Chapter Five - Redefining Student and Teacher Roles

Summary

In this chapter the author describes how the introduction of technology into the classroom has changed the roles of students and teachers. Students at all levels (as young as first graders) initiated peer tutoring with their classmates. Instead of waiting for the teacher to assist with technology related problems, the students sought help from their peers. Students also engaged in collaboration and schools and teachers took advantage of the technological savvy of their students. One school hired high school students to conduct computer based training. While some teachers initially felt uncomfortable with peer tutoring, collaboration and role reversals, most described the benefits of these practices later in the study. One of the benefits included enabling children who may not be as academically successful as their peers to find an important niche in helping others utilize technology.

Reflection

I think that the behavior observed by the teachers in this study closely parallels what happens in the adult world when a new technology is implemented in the workplace. Coworkers typically reach out to others in their area or department before asking the IT Department or a manager for assistance. Employees who work together on projects are often required to collaborate and present their findings to others. In addition, employees who may struggle with daily job responsibilities can learn technologies so well that they are able to train other employees and help with troubleshooting. These may not be their primary job functions, but by engaging in this wise practice, these technologically savvy employees make themselves indispensable to the group- a smart strategy for maintaining job security in this unstable economy.