Activity 2 - Big Mistakes
Activity Objectives
While enthusiasm is really important when it comes to anything in life, and especially using technology to support our teaching, sadly enthusiasm alone will often not lead to success. So while, as teachers, we see the need to change to keep up with our changing world, we are often headed in the wrong direction. There are two key mistakes we are making as teachers. In this activity we will explore these two mistakes so that you can be aware of them and avoid them in your implementation of technology based teaching.
While enthusiasm is really important when it comes to anything in life, and especially using technology to support our teaching, sadly enthusiasm alone will often not lead to success. So while, as teachers, we see the need to change to keep up with our changing world, we are often headed in the wrong direction. There are two key mistakes we are making as teachers. In this activity we will explore these two mistakes so that you can be aware of them and avoid them in your implementation of technology based teaching.
1. Binge Consumption
The first mistake is our obsession with consumption. We live in a world that encourages obsessive consumption. We are not talking about food (although this is true), but our digital diet.
Read the following article and then watch the video below where I discuss the issues and dangers of our digital consumption fixation.
CLICK HERE TO READ - Why Binge Watching is to blame for kids not learning
Now watch this short interview where I discuss this issue and its impact on our modern generation.
The first mistake is our obsession with consumption. We live in a world that encourages obsessive consumption. We are not talking about food (although this is true), but our digital diet.
Read the following article and then watch the video below where I discuss the issues and dangers of our digital consumption fixation.
CLICK HERE TO READ - Why Binge Watching is to blame for kids not learning
Now watch this short interview where I discuss this issue and its impact on our modern generation.
2. Skeuomorphism & The Copy/Paste Mistake
Now for the second big issue - skeuomorphism! Yeah I know. This sounds like a big word...and not only is it a big word, but a big word that leads to a big mistake in how we are teaching with technology. When we are faced with something that we don't understand the best way to try and come to terms with the new thing is to use metaphors or links to something else. So for example when trying to explain time/space scientists will often refer to space as being like a stretched piece of rubber with large objects (planets, suns) causing it to fold in. While using links to other things is often a great idea for helping understanding, it is very dangerous when used to guide how we teach with technology.
The problem is called Skeuomorphism. Take a moment to see if you can find out what skeuomorphism is. Give it a go, ask Google. Remember the more active you are in the learning process the more you will learn. In fact you are going to soon discover the ETA Model which is a model to assess how you teach with technology...and there you will see how important activity is.
Only once you've tried to answer the question for yourself, then watch the video below. So only watch the video once you've read a little about what skeuomorphism is for yourself.
So you have figured it out. Skeuomorphism is keeping the form of the old without its function. This can be dangerous as it can result in us obscuring the affordances of the new technology.
Big Failures
These BIG Mistakes are leading to some spectacularly BIG FAILURES. One of the most famous recent failures that cost $1 billion was the iPad program in Los Angeles. Take a moment to read a little about this epic failure! Click Here
These BIG Mistakes are leading to some spectacularly BIG FAILURES. One of the most famous recent failures that cost $1 billion was the iPad program in Los Angeles. Take a moment to read a little about this epic failure! Click Here
Activities:
- How do you think the copy/paste mistake is impacting how we teach in our classroom?
- Give some examples of the copy/paste mistake that you've seen being made when it comes to using technology for teaching?
- Why do you think the Los Angeles iPad program failed?
GO BACK TO YOUR EDMODO GROUP AND SHARE YOUR ANSWERS AS A REPLY TO "Activity 2 - Big Mistakes"
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Activity 1 - Intro & Changing World
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Activity 1 - Intro & Changing World