Change Will Happen

After viewing the webinar on technology, I am both intrigued with the idea of using technology and also worried that it could possibly take teachers completely out of the picture. When looking at the Carpe Diem style of learning, the students are all self-driven to complete their work. Teachers may or may not be needed while they are working in their cubicles on different assignments. I cannot see how that is a beneficial atmosphere for students to thrive in, but as the professor pointed out, test scores are rising for those students. On the other hand, at St. Mary's, they are participating in learning by doing. I feel this is a much better opportunity for students to learn and be successful. As a teacher, I feel much more prepared to engage in a St. Mary's style learning school than a Carpe Diem style learning school. At my school, we do not have adequate technology to create a Carpe Diem style learning environment. Even if we did, I feel that style of learning takes a specific kind of student. Not everyone would be suited to sitting in front of a computer for half a day. I do try and do many hands on learning experiences for my students. We take virtual tours to places that we cannot visit. I create these tours using Microsoft Powerpoint and also by using videos downloaded off the internet. We only have access to computers in our school. With the SOL schedule that is put in place, I find I have a hard time getting my students into a lab to work on projects. It feels like we constantly have to rush to get our work done on time. There seems to be little time to spend on other fun activities.
I would recommend that my school purchase IPads for each department. This way not one department has control over them and there are many sets that would be accessible for students to use. Students would be able to take advantage of some of the history review apps that I have found over the last couple of years. This would also break up the monotony of doing the same thing over and over again. When looking into the future, I am not sure how I would handle this combination of learning. I feel like we, as teachers, are being pulled farther and farther away from what we are actually supposed to be doing with our students. I would love to see more time devoted to hands on learning and students being actively engaged in their learning. I would like to not see a Carpe Diem style learning environment in my school because I do not see how that style of learning benefits anyone, especially high school students who are way to social!
The NETS standards portrayed in this activity are teachers modeling digital citizenship and facilitating student learning and creativity. Teachers would be showing students how to engage the world they will enter after high school or college. Students need to be aware of what technology is out there and also to not be afraid of it. Second, if students are provided more learn by doing experiences, they will be more creative with their learning and possibly take a more active role.