Left Behind!! :
Left Behind!! As well as “The forgotten ones” we have ‘those who have been left behind and don’t know how to catch up .’ In my experience; age, economic status and prior experience play a significant role in whether technology in education is engaging or something that is feared. Many students in the 40plus age bracket have not had the opportunity to engage in the technology of today. These individuals are often intimidated by or afraid of technology.
Slide 10:
Introducing these individuals to technology too quickly can have the effect of turning the person away, often with a sense of failure, rather than allowing them to embrace the learning and to grow. I’m not suggesting that technology shouldn’t be used as a medium for education; rather that each educational situation should be evaluated to ensure the right medium is used along with an appropriate pace of introduction. by taking small steps, students confidence is able to grow. By removing the fear students are more willing to embrace learning through technology . This in turn cultivates
motivation and a curiosity which can act as a catalyst for greater exploration and experimentation. Individuals who have no or little experience with technology are not in a position to benefit from the podcasts, vodcasts , wikis, blogs, facebook , and virtual worlds etc . In fact these mediums are just a foreign language and as with all foreign languages, an interpreter who will begin at the basics is required to start these people on this new and exciting path of learning. If you‘re
teaching students who have just completed their HSC, it is likely you will engage these students best with a strong focus on technology and electronic
communication. If your group consists of students with little or no technological skills start them with the basics and show them how technology can be fun and rewarding in small steps with frequent rewards . Small steps frequent rewards will encourage these students.