When people in a business want to get something done, they want it done as efficiently and well as possible. Although teaching is not the same as the business world, the principles of the situation still apply. When we teach a child, we want them to learn is as quickly and as well as possible, to maximize how much knowledge we can pass on to them before they move on to the next grade or graduate. In order to effectively teach our children, our preparation and our planning needs to be held to this same standard. Gone are the days where teachers write out lessons plans in ink on paper. Gone are the days where teachers either 1) do not collaborate at all or 2) must be off at the same time in order to collaborate. Through new technology, such as Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and other online software, teachers can collaborate efficiently and effectively whenever they have time. Before Google Docs, teachers would have to gather together to discuss what would be on the lesson plan or worksheet or other document teachers would use for instruction. Now, teachers can put their ideas and suggestions on a document for other teachers to view at their convenience. Using the technology is both a blessing and a curse though. While I enjoy being able to collaborate with other teachers online at my convenience, I am a people person. I like to be with people, in person. I wouldn’t mind doing something online like a Google Doc, but I would prefer to do it in person if possible, simply because I like conversing with people in person. I have also found (not in my group) that people often are not as adept at using the software as they should be, so as mentioned in the book, school districts must invest in the people using the technology. These people need to be trained in how to use a Google Doc to collaborate with someone and how to “Make a Copy” when they want to change it and make their own. I personally think that online collaboration has changed the education game forever, but I firmly believe that we cannot forget our face-to-face encounters and the collaboration that comes from a simple conversation. Macromolecules Info Sheet (Google Doc) Macromolecules Presentation (Google Slides)
3 Comments
john oglesby
7/12/2019 01:16:50 pm
Love the post. I agree that while the new technologies are powerful and have changed things forever, it is simply impossible to replace the effectiveness of face-to-face communication. So much is lost in translation when we can't look someone in the eye and communicate fully.
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Saiva Baker
7/15/2019 01:37:57 am
Brian,
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Gary Lee
7/23/2019 12:54:14 pm
Brian,
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Brian LongHello! I'm a biology and chemistry teacher at Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I have a wife and a daughter, and I love to spend time with them. We go on adventures like hiking, kayaking, exploring, tree-climbing, and much more. I enjoy be apart of my church, hunting, fishing, playing the drums, Crossfit, and playing ultimate frisbee. I love teaching, and I love my students. Feel free to look around! |