Backsliding Through the Stages of Technology

While reading about the ACOT study regarding the stages of technology I was thinking about my elementary school teacher colleagues and where they fit in. A handful of them are the ones that cannot log into websites and think AOL is the internet. They are the epitome of Stage #1, Entry. That term is misleading; entry implies you want to go inside. These people are planted firmly on the outside waiting for the “computer teacher” to teach the students.

Fluidity 

Stages are fluid. I believe that you go back and forth through them as technology evolves, whether you want to or not. Anyone who had the Window 8 OS thrown at them knows what I am talking about. One day you are feeling like a confident Stage #3, Appropriation and the next day you are back at Stage #2, Adoption.

I firmly identify with Stage #3, Adaptation, expecting that every once in a while I will slide back to Adoption. Even though I am an early adopter and avid user of all things technological for myself, implementing technology in my classroom with my students using it is a different story.

Surrender

The template we tried to use.
(New Rochelle High School)

A few months ago we set about this ambitious project of creating travel brochures for the Thirteen Colonies. I found a template the kids could use with spaces for text and pictures and made a graphic organizer to accompany it. We did internet and book research. We found images. But when push came to shove, the brochure template was hard to manage, kids were struggling with project. I was getting anxious. I did the unthinkable. I abandoned the typed up brochure for a paper and pencil creation. THE HORROR. Especially since my motto is "let them struggle."

Lesson Learned 

Looking back I would have modeled the same persistence I demand from my students. I also may not have used a Word template. I could have provided them with a rubric or checklist and left them to their own devices. They probably would have surprised me with their creativity and use of technology.