According to José A. Bowen, dean of the Meadows School of the Arts, educators rely too much on technology, specifically PowerPoint, for instruction. Bowen suggests that classroom time should be spent in discussion and real life interaction rather than on watching "boring" slide presentations.
Power Point is one thing, but abandoning all connective and constructive technologies...
Many of the responses to The Chronicle of Education article are quick to point out that it may not be the tool that's the problem but rather the teacher, or, perhaps the teacher's lack of training in effective technology use.
Thanks to David Peter (@dpeter on Twitter) for bringing this article to my attention. David believes that ''Teach Naked' is more a commentary on quality instruction than on uses of classroom technology."
What's your opinion?
"Folded Arm Figures" by brewbooks
5 comments:
Commendable title. Getting a reader's attention is paramount here. You echo what I always believe: good teaching rests first with the teacher: his/her personality, enthusiasm, dedication to the class and every student within it.
Paul,
The title came from the article. Bells and whistles can enhance good teaching but can not make up for poor teaching.
Kia ora e Diane!
I tend to agree with David on this one. The more I watch powerpoint being used the more critical I become - not so much of its use, but how it is used.
While I would not choose to 'teach naked', if I was forced to, the Powerpoint matrix would still be in my head. If I needed a scheme, I might use notes when required. But none of that assistance would substantially change the way I teach or the quality of it.
Used effectively, Powerpoint can enhance relevance and interest - the two fundamentals of engagement in learning.
Catchya later
Ken,
Relevance and interest are certainly keys to effective teaching. And they don't depend on the tools so much as on the instruction.
Kia ora e Diane.
I clarify what I said:
In as much as the story, the metaphor, the group discussion or the question are all good teaching tools, I see PowerPoint as being no different. How a tool is used is part of the art of effective teaching.
Catchya later
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