Inquiry into Technology (M1)

I generally feel comfortable with answering the interview questions from the Teaching with Tech document. My perspective on technology is one of acceptance and flexibility. Although I can foresee problems in a classroom, I believe that enough communication and flexibility can be used to solve these problems. If I had to label a weakness in regards to my comfort, I would say it's awareness of all of the potential for technology. I'm seeking to discover more about it throughout this course.

Question: How do you navigate a situation where a student isn’t comfortable using more technological based methods? Do you change the structure for just that student or the class as a whole?

I want every student to learn in the best way possible for themselves, but I also realize that the needs of the group need to be looked after as well. Whenever I attempt to integrate technology into the curriculum I would give appropriate instruction based on the complexity of the technology. I think it's best to approach new methods by allocating resources and time at the beginning. I think this method will majorly reduce unfamiliarity and confusion, which I believe to be some of the biggest factors creating discomfort. I understand that this might not fully eliminate discomfort, so I would also be willing to work with students individually to find alternative ways for them to complete tasks, but I would expect more than a modicum of collaboration with me. I would be willing to try and find alternate technologies with which they have more familiarity since I'd be happy to see alternative problem-solving techniques.

I think this question introduces another important question: Is there a way to create universal comfort with technology in schools? Although I'm a big advocate that technology shouldn't be the sole vessel of education, I do believe that everyone should have familiarity with technology. I would be interested in seeing classes with this focus in middle school. According to Headline News, students are more engaged and active in the learning process when given freedom with technology as shown at High Tech High. As a high school teacher, I would love to expect a certain level of competency and comfort with regards to technology by the time students get to me, but I know that schools aren't nearly there right now. 

Sources: 

Headline News. (n.d.). This is what a high-tech high school looked like in 1990. YouTube. https://youtu.be/NJGn78-m1fw 

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