Going Nude (It's not what you expect)

We are all aware of how prominent technology is in our lives. I mean, list the few places where technology isn't used or important? I bet you can name them on one hand. So if technology is so paramount in our daily lives should we shy away from it in schools? Yes I know when people think about technology in schools we all relive that horrific PowerPoint presentation that basically put you into hibernation. But is that all technology can be used for at school? As a tool that is used to ram information down leaner's throats? (No students were harmed in the writing of this post).

Technology is being used to revolutionize the world but when it comes to classrooms everyone hits a blank. Yes we have the YouTube video's and the projector but is that using technology to benefit the learners or as a tool to make the teachers life easier? That is why the idea of teaching naked (it's not what you think) is such an intriguing idea. Strip away the technology in the classroom. Leave the YouTube videos and the PowerPoints and get down to the nitty gritty of what it is we want to do as teachers. We want to TEACH and to do that we need to engage. And learners don't need to engage with a YouTube video. They need to engage with you (the teacher - just to clarify) and with others in the class. (I bet you are wondering what happened to the "technology is revolutionary" line I had going but just stay with me). The intention of Teaching Naked is ripping away the technology in the classroom. It's about stepping out behind the computer and peaking from behind the projection screen and actually engaging with the budding young minds sitting in front of you. Just you and them. Keep it simple.

Now comes the "viva la technology" I promised. The concept of Teaching Naked does not exclude the use of technology (I know right? What??). It just argues against using technology as a barrier to prevent you from engaging with the learners. Now where does technology fit in with school education? Well why don't we let the learners use it for their school work at home? Assign then educational podcast to listen to at home. Have them blog about ideas or topics you give them in class. Have them engage with each other and with topics on Twitter. Social media has become platforms of discussion from political to social to personal. Why not use those platforms to help them engage with the world while discovering their own voice?

Bottom line is: Don't be afraid of Technology and don't shy away from it. Just use it to help the learners develop their own ideas and then engage with them without any distractions. So keep it Naked ;)

Talana Cilliers