Ed vs. Tech

Hello again readers! Once again we are going to look deeper into the battle of Education vs. Technology!  

Ed vs. Tech

In the first corner we find Ed. Ed is no stranger to the ring tonight as we see that his feet are firmly planted on familiar ground. Ed is robustly focused with a stern glair targeted at his competitor across from him. For years Ed has been recognized as a symbol for the traditional rout for young people to take in order to gain success in the world. In the second corner we find Tech. Tech can't quite seem to get used to all the crowds of people in the stadium, but tries his best to focus in on the upcoming fight. He’s a young and agile frame, whose quick growth to success has the crowd in mix emotions.

The ref enters the ring and makes both Ed and Tech bump gloves, then he speaks to both of the boxers about all the rules and regulations that consist of a “good clean fight”. The crown hushes as the two competitors are dismissed to their own corners of the boxing ring. Just then as if no one expected that the time would finally come the bell rrRRRInGS, and both boxers come hustling out of their corners! They eagerly come close, neither one afraid of the other. Both men take a swing at each other and….

Wait, do these two actually have to fight? Do they have to be competitors?

Personally I would like to think that they didn’t have too. But some people feel otherwise. Sometimes these opinions can be based on how well prepared one feels in the 21^st century to be a teacher or even a student for that matter. In the 21^st century I find myself feeling well prepared as a student when it comes to technology. Especially since I have the help of my instructors to push me back into the ring like the spring of the ring rope whenever they answer one of my technology questions. However when it comes to teaching I feel a bit on edge. I think that these emotions are mostly  due to my inexperience in actually taking charge of a classroom full of students. Personally as of right now, I feel like a brand new coach with a fighter I didn’t get the chance to train on my own. So not only am I learning my boxer, a.k.a technology, but also learning how to instruct him in a fight, a.k.a teaching it a classroom.

             I attribute my comfort with technology as a student to my years spent as a high school student. I was home schooled and all of my classes and homework, as well as projects were online or through our educational computer program. I know many other people who feel thoroughly prepared for the 21^st century due to their years of technical experience in high school as well. I feel that it’s becoming more common with high school graduates to feel like they are equipped for success with technology in the 21^st century.

            I think as I enter the ring of the 21^st century with technology that I have both strengths and challenges in being a teacher and student. My strengths are, that I never give up. im not afraid to ask for help and find someone to help me. But most of all that once I find the answer or if I already have the technical knowledge, I try my best to share it.  Some of my challenges are that I sometimes think I know what I’m doing but I don’t. Additionally like all artists, I like to day dream which makes me miss out on important details.

Overall we all have strengths and weaknesses about us as we live in the 21^st century. But the question within how we act as teachers and students when it comes to technology remains a personal fight in a boxing ring only you can control.

Peace my friendly readers,

Katelyn Hammons.