Module 6: Shifting Focus

Feel free to include observations from your own classroom where students have struggled or succeeded in the transition to student-centered learning.

Teaching students to learn by using technology needs to happen by first teaching students how to properly use technology.  So many students do not understand the ramifications of a negative digital footprint.  Students don't understand how to and why they should be careful while using technology.  Students also don't understand the need for using credible sources.  They feel if it is on the Internet, then it is true.  After students understand how to properly use technology, then they can better understand it as a educational tool.  

Teachers also need to make a shift in their thinking.  We are use to using paper books to find all of the answers.   The thought of not needing paper books is somewhat foreign.  Teachers are used to students having textbooks and workbooks.  Making the shift to everything on the computer is a little scary at first. Teachers are used to being the center of the classroom and being the source of learning.  By using SAMR teachers can better adjust and break away from this thinking.    

Both teachers and students will become more comfortable with student centered classrooms with more professional development, training, and practice.  If students see the need for the skills they will also be more likely to want to learn.  

Module #5: Classroom Management

In the article "Freedom, Digital Distraction, and Control" (Found in "Explore" and also here), the author lists three approaches to "conquering distraction."

Which of these best describes your current classroom/professional development atmosphere?

Is it possible for you to reach the third level?

If not, why?

If so, what resources are needed to reach this goal?

My school is currently at Control by Authority Stage.  Students are not allowed to carry cellphones and our school web-filter blocks Facebook and other social media sites.  Currently, our school is not 1:1, so several classes have a classroom set of computers that stay in the classroom. 

Since our school does not have iPads the "one application at a time" app wouldn't work.  I like the idea of the "Freedom" app.  It could lock the Internet from 10pm-6am.  This would help students budget his/her time with games, social media, and surfing the net until all hours on at least a school computer.  I also like how it sends reminders when a student's mind is wondering.  I think this would even be helpful as an adult.  

Under the self-control stage, I like the idea of "tech breaks", goal setting, and to-do lists.  I have post-its all over my computer with to-do lists to help me stay focused!  I think this skill would be hard for students to achieve because it takes a lot of motivation, maturity, and self-direction.  This would have to be modeled a lot and students would have to see the buy in to accomplish this task.

At this point, I do not think it is possible for my school district to reach the self-control stage because we are not 1:1.  We also do not have policies in place as a school or district for computer misuse.  Policies, regulations, and a lot of modeling and guidance on time management need to be set in place before my school district would be able to move to this stage.