means to utilize technology not only captures their attention, but gives them the opportunity to become more adept at conveying meaning without the use of body language - a critical skill these days.
As far as reading and Google making us "stupid," I don't agree. Google if anything has enabled us to find answers to questions much more quickly. We are able to see things that long ago we could only read and dream about. I, like Courtney, struggled to get to the bottom of the article without scrolling down to see how much more could possibly be there to read. However, I recognize that without Google and the Internet, I would be stuck in a library hunting professional documents down instead of sitting in my own home.
We are in an age of high-speed multi-tasking where we often don't have or take the time to slow down and read the entirity of texts unless we are already in deep-thought mode. Google and the Internet, as Courtney so nicely worded it earlier, are tools to add to the toolbox to help us become smarter - both intellectually and with time-management.
Forgot to leave links to these clips. It's always cool to have these to embed into presentations for staff development or to send as part of a weekly message to staff...Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDcWAojs4SM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMdTZ8YufvM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDcWAojs4SM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNVFuPJyN1Y&feature=related
I don’t believe Google is making us stupid. It is broadening our capabilities. Educators need to embrace our ever changing world while holding on to the important aspects of the past. It is all about balance. We need to continue to “grow” children academically and to do that we have to encourage “deep” thinking. Reading books is definitely a way to do this but there is a vast array of other ways to accomplish this goal. Principals are going to have to accept that educators can’t merely teach the old fashioned way. It is a new day. If students can successfully complete homework through the use of blogs, e-mailing, etc., then they should be encouraged to do so. Holding on to what is important but understanding that this generation has to live for the future is what educators have to focus upon. Technology is our future. Standards have to be held high, but the approach can be quite different.
Connie, I enjoyed reading your comments on texting. Since I have a teenage daughter who LOVES to text, I am especially interested in its effects on writing. My first thoughts on texting were, “What is technology, like texting, doing to our children?” “Children are setting bad habits that will never be corrected.” However, after reading the Stanford Study of Writing, my thoughts may be changing. Young people are beginning to write and this is good. Purposeful written communication is happening. Our job is to balance the approach to writing. We need to see the positives that technology is bringing about. This article has helped me begin reflecting on how we can use texting to its fullest potential as an educational tool.
I printed it, too, Connie! I also learned that I need to post quicker because you guys are right on the money with this balance thing. My sixth graders just took the Reading EOG’s last week and I watched them struggle to maintain focus on those passages. They were long, but nothing too crazy. My schools’ Reading scores were lower this year. That’s one of the first things I thought of when reading this article.
It’s all Google’s fault. Just kidding. I think we, as instructional leaders need to promote balance. Looking up information on the WWW is great and so is reading a 20-page article in a journal. Balance! It is important to balance writing and “tech speak,” (is that right?) too. Many teachers allow and promote free-writing in journals without worrying about spelling, punctuation, etc. Kids also text, and this is writing! I think it takes some real creativity for some of these acronyms and WURDZ they use. However, the traditional side of me sees true value in a well-written letter or story with precise spelling and diction and punctuation. There is a time and a place for both forms of writing – BALANCE.
comI had to print my article also, LOL (Tech speak)!
Time has changed dramatically! Technology has revolutionized our society. For example, my father is ninety years of age and it’s gratifying to hear his stories about advances in life. When we go to the gas station he often refers to having to always pay for gas with cash. He also speaks of everyone going to the bank on Fridays to get cash and not having access to an ATM machine. It’s amazing to me the advances that have taken place over time.
As an instructional leader it’s important to be aware and know the advances in technology to promote them within the school. The gains in technology will allow growth and development within the students and the school. I think all students should be exposed to new and old technology. In class, when using various examples during teaching the students don’t know what several items are. For example, typewriters, records/cassette tapes, and rotary phones that were used in technology. Tech speaks hurts students ability to write proficiently. It also hinders the students’ performance on EOC, EOG, and writing test. The students turn in assignments writing in that manner. This type of writing does not exhibit written proficiently. With the advances in technology teachers have to keep abreast of the various changes that are taking place to keep up with the students in which they teach. I think technology is amazing as well as the internet. I don’t agree that Google is stupid. I think that Google is making some of us lazy. The students do not understand what real research is because they are use to a few clicks of the mouse to find the information they need. As an instructional leader balance is the key to managing technology and writing.
