School Environment Analysis Brandon Nichols Grand Canyon University Environmental and contextual factor play huge dividends in the success of a school and the surrounding community. Knowing what you need and how to get it as well as having a solid back up plan in order to find solutions to the needs of the school is vital. In a lower middle class area the lack of resources and involvement hinders the mental growth of our children. I am new to Desert Foothills middle school in Phoenix, Arizona but by collaboration with veteran staff and administration I have been able analyze what the needs of the school are, both contextual and environmentally. We have a very diverse staff and school population in an area which is …show more content…
The lack of resources is becoming a major issue in our community as the area continu4es to deteriorate. “Teacher researchers noted that students were more likely to engage in classroom activities when technology was used, however, 47% of teachers responded by asserting their students used technology for less than 80 minutes per day” (Godzicki,144). The lack of home internet, computers, transportation to libraries and other educational centers is challenging. We as educators must be observant that not all students have access to the same tools we have at home, or as some students have currently. We must plan accordingly in order to be fair to all students. An example of this would be if a teacher requires a student to complete a five page research paper. As professionals, we cannot assume that a student will complete this typed essay from home, most children will not tell you this is not possible due to the lack in technology for fear they will be made fun of or put on the spot. Allowing for adequate computer lab time or computer carts is the only way we as a staff can assign such long projects and require the use of expensive technologies that most, do not have at home. Based on Godzicki study “In order to increase student motivation and engagement, teacher researchers implemented a technology-supported learning environment” (Godzicki, 130). The importance of getting our students up to date with today’s technology and a fair amount of time having
Technology of the past 20 years has become a focal point of teaching and learning. As a teacher, it is my job to facilitate the learning for an individual by creating an environment that not only conducive for learning, but also places the child in a position to discover and learn them for themselves. Technology has given teachers to opportunity to take learning beyond the classroom, and has begun to reshape their role in the learning process.
Technology in the classroom is important for teachers, parents, and students alike, because technology use has become a necessary skill for survival in today’s vastly expanding technology driven global economy. Research has shown an increase in student’s success rates when exposed to technology in the classroom. Also technology has opened lines of communication between educators and parents to keep students on track, and help teachers educate better.
Schools have not always been filled with electronic devices as they are today, and believe it or not, all school work was done with books, papers, and pencils. Students in the past had to work hard to do their assignments, and they had to think more about what they were doing. In today's schools, teachers, and students, do most work on electronic devices, with online resources, which is not real teaching or learning. Students need to have hands on learning, instead of learning everything from screens in front of them. While everyday life is also adapting to the use of technology, students should be taught how to go about their lives without it. The excessive use of technology in schools is leading to less creativity in students, less social interaction, and too much dependency on technology for simple things, which will make the real world a difficult place in the long run.
Many people now understand the benefits of teaching students how to be proficient with technology. There are many new jobs that came about with the rise of technology. But there are also downsides to the quickly growing online community. Terry Heick of teachthought, a website that promotes itself as being informational to “21st century teachers” says that technology can be a distraction among students that can be hard for teachers to restrict “It may be difficult for a teacher to monitor her students so closely in class as to determine whether they are utilizing educational apps on their tablets or browsing Facebook.”(Heick 1). Many schools also provide students with their own computers or tablets for them to use while they are in attendance. This can be a problem for many schools because of the huge financial commitment this can be. Many schools choose to provide students with Apple products. Apple products can be extremely expensive to supply children with, the most inexpensive Apple computer is the MacBook at $1299,
The biggest problem with today’s education is how rapid technology is advancing. So rapid, in fact, that schools are attempting to keep up, but are sadly falling short. Teachers are being required to incorporate new technology into their everyday methods of teaching. The use of IPads or laptops in classrooms can be helpful to both teachers and students(edreform online classes)”. If a teacher is not overly familiar with the new devices, then the students will lose what little time they have to learn. As a teacher is attempting to fix technical problems in one class, the class that has a tech savvy teacher will be advancing far ahead. On the other hand, if a classroom is full of students who are very unfamiliar with the technology will have to be taught how to operate it, which wastes valuable time. In today’s society technology usage is so much more widespread than it was just five years ago. The new toys can allow schools to broaden their curriculum. Since most work can be done on a single device, kids can work at their own pace and potentially reach heights they could never reach with book, pen, and paper. The benefits of this new tech greatly outweigh the downsides. The biggest problem with technology in classrooms is their lack of use. So few schools have jumped on board with these programs, and therefore are holding their kids back. These products are readily available, but “the use of new technology
Although books are great means of learning, the process of looking up everything in them was both tedious and time consuming. In present days, students possess the power to hold all information at the press of a button. This convenience saves time and allows students to learn specifically what they need. Today, children would be at a disadvantage if they did not have Internet access at home. One article stated that children at their school are given laptops to aid in their learning; however, nine percent of the children do not have Internet access at home. With a converted curriculum shifted towards research and project based learning, it is impossible for these children to do what is expected of them in class (Monahan, 2014). Eighty five percent of America has Internet access, so it is no surprise that most curriculums in schools are primarily based on computers nowadays. Children are no longer confined to the walls of their classrooms as technology improves and provides new and efficient ways of learning and collaborating with
