“Ever-changing technology and a generation of ‘digital-native’ students challenge pace, especially in preparing students for a successful future in an increasing advanced world.” Excerpt from Susan Brooks-Young book on Critical Technology Issues for School Leaders. In her book, she highlights four areas of focus of critical significance for practical application for technology strategies:
- New Literacies: the latest technology advances and opportunities for integration in schools
- Engaging Teachers and Students : tools and strategies for professional development, establishing a web presence, classroom blogs, and distance learning.
- Providing a Reliable Infrastructure: tech-ready facilities, cost management, software and networks, and the role of technology coordinators
Legal & Social Concerns: Internet safety and security, precautions, copyrights and plagiarism concerns, home-school communications, and much more.
As new teachers with varying levels of competency with computer technologies we will face many barriers in our attempts to bridge the gap between technology practices with teaching with technology as a tool. We must consider the areas list above in order to establish effective technology leadership both in the classroom and with our colleagues. Simply being proficient in computer technology on personal bases by no means is directly transferable into a proficiency level of development in the application of computer technology as a teaching tool.
"In other words, to ask if technology works is almost the equivalent of saying 'Do textbooks work?' Yes, some textbooks 'work,' in some conditions, with some teachers, with some students, but these same textbooks may not 'work' in another educational context. Clearly, the question of technology effectiveness requires us to be clear in what results we seek, how we measure success, and how we define
effectiveness." (Fulton, 1998, p. 1)
According to
Technology use, if it is to be successful, needs to be implemented systemically rather than in isolation. Failure to tie technology use to the required curriculum may result in technology being perceived as an instructional add-on. Teachers may be frustrated when they realize that to use technology effectively, they will need not only to learn technology use and integration but also to modify their instructional and assessment
practices. Administrators need to share the change process, beginning with why the
change is necessary, what the benefits expected are likely to be, and what the
consequences are of not making any changes, with respect to the emphasis
on providing a full education to all students. Administrators need to encourage
and support professional development opportunities related to technology. Because
some teachers are less comfortable with technology than with other aspects
of their teaching, they need constructive feedback that will enable them to take
risks using technology in even more ways. (17)
- Need to prepare students to function in an information-based, Internet using society
- Need to make students competent in using tools found in almost all work areas
- Need to make education more effective & efficient
- "The technology keeps changing; as hardware and software evolve, new educational opportunities appear."
- "Educational technologies are used in classroom settings which rarely provide optimal conditions for their use."
- "It is inappropriate to take research results and generalize their findings across grade levels, students, subject matter, types of technologies, and applications."
- "The teacher is a key variable in technology implementation and effectiveness."
- "Technology's impact on teachers and their practice should be considered as important as student effects, for students move on but teachers remain to influence many generations of students." (p. 1)
Acknowledging this article was written 10 years ago, these caveats remain transferable to today – change is slow outside the ‘computer world’.
What is your perspective?
http://www.sagepub.com/booksProdDesc.nav?level1=C00&currTree=Subjects&catLevel1=&level2=CK0&prodId=Book228837
http://www.pallisersd.ab.ca/u/mhollingsworth/itl/itl_research.pdf
eduction site of interest
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/edinfo/archives/volume7/070921.htm
26 comments:
I totally agree with Valdez's points. Technology does need to be implemented systemically rather than in isolation. And we do need to tie it's use into the curriculum or it may not seem that important. I am not sure why teachers would have to modify their assessment and evaluation because of this? I also would have liked to hear more of your thoughts Lynn!
~Lindsey
Your blog was very detailed and had a lot of material to process on it. The information was helpful in forming an educated opinion on the pros and cons of technology. I found the comparison to text books useful. I agree that there are a lot of technologies that can make a positive impact within the classroom but also on the flip side some may not be useful. Valdez points out an important point. I agree that a teacher must prepare a students to be able to function in a world that has become so tech based. Thanks!!
I also agree with Valdez's point. Technology is not a seperate entity. Generally, it encompasses everything we have already learned from other subjects (with the added bonus of computer skills). When assessing computer work, we must not neglect that we are assessing the skills that go beyond skimply working on a computer.
I personally love technology and grew up using a computer. I can relate to the excitement of using a computer and working on a computer. Students' can relate to technology and it is something that I guess you need to be comfortable with. I wouldn't think of modifying anything because of technology. It isn't the computer work it is what they are doing on the computer. We aren't assessing students if they can turn the page of a textbook. Anyways, that was a really interesting blog and we should stop making excuses about technology and embrace it.
Natalie
Lynn, your blog definitely brings up some good points. As mentioned, technology, like books or any material, can be used as an effective or ineffective teaching tool. Since the ability to use technology is so important in today's world though, I think it would be detrimental to students to avoid using technology. Whether it is a learning outcome or not, students need to know how to use technology, so we need to find meaningful ways of integrating it into our lessons.
-Mela
I like the point about not teaching technology in isolation, but to go back to my blog about teacher knowledge of technology it seems to be hard to do when some of us feel "behind". I agree that we need to teach technology as an integrated subject. I look forward to reading your links and research.