Claudia, I enjoyed reading your comments. Google is definitely broadening our capabilities. As an educator we have to adapt to the changes. Technology is our future and is reviving the ability to write. It gives students the opportunity to review various resources to use in research. Educators should set the standards for students to use in technology and enforce that they are followed. Students aren’t reading books for educational and fundamental purposes they are using spark notes to gain knowledge about that book. I agree as educators we have to agree that this generation is our future and focus on that.
The key here as many of you have mentioned here is balance. There is so much potential for gain of knowledge at our finger tips it is mindblowing and it will most likey increase ten fold in the next five years. The students who are coming through schools now have been exposed to so much techmology so early that it is second nature to them. Traditional learning ,teaching, and gaining new experiences can sometimes take a back seat to the excitment of new technology in the classrooms. I think we need to really work hard and balance the incorperation of technology in the classroom as view it as a "teaching aid" as opposed to being so focused on making sure the lastest technology is being used in the classroom.
When I read the article,"Is Google Making Us Stupid?" I formulated the opinion that, that we have developed a new style of reading in order to absorb Internet information. If anything, it is making us smarter. We have more access to information than any other group of people in history. Remember... knowledge is power.
To me, Internet inforrmation is like the fast food of literature (I need if to survive my modern lifestyle), where as, a novel is like a formal dinner (I cherish the special time) and magazines...oh magazines! They are the delightful dessert of literature (I don't need them...I just want them.)
When reading "The New Literacy" I was encouraged that students are now writing for an audience. I reflected on the success of the research projects. Each student was required to present their research via power point. Knowing that they had and audience encouraged the students to not only complete their work but to "show off" their technological capapbilities.
Also, when reading "The New Literacy" I was reminded that students no longer "pass notes" in class. Today, students "pass text messages." They keep me on my toes.
I believe...Embrace the technology and empower teachers by providing opportunities for them to modernize their pedagogy.
Empower students by teaching them how to use technology responsibly and politely. At my school, an on-line etiquette siminar is in the making for next year in order to remind students that they are, also, responsible for their "cyber" actions.
Hey Juliana. Thanks for the You Tube videos. I especially like "Technology Fear Factor in Education." When my students were doing their 2010 8th grade exit projects,Internt research was cumbersome because so many sites are blocked..."Access Denied."
I don’t think Google is making us stupid. We have access to so much more information now than when I was in elementary, middle, and even high school. The assignments and projects that we give our students can be taken to a whole new level through the use of the internet and various technological tools.. In order for us to teach our students to use these technological tools effectively for education, we first have to become comfortable with using them. I think that many educators feel overwhelmed when it comes to using more technology in the classroom. Many of them have access to a wealth of tools but don’t know how to use them due to insufficient training. Others know how to use the technology but don’t have enough access to it to plan meaningful instruction. I think that incorporating the use of technology in the classroom engages students who might not otherwise be engaged in class. What they read on their computer or phone might be the only real reading they do all day. We have to change our instruction to meet the needs of these students. They may be more likely to do their homework if it involves responding to a blog or doing some research on the internet.
I do feel that we have to find a balance between teaching tech speak and conventional writing. It is important for students to learn how to communicate using tech speak considering that the world uses this language to communicate. However, it is also important for students to develop strong conventional writing skills. They will not use tech speak to write resumes and job applications. I also think there is something to be said for reading an actual book. I myself enjoy turning the actual pages as opposed to reading the words on a screen.
I agree with what Coutney said about google being another tool to use in a toolbox. It is very valuable in helping us access information in an efficient manner. It can be used to motivate students who are not motivated by more traditional methods. We do however still need to remember that there are some basic tools that need to be in place. Students need to be able to read chapter books and write more than a text messages.
I would like to start by saying that both of these articles were really interesting. In fact, I used part of my PLC time at work to discuss Clive Thompson's article. A couple of my English Department colleagues said that they just didn't believe that research about not seeing the texting lingo in academic papers. They talked about the fact that punctuation is dead, and how common nouns no longer exist. They joked about how many of the students wouldn't even capitalize their own names. I guess that’s just one more button to press when texting, so why bother when writing.
