Читать книгу The Movement and Technology Balance - Traci Lengel - Страница 12

It’s quite paradoxical that in our past, our societal needs included maximum movement with minimal technology, yet today’s public demands are almost in complete opposition as technology is expanding and movement is diminishing. This technological transition is laced with immeasurable benefits! However, the educational direction that ultimately results from this adversarial movement/technology relationship is limiting the academic achievement of today’s learners while deteriorating their health and well-being. The concept of a blended teaching and learning approach that defines the balance between utilizing kinesthetic teaching methodologies and technological resources to optimize student learning and success is long overdue. Merging these two concepts promotes a classroom environment that meets content standards effectively, increases standardized test scores, and enriches the learning process while preparing students for future challenges. In addition, this teaching philosophy educates the learner as a whole: encouraging social, physical, mental/emotional, and cognitive growth. Preparing students for life’s future tasks and trials goes beyond grades and test scores. This blended teaching style provides a comprehensive means for improving academic success while enhancing the overall life skills of the learner.

As a society, we have idly observed the health, fitness, and physical activity levels of our children rapidly decrease as technology has taken the spotlight in our educational practices and designs. We have observed a shift toward the need for technology engulfing nearly every aspect of our learning and being. As we deepen our knowledge about the capabilities of this era, it is easy to get swept away by its vast advantages, uses, and rewards. In many aspects, technology has simply made things easier for us as human beings and as learners. Having access to unlimited resources at the tap of a finger makes it easy to see how our society continues to develop and increase the demands for technology uses with aggressive efforts for future growth and expansion. However, as educators in a technologically run society, it seems as though we are not pausing enough to see the entire picture of how this is affecting our students. We are failing to see all the consequences, especially the negative ones. We need to take the time to evaluate the delivery of our lessons and question whether we are moving in the direction that supports best practices for optimal learning in all situations and conditions. Perhaps most importantly, we need to consider whether or not we are educating our youth to be healthy, intelligent, well-rounded humanitarians who will lead our country with grace and success and for the good of all.