Hello all!
(This is my first time posting a blog and I'm a little excited! It seems similiar to posting in a discussion board, but I guess I shall soon see if that is true.)
The reading from this was very interesting and provided me with insight on technology and leadership that I had not necessarily researched prior. The one thing that stood out to me in the Anthony reading was the debate on when is it appropriate to introduce computer education in the school systems. The reading gave mixed feelings and the majority of the reasons seemed valid on both accounts. Some argue that the upper grades would benefit more from computer education because they are beginning to learn career skills. On the other hand some mentioned that the "earlier the better" approach would greatly prepare students and enhance their ability to perform computer skills. I feel that the latter approach is the better of the two.
In teaching kindergarten, I can see first hand the benefits of introducing students to computer skills at an early age. In my school the kindergarten students are all enrolled in a program called "Breakthrough to Literacy." This program is built around literacy skills but it requires that students know some of the basic computer skills. Students have to use the mouse, click on objects and select them. Basically the students are being introduced to the computer screen and using the mouse through this computer system. However, this year at my school each kindergarten class is going to have Computer Lab as one of their related arts times. Hence this will also give our students more exposure to computers.
I feel it is important to introduce students to computer education at an early age because society today has almost everything driven by technology. Just as teachers prepare students by teaching the reading, math, science, health, etc; it is equally as important that they have some knowledge of computer skills. Therefore if these students are exposed to computer education at an early age, then will have the foundational skills that they need to build upon for their upcoming school years and possible career choices.
When I read this in the book I also thought about how it is recommened to teach students a second language while they are young because it is easier for them to comprehend and retain. The same can be thought for teacher computer skills. I'm interested to see how you all feel about this issue. Seeing that we have the kindergarten teacher point of view, mines, what other careers do we have in this class that could add insight from another perspective? Perhaps a middle school teacher, high school teacher, related arts teacher, school administrator?
Yet another thing that struck my interest was in the Hall reading. The three types of learners depicted in this book are all knew defintions to me. When seeing these comparisons, I feel as if I'm a sensei leader. I definitetly agree with the perceptions of the sensei leader: engaging, but freely delegates as needed. I see this in my style of teaching in my classroom. I am the lead teacher in my kindergarten classroom but I also have an assistant. In order to have the structure of the classroom flow smoothly, it is important to me that I have a certain level of respect and understanding with my fellow teacher. Therefore I do "pull my weight" in the class but I also tell my assisstant what I need done. This was difficult to do when I first got into this teaching position because my fellow teacher is twice my age; I'm only 23. However as time continued on I found it easier to delegate responsibilities as the respect level was established.
Which this leads me to the question, does age play a factor in determing what type of leader someone is? Perhaps if someone is leading children as opposed to an adult, their leadership style will vary. Also can someone have a particular leadership style in one setting and change to a different leadership style in another setting. I say this because, I know that I can be a sensei leader with my assistant teacher but more of a sage leader. Thanks in advance for the insight on the questions!
I agree with you on the debate about when to receive technology education. The younger we incorporate technology education the more benefits that will be gleaned from it. I am honestly surprised that this is even a debate. If it is not incorporated into the school environment that will probably be the only aspect of a child’s life that technology is not present. There is ubiquity to technology now that will consume the future generations lives. They will use various forms of technology throughout their lives, and in many ways they will be savvier about how to use it than we are. The common joke is for an older person to ask their child how to do something on a computer. This joke has truth to it because the older you are, the less you were exposed to technology as a youth. The older someone is when he or she learns something, the more challenging it is likely to be. Technologies presence throughout our lives is now a fact, and it will be present in some ways from the earliest years of children’s lives. Because this is the case it would be foolish to neglect to include it in education during earlier years.
ReplyDeleteWow, I hadn't even thought seriously about the style of leadership compared to the age of people being led. That's a great point for thought. I'm guessing you could lead any age group with any leadership style, but you would have to make clear adjustments within your own style to adequately deal with the different audiences.
ReplyDeleteJoe Greene
@mrpercussion80: Thank you for the reply. I feel that you are correct in saying that if students are not introduced to computer education in the classroom, that will be the only setting in which technology is not incorporated into their lives. Hence, it is vital that students be introduced to technology in the classroom so that they can see how technology can be used in "professional" manors and how technology can benefit their future career choices.
ReplyDeleteAlso the joke you mentioned about parents referring to the children for assistance with technology is so true. Too often most parents grew up during an age where certain technology skills were not taught in the classroom, and they were not introduced to it outside of the classroom either. Hence there becomes an older generation of people that has very little knowledge of computer education and technology.
@myeducationaltechnologyblog: Thank you for the reply to my post! I do agree with your comment that leadership styles could possibly be applied to any age group if some adjustments are made. This point only came to my mind because I know that I "lead" in my kindergarten classroom as well as in my newly started book club. However I do not feel that I bring the same leadership style to both settings, and I think perheps others sometimes change their leadership styles or adjust them according to their audiences as well.
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