The fact that students may know their target audience better than any writers/authors/journalist of the past is amazing. After I thought about this and discussed it with some colleagues it really sank in as being true. I've tended to believe that all the blogging, facebook status updates, and twitter post were incredible waste of time. I can now see it’s just a change in approach, a new way of expressing their opinions and views to those they feel actually care.
The Google is Making us Stupid article was also interesting. It's fascinating to know that our brains are actively changing and adapting. I remember the scene with HAL and how he seemed to almost suffer in the end. The work of the www has made our lives almost too easy. I can see that argument, but it has given so many people access to knowledge that they would have never had access to in the past. Google is one of my best friends as a history guy. I can't count the hundreds of articles I have quickly pulled up with the help of google, and especially now that it almost finishes my thoughts for me. It's been great.
As an educator I have to agree with Courtney, Connie, and Al. Balance is certainly the key. Although the new way may be the fast way, the easy way, the simplest way, it is not always the best way. Our students need to be able to decipher the great literary works of the past. They need to keep the skills to write masterfully to a wide audience. They need to understand the processes of research and not just having something given to you. Hard work and curiosity are important for the molding of young adults. We need to develop these skills with modern technology and with an appreciation of the technologies of the past.
As administrators we must allow these new technologies to come into our schools and be parts of our teacher’s lessons. We must make sure that they our school is preparing students for their future and now ours. We also make sure that we are not just overseeing it happen, that we are included in it happening. We have to dive in like several of you talked about on our other blog this week. We have to be the leaders and show that we care about being as fluent as our students.
I completely agree with Melissa's concept of losing the personal touch with technology. A major downside to our growing use of technology has been the lack of emotion that emails seem to have. In the past a phone call to a parent, or a letter sent home with a student had the appearance of meaning more. The actual time to do those things was more evident, and they seemed to carry more weight.
I laughed at Courtney's and Julianna's comments on strolling to the bottom of the page while reading. I find myself doing this all the time online, and like a few others of you that is why I simply printed it off. I'm so use to just jumping around on my computer that I can't stay focused on any one thing. I'm checking emails in the middle of sentences, checking ESPN.com, back to the email. The printed work in my hand was a bit easier to focus on because I left the computer behind.
The bottom line is I don't know what I would do without the www. It's like you all said, balance is key. I know we did all this work without the net, but now that we have it I can't imagine how we did it all before. I hope that I stay on top of the technology trends as an administrator, but I can tell already that I seem to be falling behind the students. I can't do half of what they do, and I grew up with a computer. I understand the importance of it, I'll just have to make sure I continue implement its use in my collegues and myself.
Betsy,
Probably one of the most sensible things I've heard of in looking at teaching kids about technology is the tech etiquette/safety. Although I know this is way behind times, our school is finally getting a computer lab next year. I can see having some sessions with at least our 3rd graders (oldest group) on bullying through texting, Internet safety, etc. I don't think most parents are teaching kids about this and I think it's so important! Cyber safety and the whole bullying thing is definitely the next level in keeping our kids safe. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.google.com/insights/search/#
This is a super cool site I found. You can type in any thing and it shows you statistics on that search for Google. (Hope that makes sense, but if you visit you'll see what I mean).
I've been playing around typing in some things...check out "rick rolled", and "laptop" vs. "desktop"...also I typed "Michael Jackson" just to see the high jump in searches after his death...no shock there, exactly what I expected.
Enjoy!
Betsy and Juliana you are so right! Technology safety is a key factor in educating our students. Educators have to realize "cyber safety" is the first priority in technology education. This is part of "safe schools."
Juliana -
Talking about out of the mouths of babes!
Those video clips were great! Thanks for sharing...now let's share them at our school!!!!
Juliana, I agree with what you about about internet safety. The explosion of technology has created new challenges for safety especially regarding cyber-bullying. I have already heard of situations with our students reagarding the posting of inflammatory comments, pictures and language that cause serious situations to spill over into the school. Alot of students do not realize that once its posted, its out there and do not understand the longterm implications of this.
