Discussion 2

Cuban article:
I thought it was interesting that the article points out how some schools that report using computers or technology in the classroom, report usage. Just when the computer is turned on. The computer may or may not be being used to vary instruction. I find myself teaching in the same ways I did before my students had laptops. We still "take notes" just on computers, they still do "drill and practice," just on computers. Have I really let the laptops shape my instruction? The answer is probably no. I also thought about the teacher, Ms. Piro, who only taught 2 periods of the same class section everyday, then had the rest of the day to plan. If I had half a day to plan everyday, I'm sure every lesson I taught would be inspiring and electrifying like hers. I have two preps and 90 minutes of planning. I am envious that she has so much planning put into her lessons, but I also feel that I am stretched too thin as it is. It takes a lot of time to prepare a technology rich and captivating lesson.

Russell article:
I agree with a lot of Russell's opinions on teachers not integrating technology appropriately. But I don't entirely agree with the statement about teacher education programs not preparing students to use technology in the classroom. In my undergraduate program here at Auburn, the Mathematics Education department had specific classes for incorporating technology into the curriculum. We also had curriculum and teaching classes that incorporated using technology. I know how to use technology and do so to the best of my ability, but I also find that I run out of time to use the technology in enrichment activities. In Alabama we barely have time to cover the state course of study. I find it quite easy to use technology as a teacher in the classroom (such as the 6 categories), but giving the students assignments that incorporate a higher level of computer interaction is a task I find difficult.

~Danielle