What Would Maria Montessori Say?
By, Kimberly Anglin
If Maria Montessori were alive today, what would she say if she found out that I have a Smart Board in my classroom? What would she say if I told her that I take my students to the computer lab during work time every week? What would she say if she knew I chose to earn my Masters degree in Educational Technology?
Although Maria Montessori passed away in the early 1950’s, her philosophy of education and teaching methods are here to stay. Not only did she write several books but there were also quite a few books written about her. In all of these books, there was not one mention of the inclusion of technology in the classroom. Does this mean that she would not approve? The above questions are very subjective. What is the Smart Board being used for? What are the students doing once they get to the computer lab? Why would I choose Educational Technology?
If she didn’t know better, the Smart Board could very well be used as a large screen to watch movies on, the students could be going to the computer lab to learn the letters of the alphabet online, and I could have chosen Educational Technology because I like to play on the computer. If this was the case then my guess would be that she would have three things to say to me.
1. A Smart Board does not belong in a Montessori classroom.
2. Students should not be removed from the work cycle nor should they be all be expected to learn the same thing, the same way, at the same time.
3. Getting a Masters degree to play games is a waste of time and money.
Although Maria Montessori passed away in the early 1950’s, her philosophy of education and teaching methods are here to stay. Not only did she write several books but there were also quite a few books written about her. In all of these books, there was not one mention of the inclusion of technology in the classroom. Does this mean that she would not approve? The above questions are very subjective. What is the Smart Board being used for? What are the students doing once they get to the computer lab? Why would I choose Educational Technology?
If she didn’t know better, the Smart Board could very well be used as a large screen to watch movies on, the students could be going to the computer lab to learn the letters of the alphabet online, and I could have chosen Educational Technology because I like to play on the computer. If this was the case then my guess would be that she would have three things to say to me.
1. A Smart Board does not belong in a Montessori classroom.
2. Students should not be removed from the work cycle nor should they be all be expected to learn the same thing, the same way, at the same time.
3. Getting a Masters degree to play games is a waste of time and money.
On the flip side, what if when she walked into my classroom she noticed two students actively engaged in an interactive online activity using the Smart Board? What if students were using computers to work on a digital storytelling project using Windows Movie Maker or Mozilla Popcorn Maker? What if I chose to earn a Master of Arts in Educational Technology so that I can find new ways to enhance student learning and prepare them for the real world? My guess is that she would have three different things to say to me this time.
1. The Smart Board fits in well to the Montessori classroom.
2. Why aren’t their computers in every classroom?
3. Everyone should get a degree in Educational Technology.
1. The Smart Board fits in well to the Montessori classroom.
2. Why aren’t their computers in every classroom?
3. Everyone should get a degree in Educational Technology.
Okay, so my projections may be a little bias but the point is that technology can be present in any classroom or school but that alone does not make it educational. An educator must know who, what, where, when, how and most importantly why to use it. The Masters program has given me this knowledge. Before beginning the MAET program, I was worried it would be difficult for me to find a way to integrate technology into my Montessori classroom. However, as our world changes, so will that of our students and these opportunities need to be available for children in order to grow with the changing world and culture. Montessori education thrives on it’s goal to provide children with an environment where they can learn on their own by the exploration of concrete materials. The importance of building a solid foundational understanding of key concepts across the curriculum is vital. As I learned about and experimented with more and more types of technology tools and resources, technology integration was no longer a worry. I began to learn how much more educational technology has to offer that doesn’t include playing educational games online. With the right tools, technology can be individualized, hands-on, creative, innovative, intellectually stimulating, thought provoking, and so much more! My new skills and experience has given me confidence that I will be able to provide my students with a variety of technology projects while staying true to Maria Montessori’s philosophy of education.
The obvious presence of technology in my classroom is unique to my school. Because of this, I have become the “go to” person for technology questions, issues, and best of all, ideas. Over the course of this past school year, I also became the kindergarten technology teacher for our “Just Right Reading” time. This is the sort of position I would enjoy doing on a larger scale in the future.. For now though, I am looking forward to continuing to develop my knowledge of the kindergarten curriculum, the Montessori scope and sequence, and technology resources that can be used to enhance student learning.
The obvious presence of technology in my classroom is unique to my school. Because of this, I have become the “go to” person for technology questions, issues, and best of all, ideas. Over the course of this past school year, I also became the kindergarten technology teacher for our “Just Right Reading” time. This is the sort of position I would enjoy doing on a larger scale in the future.. For now though, I am looking forward to continuing to develop my knowledge of the kindergarten curriculum, the Montessori scope and sequence, and technology resources that can be used to enhance student learning.
Technology changes every day. It could be new ideas, improved resources or even tools that are no longer available. If I want to continue to have an in depth understanding and knowledge of technology and support other teachers as they integrate technology into their classrooms then I must be on the cutting-edge. I must never stop learning about it. I must dig deeper and learn more. I plan to continue my education by not only attending conferences dedicated to technology in the classroom but also by researching and practicing on my own. Through the Masters program, I discovered that I learn best by self exploration. I now know that I will be able to continue my professional learning best by finding and trying out new resources and ideas on MACUL space, Twitter, Pinterest, Classroom 2.0, and Edutopia on a regular basis and through collaboration with my co-workers. I will continue to read the blogs I monitor through my RSS feed, download podcasts, and keep up with my professional learning network as a whole.
I am very grateful that I will always have a desire to improve as an educator because according to Albert Einstein, “Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong learning attempt to acquire it.” Therefore, in an effort to stay wise, my future as a learner will never end.
I am very grateful that I will always have a desire to improve as an educator because according to Albert Einstein, “Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong learning attempt to acquire it.” Therefore, in an effort to stay wise, my future as a learner will never end.