This article has sparked conversations and thinking for me this week. The most fantasizing thing to me is how the brain works and has reconfigured to absorb information. It has also made me even more aware of how much others and myself use technology. Great article! Still pondering...
I feel that technology is taking on a bigger role with our students than we think. This past week, EOG scores were distributed in Wake County. One outstanding 8th grade teacher only had a pass rate of 52%. This teacher is phenomenal! She reaches her kids, uses great novels, has wonderful seminars / discussions, and has the ability to reach children. However, what does she lack - the use of technology!! This teacher won't use a smartboard, or the computer lab, or even browse the net for more interactive lesson ideas. Her outstanding methods work for students in the 90s, but not for the students of today.
When one of her 8th grade students was asked why she only made a 2, her response was "The passages were too long. I got tired of reading!"
We HAVE to use technology, it's no longer optional. We have to research and stay abreast of the current changes / trends. We have to make an effort to use technology to the advantage of students, rather than banning it's use.
I love the idea of using blog posts for homework. WHY NOT?? The very thing we are fighting against maybe the key to closing the gap. We can't even compete with countries like China and Japan, educationally speaking. Ridiculous when we have some of the greatest minds right here!!
I teach online so my perspective on technology is somewhat skewed and more optimistic and enthusiastic than most.
mljones...
My dad is not 90 and he still pays for everything with cash, no computer either. However, he does have a cell phone. I just shake my head, but I don't say a word...lol.
Connie - that sounds great - being willing to learn!! Instructors have to realize that our kids are one step ahead of us. Last week, Dr. Mills gave us the example of his daughter being able to navigate his blackberry.
The problem is that many instructors have a know-it-all attitude and believe that their bachelor's degree makes them an expert. We are all learners and if instructors don't approach this new generation with a different attitude, we will continue to lose them and widen the gap.
Yes, Nicholas Carr technology and Google have changed my brain!I was raised with Atari, Nintendo, and Sega. When I was in seventh grade our class learned to make buttons on web pages. I am convinced that this is why I think in clips, buzz words, and list. In fact, let me celebrate my tech wired brain by continuing my response in a "Facebook" inspired list.
My Top Three Thoughts on "Is Google Making Us Stupid?", "The New Literacy", and Class Posts!
1. Communication is always changing. I believe in the philosophy of Kenneth Burke. That is, I believe that man is the creator of communication and as such it is alright to change its rules. When I read Nicholas Carr I can't help but get the feeling that he feels that communication is stagnant and should never change.
2. Clive Thompson is right! We are in middle of a literacy revolution and this revolution is moving at a speed that has never been experienced. This rate of change is one of the biggest problems facing education. In the past education has been able to slowly adapt with changes in communication. In fact, the only indication that many of us had of these changes was the older teacher at the end of the hall reminding everyone that they didn't use to do it this way. As future administrators, it is our task to help teachers and students navigate through the ever changing landscape of communication and technology. We must be able to decipher what changes our fades and which are permanent. It is like I told my fifth grade teacher, "This spell check button isn't going away."
3. Google is a tool. I agree with Melissa Google is a tool. While I don't agree with Mr. Carr I do believe that Google does pose a few problems for us in education. The main problem is when do we introduce it into the classroom. I believe that many of our students use this tool before they are ready. I teach sixth grade and it is clear to me that many of our students do not have the literacy skills to properly use Google. Sometimes I feel that we are giving a student driver a Ferrari to practice on.
Ebony,
Thank you for reminding us that our students are one step ahead of us when it comes to technology. They teach me something new everyday.
I am wondering when we will no longer be using textbooks. I am using them less each year and am relying more on the Internet to deliver information to students.
Ebony,
I have heard the same story at my school about the passages being too long and our kids didn't do as well as in years past. Could it be because of information on the internet being so accessible and easy to find that kids aren't equipped to "dig" for information like they used to. Which brings another question to mind. Should they have to? Why buy and read an entire textbook on pivot tables when you can find a 24 minute on-line tutorial?
Teacher ed. programs need to immerse teachers in training with technology and how to use it to reach today's learners. And state tests should cater more to skills consistent with collecting and deciphering information rather than making them "dig" and lose focus.
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