The Future of Technology in our SchoolsPamela J. Gafkjen

BUILDING A FENCE OR A BRIDGE?

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Technology as a Fence

Technology as a Bridge

Construction Process

Technology as a Fence: A Threat or Barrier

Threat:• Disrupt classroom order

• Decrease teacher authority

• Negate traditional instruction

Barrier:• Viewed as antisocial• Will create less interaction between student and teacher• Decrease the need for teacher

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Technology as a Bridge

• Common Language shared with today’s learners

• Wealth of information accessed through digital search engines

• Increased communication among teachers and students

• Preparation for future schooling and workforce

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Common language

shared among today’s learners• Attitude and motivation

is improved among students

• Learning is increased when able to use familiar

devices and digital language

Digital Search Engines

Higher order thinking skills are

developed.

Increased wealth of informatio

n

Instant access to

information

Increased communication between teacher and student

• Communication among teachers• Blogs

• Emails

• Forums

• Communication among peers• Improved cooperative work

• Improved group activity

Preparation for the Future• Schools• Universities• Colleges• Study Abroad

Workforce• Spreadsheets• Digital

Communication• Software

Build a secure structure to bridge the gap between the traditional

and digital generation.

Const

ruct

ion:

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Using the right materials:

1. Planning

2. Structure

3. Preparation

4. Evaluation

Accessible to all…• Genders

• Special needs learners

• Non-English speaking learners

• Cultures and ethnic groups

Bridge as a transition to other global communities:

• Access to culture and countries online

• Virtual classrooms

• Access to other teachers