In this class so far, I've learned quite a bit about the potential applications of CMC tools in the classroom, and to be honest, I'm starting to wonder how useful they actually are. Of course, it is true that we live in a buzzing technological society, but if we aren't able to effectively bring that buzz into our classroom, aren't we just wasting our time? Isn't that just a disservice to everyone involved? The more I keep reading, and the more I keep seeing so-called justifications for the use of virtually unknown technological tools (think Technorati, or even worse, that ridiculous "virtual café" proposed by whats-his-name), the more I'm starting to wonder if the chalkboard isn't really where it's at. I think that actually was a topic in one of the first articles we read: something about a good teacher will have a group of students around her (or him), even without a classroom.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge advocate of CMC tools, and I most certainly ♥ technology, in all shapes, sizes and especially colors. Still, the same question keeps rearing its ugly head: how do we avoid a typical "bells and whistles" situation, and use the technology to our benefit in the classroom? It's true that we are in a time where technology is advancing rapidly and, clearly, if we don't move with it, we might get left in the dust. However, we still have a responsibility to our students and our profession to deliver content and information with sound pedagogy that is strongly tied to sound theory. So, after all that blah-blah, what kind of tools can we bring into our classrooms effectively?
The answer is multi-faceted. I think the first part of the answer is the following: go with what's been proven to work. Of course, there are still oodles of areas that need to be researched, and the field is still so young and has so much potential, but it's always best to stick with what works. Judging from the articles we've read so far, things like blogging and chatting seem to be effective (at least in some areas), so I feel that those would both be good options. Blog and chats are familiar to our students (some of them, anyway), which accounts, in a large part, for their effectiveness....which brings me to the second part of the answer....
We've mainly talked about the need for a connection between the use of CMC tools and sound theory, but I think it's very fitting to also talk about the general availability, accessibility and knowledge of the technology in question. We have to keep in mind that our student population is not composed entirely of members of the techie subculture who spend their time playing WoW, scripting in MUDs, having LAN parties or LARPing. In fact, I was very surprised recently (yesterday, actually) when I had a candid conversation with my students and found out that NOT ONE OF THEM maintained a Blog, and only about half of them actually knew what they were. How is that possible, right? Well, it is possible, and just like I mentioned in one of my last posts: maybe we should spend our time talking to our students, figuring out what they know and what they don't know, what they're familiar with and what they aren't, and then use that as our point of departure for future research. Remember, it's about using technology in teaching, and not teaching how to use technology.
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7 comments:
I think the idea of it all happening right there at the chalkboard points to something specific....It all goes back to the teacher, and how the tools are used....Especially as long as tools are used for their purpose, not as toys...
It's so amazing that in this day and age, our students don't know what blogs are. We have to realize that they are still part of that group that did not grow up completely with technology. I'm sure the next generations will be all into blogging. I should have talks like that with my students to see how they connect with technology.
I agree. If your students do not know how to use a blog or discussion board it may be hard to incorporate these things into your classroom. I think that you as the teacher have to make sure to determine if your students will actually benefit from the CMC, or if a more traditional method is the best way to present the information. CMC should not be considered the only way to teach, but rather another tool that you can use to enhance your teaching.
Your blog has reminded us of the article we read by Guess at the beginning of the semester. Guess states "IT is not a good substitute for good teaching. Good teachers are good with or without IT and students learn a great deal from them. Poor teachers are poor with or without IT and students learn little from them." Technology, itself, does not make us good teacher. We must constantly reflect on the effectiveness of the technology we use in our classroom and decide if it enhances the language learning or distracts from it.
I also think you made a very valid point about students not being as familiar with technology as we might assume. Some of the elementary ELLs that I will be teaching do not have the availability of computer technology in their homes. All of these factors have to be considered as we incorporate technology into our classrooms.
I really enjoyed reading your post and the catchy title too! I think that sometimes people tend to get carried away with the latest thing and this time it is technology. I dont disagree that it CAN be useful, but I think it really is all about the teacher and their personal style.
I like your suggestion to talk to your students and see how comfortable they are with technology before jumping right into it. Maybe, if you still want to use it their are some ways to ease them into.
I like when you said, "I think the first part of the answer is the following: go with what's been proven to work." I agree with that statement fully because I am feeling a little intimidated by technology because there still are a lot of things we don't know about it. I feel that sometimes technology use in the classroom can just be gratuitus (sp?) or how you said "bells and whistles". Sure technology can help in the classroom but I think we need to take a look back and figure out if we are just using technology because its the cool thing to do or is it actually benifiting SLA?
Good Post!
That is so interesting to hear that some of the students didn't know what a blog was. I t
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