Student+lead+discussion+thoughts

What it means to have computers (e.g.:1 to 1) and kids:

Student discussion-

Question posed- from the discussion it seems that the students don’t see Technology as a specific requirement to the development or the success of their learning. With that in mind is there a point to having a 1 to 1 computer/laptop system in place when students and teachers have to manage this new distraction, which can at times detract from the learning and teaching time. Thoughts- The laptops do pose a new behaviour management issue for teachers who are finding that they have to stop lessons or make specific rules about the time and place when students can use them.

Teachers are finding that students need to relearn how to interact with each other and the teachers. Many students find it hard to interact face to face and tend to hide and use the computer programs to discuss and ask questions. It is worrying that they are so dependent on a piece of technology to interact with others.

As teachers we need to remember that the computer is just a tool, it should not replace good teaching practice and should be used to support the learning of the students not be the focus. Especially since students find that they are able to teach themselves the skills required to use new and unfamiliar programs. We don’t need to worry so much about skills and just allow the students to explore to expresses themselves

Students need to learn how to use the technology they have not just for a social tools and word processing but for collaborative projects where they learn how to work with others, interact and draw on resources and people from around the world.

Some schools who are not 1 to 1 and may not want to be 1 to 1 have to be to try and stay competitive.

For primary they may not need 1 to 1, just a bank of computers that students can learn how to work together and collaboratively with, if they do this in primary they will be more able to adapt and continue this good practice when they get to high school- so some of the problems with the lack of interaction, using it as a boredom breaker in class or a distraction may be solved.