When we make use of information technology for education, we found so many facilities and instruments to become successful in school. Now days, little kids play educational games on smart phones, tablets, laptops, and computers and not knowing they are developing their minds, gaining understanding and memory that they will practice in the future at school or work. Students from college use this tool when searching for information, finishing prompts, study guides, and so much more. William McCoy expresses that technology makes education effectively when using this tool. “If a school 's library is outdated or lacking in a selection of titles, a student might find it difficult to compile the necessary research for an essay or research paper. As long as the school has a computer lab, students are able
The rise in computer and laptop use has been evident in schools and classrooms across the US, but learning with the assistance of technology is a recent controversy that is being investigated on to comprehend whether or not it is beneficial or detrimental for elementary students. Technology has gained popularity in classrooms and school districts because of its promise to provide low cost education; and the potential to allow students to participate more easily, to learn more effectively, and to enjoy learning more than with textbooks. Other experts argue that laptop integration in classrooms is a distraction, and can make it more difficult for students to
Books and face to face learning have started to dissipate as technology has taken over. The internet has taken over the teaching world. Apps have been on the rise since iPads and laptops have been introduced into school districts around the country. Applications like Notability, Desmos, and Quizlet have made it easier for kids to study on their own. Online classes are also growing more and more popular since students can double up on classes and get more credits in less time. Younger students don’t use devices for the same reasons, but to catch up on things they may miss in school due to absences or other extenuating circumstances. The school issued electronics are also great for reviewing materials at home, in the instances of an upcoming test. Most classes and teachers have the added help of being able to teach and or use devices for students benefit. Other classes, like art or gym do not benefit. Visual and physical classes are more difficult in the sense that they require full participation from students. Devices can serve as a distraction in these instances. Especially in cases where material is not
Even though many education systems are embracing the face of technology, some schools are still attempting to hold on to traditional teaching styles. In a 2012 New York Times article, teachers reported a decline in written work, and shorter attention spans which they believe is the result of all of the technological distractions (Richtel). This is just an example of the many concerns coming from teachers and school boards. Another issue they find is that they are being pressed to integrate these new advances into their time tested lesson plans, ultimately taking away from teaching and the student learning. If teachers believe or see that the students are the ones suffering from that, they are going to be less willing to try and understand the concept of technologies role in education. Although these educators have respected opinions, the goal should more so be to
Educators need to be aware of contextual factors present in their school’s community in order to guide planning and implementation of their lessons. In this paper this author will evaluate the effect of some of these factors present in my host community, district and school. My host school was Timberland High School which is one of three high schools in the Wentzville School District located in St. Charles County, Missouri. The district serves a population of seventy-five thousand people from the cities of Foristell, Lake St. Louis, and Wentzville; and portions of O'Fallon and Dardenne Prairie.
Hi Janet –as you stated set- up of the classroom which encourage children to move free and equipment which provides a natural development is the most meaningful parts of the indirect environment. The set –up of classrooms which provides movement free also helps teachers to observe individual kids and help them according their needs. Walkers and bouncers can hinder a child’s developmental process and also helps them to as physical exercise. Reading material “Helping Children Make Transitions” and explained how helping children become more independent, also stimulate developing sense and builds listening and memory skills. The time spent interacting with children on their level and the small activities allows children social development and helps them to enjoy more and feel safe and securer. Promoting children’s social development as you stated it is primary goal for in infants’ future life.
There is a widespread belief among teachers that students’ constant use of digital technology is hampering their attention spans and ability to persevere in the face of challenging tasks, according to two surveys of teachers being released on Thursday.
“A sustainable, positive school climate fosters youth development and learning necessary for a productive, contributive, and satisfying life in a democratic society. This climate includes norms, values, and expectations that support people feeling socially, emotionally and physically safe. People are engaged and respected. Students, families and educators work together to develop, live, and contribute to a shared school vision. Educators model and nurture an attitude that emphasizes the benefits of, and satisfaction from, learning. Each person contributes to the operations of the school as well as the care of the physical environment. (p. 4)”
As we navigate through the 21st century, technology in the classroom is becoming further predominant. iPads are replacing our textbooks, and we can research any desired topic on our smartphones. The impact that technology has had on today’s schools has been utterly momentous. Educators have now seen firsthand the numerous benefits of technology in the classroom. According to a study by IT Trade Association CompTIA, around 75 percent of educators have come to the conclusion that technology has a positive impact on the education process. Educators have also recognized the significance of developing these technological skills in students so they will be prepared to enter the workforce after they graduate (Cox). By incorporating technology in the classroom, teachers are setting our students up for a successful life outside of school. The increase of technology has even changed how teachers teach along with how