Why Educators need to be educated in technology

By Diane Harris

CEP 812

July 31.2003

• Why are we devoting time and money towards computer skills and technology

when there are children that need to learn to read and write?

U.S. Department of Education

“If we take advantage of the opportunities presented to us, technology will enhance learning and improve students achievement for all students.”

National Educational Technology Standards

All classroom teachers should be

able to meet the following standards

and performance indicators:

1. Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts.

A. Demonstrate introductory knowledge skills, and understanding of concepts related to technology (as described in the ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for Students)

B. Demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.

2. Teachers will plan and design effective learning environments supported by technology.

A. Design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learner

B. Apply current research on teaching and learning with technology when planning learning environments and experiences.

C. Identify and locate technology resources and evaluate them for accuracy and suitability.

D. Plan for the management of technology resources within the context of learning activities.

E. Plan strategies to manage students learning in a technology-enhanced environment.

3. Teachers implement curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying

technology to maximize student learning.

A. Facilitate technology-enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards.

B. Use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students.

C. Apply technology to develop students' higher order skills and creativity.

D. Manage student learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment.

4.Teachers apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies..

A. Apply technology in assessing student learning of subject matter using a variety of assessment techniques.

B. Use technology resources to collect and analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning.

C. Apply multiple methods of evaluation to determine students' appropriate use of technology resources for learning, communication, and productivity.

5. Teachers use technology to enhance their productivity and professional practice.

A. Use technology resources to engage in ongoing professional development and lifelong learning.

B. Continually evaluate and reflect on professional practice to make informed decisions regarding the use of technology in support of student learning.

C. Apply technology to increase productivity.

D. Use technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, parents, and the larger community in order to nurture student learning.

6. Teachers Understand the social ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of

technology in PK-12 schools and apply that understanding in practice.

A. Model and teach legal and ethical practice related to technology use.

B. Apply technology resources to enable and empower learners with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and abilities.

C. Identify and use technology resources that affirm diversity.

D. promote safe and healthy use of technology resources

E. Facilitate equitable access to technology resources for all students.

Obstacles to Overcome

Digital Generation Gap

Information Overload

Time Constraints

Lack of Trained Teachers

Inadequate or Out-dated Equipment

Digital Generation Gap

Knowledge gap between teachers and students in the area of technology.

Students are not intimidated with use new technology.

Kids have grown up in a wired world.

Digital generation gap is alive and well in most schools.

Information Overload

Overburdened with teaching and testing requirements for students.

Can’t keep up with rapidly changing technology.

Having teachers use their free time to become proficient in informational technology.

Time Constraints

There is never enough time in the day.

Time is the biggest barrier in the advancement of technology.

No time for training, no time for independent practice, no time to apply technology in a classroom.

Lack of Trained Teachers

Lack of technical support within the district to facilitate teachers learning.

Many teachers are reluctant to share their technological knowledge.

Technical support not available in every building.

Inadequate or Out-dated Equipment

Old out-dated technology equipment.

Equipment that is in need or repair.

Limited access to technology on a personal level.

These are not easy obstacles to overcome.

ClassroomTeacher

Media Specialist

ComputerTeacher

“Network of Connected Knowledge” (Brophy)

Teaching Teachers Technology

Like studentsteachers learn at

different rates andhave different learning styles.

Approach shouldbe slow, flexible

and delicate, not tooffend anyone.

Hands-on experience should

have personalconnections.

Allow enoughtime to apply and

discover thetechnology introduced.

Teachers do not need to master technology application but

rather feel comfortable withtheir own technology abilities.

Once teacher are comfortable with their technology skills.

They will be more likely to let their students use technology in their everyday learning.

Communicate regularly through with parents and peers.

Continue to grow as a technology educator.

Technology will help teachers to better meet the needs of their

students.