Watching the video on the evolution
of technology in the classroom was very enlightening. I learned that technology has greatly
influenced the classroom over many years. The video also showed me a different
kind of classroom setting that is not typical in many schools anymore. The
teachers had complete control in the classroom; the students were obedient and
sitting in rows like factory workers. Classrooms today are much louder and more
animated. The video takes you through the many technologies that transformed
the classroom. Educational radio was invented in the 1920s, which let people
keep on current events. I think that is extremely important as a history
teacher. I think students should keep up with the things that happen in our
country and around the world. Especially for when they begin to vote, they
should be educated. Radio helped connect the world and understand what was
happening. Instructional films were then
created during the progressive movement. George Klein 1910 created over 1000
educational films. In 1923, the NEA established the Division of Visual
Instruction. Educational films are a great way to move away from lecturing and
let students see history through another view point. Classroom films were definitely influential in
a history classroom. Being able to see events on screen helps students stay
interested. For example, the History Channel creates numerous documentaries on
almost every event in history. Some students are visual learners and these
kinds of movies are beneficial to them. The Coronet Instructional Films from
1946-1970s included topics like the Plantation System in Southern Life and the
Power of Congress. These are both great topics to make movies out of. In
Chapter two of Rethinking Technology and
Schools, Thomas Edison is quoted, “teach branch of human knowledge with
movies,” (pg. 33). I believe that movies help enhance learning especially in
history! The radio and instructional movies have helped people stay informed
and learn about the past.
I agree that technology has definitely evolved and has progressively influenced the classroom through out history. I like how you focused on the “factory style” classrooms. I think that classrooms now are a lot more interactive and expressive. I also think radio is important, and current events, to make the subject of Social Studies seem relevant. Informative films are also crucial because many students are visual learners. This type of media keeps students engaged in what they are learning.
ReplyDeleteThe video also opened up my eyes to how education has evolved due to the rise of technology in the classroom. You mentioned that students were expected to work in their classrooms as if they were working in factories and I think that that teaching style was definitely influenced on the time period. It's another great example of how technology has caused our students to become more free and open-minded thinkers.
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