Technology for class

Things have changed

Hey everyone, this blog will be a little more about teaching philosophy, modern technology, and my own experiences in the classroom. As a millennial, I have seen technology boom in my lifetime. When I was young, my dad would play cassettes on the radio. My mother had a massive bookcase full of VHS tapes where we would watch many movies, my favorite being Donald Duck in Mathematical land. I can still remember the first time my dad got a family PC where you had to type commands to get it to do anything. My dad also had a massive cellphone for work that was the size of my forearm. There was one time we were on a trip across the country and got lost outside the city of Chicago. My dad then pulled out a paper map from the glove box and showed me how to read it. I also remember about five years later, we got lost on a trip and my brother used his brand new released Iphone to get my mom directions. My dad gifted a laptop for my mom for their anniversary which couldn't run more than an hour off the charger and would be too hot to run and charge at the same time. 

What does this all mean? Well, everyone has seen technology improve and affect more of their daily lives. This is also true for education and how education is taught. When I started college in the early 2000s classes there were no options for online class, and now online classes are one of the most popular course styles for classes. I have talked with many instructors about technology, and it's positive and negative in the classroom. Let's make a list of the different technologies in the classroom and their pros and cons, in my opinion.

1: Computers/labtops

Many classrooms today have computers or allow a lab top for the lecture. I personally have done this and there are so many pros to recording, taking notes, using homework with the lecture, ect. However, I believe most of us have seen one or two students get distracted with social media or games and are not using their computer for appropriate use in the classroom. My policy is I have the right to tell students to remove their lab top at any time for any reason. However, I have only had to use this in my classroom once when a student was watching a Marvel movie. Which isn't a big deal, but he can watch it outside in the hall if he wants to know what happens to Tony Stark. Overall, I think computers are a net positive in the classroom for all education, including CTE.

2: Cell Phones

Ah, cell phones, specifically smartphones. They are so handy and a pain in the classroom. I have heard so many cons about cell phones in the classroom from my co-workers. However, I would argue that, just like computers, the positives weigh the cons if you shift your thought process. I am going to use my welding program as an example. The brass tack is you will never "win" the fight of removing phones from the class/lab. So instead of fighting students about it, I instead wanted to make the phone an interregnal part of the class. All the welding settings, polarity, and joint details are found in the Miller Welding Setting Calculator App. On the first day of class, they are required to download the app and set up a machine to what the app asks for. I also inform my students that all their welding assignments are on Canvas, which can be accessed from the Canvas app on their phone. My students have told me many times that they love the fact they have all the information they need for their class at their fingertips. It's not perfect, some students still get distracted in the lab. However, for the majority of students, their phone has become a tool instead of entertainment.

3: Touch pad TVs

As I have toured more programs I have seen more of these touchpad TVs. They are so cool. I personally think this is the best of both worlds for computers and smartphones. I have barely been able to use mine due to flying hot metal being an issue with the screen in the lab. However, for other CTE programs I have heard nothing but glowing reviews of this technology! I get to use it for blue prints, which has been a massive improvement for my students.

What does this all mean?

Let's talk about what this means for us as educators and trainers. The truth is, technology and tools are always evolving. Our students, customers and co-workers will eventually have grown up in a time when they have used a touchpad more than a computer mouse. Like any industry, it's important for us to keep up with the times and the tools that are always improving. Don't worry, I get it. It feels like a never ending treadmill where you never actually hit the finish line. Instead of worrying about getting to the end, enjoy the journey along the way. I feel like most people set goals where there is a start and an end. I think we lose sight of the whole point, which is personal growth. I always think about what my cousin told me. "Humans are not like insects. Insects are biologically built to do one, two or a few tasks very well. Humans can learn and adapt to almost anything with enough time and practice. I think people focus to much in focusing in doing one or two things well, and then they're at their end. However, what makes every person special is the limitless potential they have, and that's pretty cool."