Leslie
There is a lot of good information here. Two things caught my eye. The first: technology keeps changing was brought up as a slight drawback. This can be seen as a drawback but it helps the teacher demonstrate that people are lifelong learners. The second was that the teacher is the key. I think this is very true. The teacher needs to model appropriate use of technology (questioning if the information is valid, and using technology with print text for example)so the students are prepared for the world of technology they will encounter.
-Rebecca
Technology certainly has a place and should be use integrated into subjects. Valdez points out that “Knowledgeable and effective school leaders are extremely important in determining whether technology use will improve learning for all students.” We need to become the best teacher possible to educate our students and if integrating technology is going to accomplish this task then it is essential that we learn how to apply it in our classrooms.
It would be interesting to ask a veteran of education how they feel about integrating technology in their instruction. As beginning teachers we are willing and eager to do what is needed to engage our learners. I wonder if this will last, will we too become “comfortable” in our own style of teaching.
Valdez’s highlights a lot of pertinent issues in the quest in becoming technically able, as teachers we are aware that we need to keep our resources interesting, keep ourselves healthy, and most of all continuing loving what we do. I can not predict the future, but my hopes are that when I become a veteran I will embrace any new material that might come my way.
Angela.
This was a really interesting blog entry.
I thought you brought up a lot of interesting points. I agree that we need to prepare students for a world that is tech based and also realize that tech isn't a subject into itself, but an addition to all subjects.
Blake.
I too agree with Valdez... Technology is a tool that has the potential to enhance students learning. My biggest concern is not knowing enoguh about computers and other technologies so that they are best used to meet the needs of my students.
Tammi
Information techology was mentioned as being ever-changing. I agree that techology must be taught systematically- however because techology will always be changing. To constuct a unit for a class it may become obsolete next year. That's what makes computers so exciting because it is never the same twice (apart from basic typing skills).
Your blog has some great information! I like the sites that you posted, they are very useful!
Great work Lynn. I like how you have included both pros and cons about technology use in the classroom. As far as technology being surpassed so quickly, I recall my students from last year complaining about the computers in the lab at the school. These students are aware of what teachnology is out there and it seems like they do not realize the enormous expense these new systems are. They have such high expectations of technology based on their home equipment. I am sure these attitudes do not transend through all communities.
Jackie
I have the same concerns about how technology keeps changing; as hardware and software evolve, new educational opportunities appear.Unfortunatly it feels like the changes occur so fast that by the time I get comfortable with something I can use it is out of date. I guess this goes hand in hand with change, a feeling of discomfort.
Patti
Lynn, I like the quote about the effectiveness of technology vs the effectiveness of textbooks. It is a really good point, what works for one class may not work for another. I gurss it is important to keep in mind the learners in the classroom. Sometimes old school is the way to go - great topic
Sarah
Valdez makes a great point in talking about how we must prepare students for the real world. If we focus to much on technology, students will lose some very important social skills necessary to succeed.
- Clay
I agree that technology needs to be used as a teaching tool and not as an isolated event. While their is a generation gap in technological knowledge because of the fast rate of technological development, resistance is futile! Teachers should try and embrace the many advantages and exciting opportunities that technology can bring into their classroom, as use it as they see fit.
-Alyson
Well-researched, Lynn. I appreciate that you tied in the practical and critical factors of implementing technology in the classroom. I see some have mentioned Valdez's points, and I have to agree with it. As teaches, we can foster the "critical sense" of computer savy to our students. By providing a form thorough structure and rules about computers, students will able to weigh the pros and cons of the tech world.
Great blog Lynn! I am all for technology but I agree that it should not be used in isolation. To help our students we should equip them with knowledge on how to succeed in this world technology!
I think as long as you can rationalize why you are incorporating the technology, how it applies to the topic or lesson, how it is beneficial etc then is will be useful. It also cannot be the only form of use, and should be incorporated into the classroom structure.
Great blog! I agree with the points raised as well. I think that it is important to make sure that the technology we use is beneficial to our students' learning. Regardless of whether we like technology or not, it is around for good and our students will need to learn at least the basics while they are in school. I have found that many of my students know more about technology than I do.
I wish that I could share Natalies enthusiasm for thechnology. I didn't really grow up with computers, and I wouldn't say that I have a fear of them, but I don't understand how people can get so excited about them. I know that as a beginning teacher this may cause me some problems, and I do intend to learn as I go, but it does seem intimidating how pervasive tecnology is becoming when creating lesson and unit plans.
Kimmy
My perspective is that technology can be complex, ever changing and difficult to navigate but that it is certainly benefitial in the realm of teaching when a teacher knows how to use it. So it is worth learning how to use. However, I also believe that a teacher could help students to learn just as effectively without it. The use of technology is an enrichment to a classroom environment,but not a necessity.
The last one labelled Jasmine and Cheryl was me, Jasmine.
Jasmine ;)
I think technology is great! From my past practicum experiences I have found that students love to combine education and technology; it is effective and efficent. Just like everything in life, technology is accompanied by an array of ethical and educational problems, but they are solvable. Through the collaboration of educators and the desire for professional development, teachers will find a way to implement technology into the school setting in a way that is advanced and succesful.
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