from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech004.shtml
Summary:
This
article talked about technology as a tool to support instruction in k-12
environments. It started off by talking
about how people think that technology will solve all our problems as
educators. The technology can make students
smarter by osmosis. People outside of
the teaching profession feel that if a computer is placed in the classroom the
teacher can stand back and watch the magic happen. We as educators know that it isn’t that
simple.
The article
moved on and discussed how educators need to be a part of process of
integrating technology into the classrooms.
The teachers who are using the technology should be the ones to create
and design professional development for their staff. That professional development should include
practice using the equipment, watching teachers model lessons that use the
technology, and mentoring the teachers who are trying to use the technology for
the first time in their classrooms.
Administrators
need to be brought into the conversations about what teaching looks like with
the use of technology. The article told
a story about a teacher being observed by the administrator. The teacher had some students on computers
doing research while others were in small groups or on their own doing other
things that went along with the lesson.
The administrator went up to the teacher and said that he would come
back when the teacher was teaching. It
is clear that administrator had no understanding of what a technology-rich
lesson looked like.
Teachers
need to work together with all stakeholders so that they have the support they
need to get technology into their classrooms. Teachers must be included in
planning the technology implementation and be encouraged to try out the new
tools. Teachers must work together to lead others to find the best ways to use
technology to enhance teaching and learning.
Reflection:
This
article is important because it stresses the points that educators need to be a
part of the process when choosing a technology tool that will be expected to be
used in their classroom.
I feel that
most of the time teachers’ thoughts and opinions are not considered when a new
technology tool is being considered for educational purposes. Too often a tool, in my district at least, is
put in my room and I have no say in it, or I don’t receive any training on how
to use the tool or how to incorporate it in my lessons.
Another
thought I have about the article is how technology shouldn’t drive the
education process. Technology is just a
tool for us to use with our curriculum.
If the technology doesn’t fit for that lesson then don’t try to force
it. There are some things that need to
be taught without the use of a technology tool.
I think sometimes we forget that.
There is technology all around us and we feel that we have to use all of
it in our classrooms so that we “relate” to what the students are using and
doing outside of school. I feel like we
put an emphasis on technology just because it is “cool” or is popular at that
moment and then our teaching fails.
