The above article, "Gamification of Education" posts three unique videos that illustrate a new approach to learning in the classroom. The following article (as you scroll down), defines three different classifications digital games play in schools: classic edu-tech games, how students can build their own games, and "gamification." In short, the "gamification" class is illustrating how students can become engaged and motivated in the classroom (and in the workforce as well). Many of the methods of implementing "gamification" utilize mobile devices.
So it came to my surprise that my step-son's school sent out an email yesterday and set a "New Technology Policy" regarding mobile devices in the classroom. The email, in part, stated:
"Although the students themselves feel quite strongly that they should continue to have the right to use their PEDs throughout the school day, we have decided as a faculty that the importance of their developmental need to find deep focus and learn to communicate in the human sphere should trump their right to retreat into a handheld virtual world: during the school day, inside the school building, and during school activities.
Effective immediately, students will be asked to turn off and put away their PEDs (all handheld electronic devices: cell phones, iPods and MP3 players) whenever they are in the school building, and leave them off–and away–until the end of the school day or the end of the school-sponsored activity in which they have chosen to participate. (iPad usage will for the time being be permitted on an individual basis, for schoolwork only)."
My immediate response was outrage. I thought that they were losing a tremendous learning opportunity to illustrate the proper use of these technologies and closing the door on applications of the technology such as "gamification." I still feel this way. However, after I had a chance to discuss this with my step-son he indicated that the students had a voice, the teachers talked to them about the issues and discussed the reason for the new policy. I felt better, but I am still uneasy. I will continue to be uneasy if it is left at just a few initial discussions with the students and that there is no further exploration of how to change.
Isn't change what we strive for in education - transformation, reflection, and growth? Does making a policy that restricts technology rather than explores new approaches make any sense? If the policy is left in place without any further discussions or ideas on how to over come the main issue - utilization - we are losing an opportunity to teach our students the correct ways to use these technologies. Instead, policies like these, when left alone, communicate to students, "No! Why? Because I said so!" What we should be doing is "Carp Diem" and take the opportunity to turn this into a "Teaching Moment" or several of them!
i hope that, as more students aquire their own tablets, they will be utilized in the classroom. i view cellphone use in school differently. i impressed by the encouragement of kids to talk and interact with one another (rather than burying themselves in texting, music, email during the school day). maybe i'm disgruntled because i'm observing more and more adults on their phones during meetings, programs, social situations!! back to engaging with technology - i DO hope that will be explored and added to the curriculum.
ReplyDeleteI agree that cell phone use is getting out of hand as many adults are not setting a good example. However, that is part of my point - by shutting down the use of cell phones entirely, rather than taking the time to teach the proper use of cell phones is a wasted opportunity for teaching moments. We have the ability and power to take these opportunities to teach the proper use of the medium...
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