We discussed in class how in the
next 30 years, more students will pass through the educational system than ever
before. This poses a great responsibility to both the teachers and the students
of the world. Lines have to be drawn about how children should
be taught verses what method will push through the most. It doesn't stop there either,
the uses of technology must come into question too. Fears about whether
utilizing technological resources is worth the cost of giving up
personal information strongly impact the way classes are taught.
However it seems if the
educational system is going to change, we as a people must accept and embrace
technology even if there are negative effects. I say this because technology
can offer so many opportunities that teachers cannot. Ideally if every teacher
could cater to the needs of every student we would not feel the need to reform
the educational system. Unfortunately the man power of the professors
don't match the quantity of students they teach.
It seems this is how our system
started to begin with. It was decided what was important to learn, the most
effective way to push it out and then the children were thrown into this meat grinder
of sorts. Anyone who wasn't able to fit the mold was left behind, because there
simply was not enough time and resources to cater to everyone’s learning style.
In so many ways this hinders children’s ability to learn and grow, from the
child left behind even to those who didn't reach their full potential by being
taught a certain way. A good example of this is actually my mother who was naturally
left handed, but her teachers at an early age forced her to write with her
right hand because that was the only appropriate hand to write with in school.
Studies have even shown that what hand you write with can determine that you
may learn differently. While most schools aren't as extreme as to forbid a
certain writing hand, there are still several instances where students are
forced to fit a mold that hinders them.
I feel you can only place a small
about of blame on the past system however. While it is very static and one
dimensional it seemingly was the most effective way to push students
through programs. However, with the knowledge about how everyone learns
differently, and advances in technology, I think that excuse can be demolished. Embracing
technology seems like the best way to move forward. As we watched in
the film technology can track when and how you learn best, this can be utilized
to cater programs that will enhance the learning abilities of all. Tracking
this data and catering programs to this effectively takes a huge burden off of
a teacher as online capabilities allows students to connect to lectures and
methods that seem to fit their style best.
