C4Ta Post #4 (William Chamberlain)

In William Chamberlain's blog post, A Case Against Expecting New Technology to Drive Engagement, Chamberlain argues that new technology is not a substitute for great lessons. Chamberlain discusses, from personal experience, how technology in the classroom has effected his class. Often the technology that Chamberlain introduces to his class is new for the students just as it is for Mr. Chamberlain. He often found that the focus was more on the technology, rather than the actual material being taught. Chamberlain says, "I forgot the real purpose of the technology, which was to make it easier for me to give my students great lessons to learn the school's curriculum." I agree with Chamberlain's final point, which is the fact that the technology is often "new" to the students as well, so as a teacher, be sure that the focus is still on the material, rather than the fascination of the technology.

In an earlier post, Owning Our Choices and Accepting Ourselves, Chamberlain discusses a project being held within his classroom. The students are instructed to create their own "Russian nesting doll," a week later, the students will explain why they created the doll the way they did, why they chose a super hero, friend, etc... The point of this project is to encourage individuality. Educators should encourage individuality, and allow students the opportunity to be creative without the presence of peer pressure. As Chamberlain says, " We need to take a stand in our classrooms and give our students opportunities to share their inner nerdiness. Give them their voice."