Resistance to Change
Resistance to new technology seems to be a battle that I fight almost daily. As a Technology Education Teacher, I often encounter new technology that could enhance the creativity and overall educational experience of my students. One example that was particularly disappointing is the computerized CNC machine in my classroom. The machine could be used to produce materials necessary for Tech-Ed students to be very productive. Yet, the discussion of cost of the updated software has stalled efforts to get it up and running for several years. The sad fact of this commentary is that those capable of helping me get this machine up and running will approve the spending of money to continue purchasing small expensive quantities of materials which could be produced by the CNC machine.
Using Keller's ARCS Model
After reading about Keller's ARCS Model for motivating, I could immediately see how it could be used to aid my cause.
I would use Inquiry Attention to pose the questions about cost effectiveness, over time, by getting the CNC machine operational.
The Relevance actually speaks with inquiry attention. All components of relevance such as present worth, future usefulness, and needs matching would be addressed by getting the needed software to get the CNC machine up and running.
Confidence would grow both with teacher and students. Students would be trained to use the machine, and the possibilities would begin to be limitless.
Completing tasks based on new and exciting ideas would yield satisfaction for both learner and educator. Large portions of projects could be fabricated using the CNC software.
Ron,
ReplyDeleteWhat is a CNC machine exactly? I have never heard of it. I agree that using Keller's ARCS model would help use your software effectively. Teachers and students alike need to understand the software in order to use it in an educational manner.
Great post!
Ron,
ReplyDeleteI can identify with your pain. I too often encounter new technologies that could enhance the creativity and educational experience of my students in general. Exposing students to go outside their comfort zones is important. The point here is to train each student to muster up different intelligences that would help him or her to achieve the required learning goal (Gardener, 2008, p. 9). Similarly, Benjamin Bloom’s taxonomy was aimed to stimulate learners to go outside their comfort zones and push toward cognitive development. For instance, a student who has a natural skill in math might be using the left side of the brain more than his or her right, however, with teaching that involves visual or spatial activities, this same student could begin to make use of his or her right side of the brain (which is seen as the creative side). According to Daniel Pink, machines proved they could replace the human muscle in the last century and this century, technologies are currently showing they can outperform human left brains (Pink, 2005, p. 2). Therefore, exposing students to go outside their comfort zones is important.
Also, you mentioned that the cost of the updated software had stalled the implementation of the program for years at your school. Sadly, I have seen instances where although the piece of technology might cost the school zero dollars, there were some teachers who resisted the change. Therefore, many of these individuals who are fearful of new technology will gladly use cost as an excuse to get out of not having to deal with the new technology. These persons are comfortable with things as they are and are not willing to explore other available options that might increase student’s learning. Goleman urged everyone to get involved in social emotional learning. We all seek safety needs, and it is at times disturbing to come across people who have such little control over their emotions which is one form of intelligence (Edutopia, 2008). The idea is that sometimes these new technologies will push both professors and students to develop intelligences that are lying dormant. Each student’s learning styles might not always fit in every classroom situation, therefore it is important to learn how to adapt to every type of learning environment.
References
Edutopia. (2008). Selling SEL: An interview with Daniel Goleman [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/daniel-goleman-sel-video
Gardner, H. (2003, April 21). Multiple intelligences after twenty years. Paper presented to the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL. Retrieved from http://www.pz.harvard.edu/PIs/HG_MI_after_20_years.pdf
Pink, D. H. (2005, February). Revenge of the right brain. Wired, 13(2). Retrieved from http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.02/brain.html
Ron
ReplyDeleteAs a Tech Ed instructor, what technology would you recommend that would serve you the most as an instructor? What technology do you already have, and how does that work in the classroom?
Cheers
Linda H