Creativity in the Classroom

Technology is an amazing thing.  In my technology class, we have been learning different ways to use programs to be creative.  There is so much out there that makes it possible to do basically anything you want to a photo or presentation.  This can help any discipline of teaching.  Being creative can help students understand concepts in a different way that they might relate to.  With students these days being so technologically savvy, being creative through technology is a great idea.  Using programs such as PhotoShop, Captivate, and Prezi  are great ways to making learning new, fun and creative.  Students will be more engaged in what the teacher is saying if something creative is being used.  It draws the students' attention, because it is different and not just the teacher lecturing.  However, teachers need to make sure that technology does not become a replacement of teaching.  It is a great idea to incorporate into the classroom.  The teacher needs to be able to use technology in a creative way as a tool.  Some students may learn best by listening to the teacher.  However, other students may be visual learners that some form of technology would be a great help in teaching them.

Does Technology Help Prevent Inequality?

In technology class this week, we are suppose to decide if online classes would eliminate inequality in districts.  Honestly, I am not sure what kind of inequality we are suppose to discuss.  There are many different types of inequalities such as gender, age and race.  Inequality could be that one type of student gets more help than another or a teacher grades one student easier than another.  This can be frequent in a classroom setting.  The teacher can see the student on a regular basis and can begin to pick favorites with-out realizing it.  An online class is much different than regular school.  Everything is done online so the teacher never actually meets the students.  I do not think that this prevents teachers from picking favorites.  Gender, age and race may not be known for certain, but teachers have a general idea about what the student is like based on their name and work.  Online classes do not eliminate inequality completely.  It may appear that students have a better chance of being treated equal when the teacher does not actually know them.  In reality though, it is not the type of school, in class or online, that matters; it is the teacher.  Technology cannot fix people and their hearts.  It is up to each and every one of us to treat others with equality.  Technology may help with online classes, but that may be due to the fact that teachers simply do not know their students then.

Gender Inequality and Technology

I think technology has made some great advances since I was born almost twenty years ago.  Today, technology is beginning to be used more and more in the classroom.  This will help students learn more at a one on one bases.  When there is one teacher for a large class, many students do not get the help that they need.  Many times, the teacher cannot tell that the student needs help.  With technology, every student will be able to use different techniques to help them learn.  Also, this helps the teacher know where each student is at.  With these large classes, a majority of the questions the teacher asks will be directed towards male students.  Most of the time, the teacher does not realize that they are directing it one way or another.  However, it is still a problem.  With technology, a teacher may become more away of one student who needs a little more help or give the entire class equal opportunity by using technology such as the clicker.  Many students are keeping quiet and moseying through school.  In general, girls are more talkative than guys, but more questions are directed towards the guys.  Guys try to keep quiet in hopes of not being called on.  However, most teachers do not call on girls for two main reasons.  First, society looks at males as the leaders so they should "know" more.  Secondly, once a girl starts talking, it becomes difficult to stay on task.  Guys are more to the point so them answering gives more time to teach.  Technology could help solve all these problems.