After learning about a variety of types of technology over
the past few weeks and how it can be incorporated into an educational setting, it’s
pretty safe to say technology isn't going anywhere any time soon. With that
being said, there is a constant stream of technology flowing in and out of
school districts that educators are expected to integrate into their daily
lessons. What doesn't seem to be happening in many of these districts is proper
training for staff members to help them understand how to best use the
technology provided. How is this good practice and can these school districts
really be titled “technology leaders” if the technology isn’t being used
effectively.
This is a problem that has really stood out to me in the
district that I teach in. We currently have three classrooms with 1-1 iPads,
every other class has at least 5 iPads, 2 updated computer labs, 30 Google
Chromebooks, and a smart board. We also have incorporated a large assortment of
programs that we are required to use. Some of these programs include, NWEA
Testing, STAR testing, Study Island, Accelerated Reader, and Dreambox. The majority of these programs or devices were
basically handed to the staff and left for them to figure out. Sure the tech
department plays a role in setting these devices up, but there have been
numerous times where issues seem to pop up and the people from the tech department
are nowhere to be found. Unfortunately, I would say that 75% of the staff lacks
the proper knowledge to be able to introduce some of these programs and devices
into their classroom and have them be an effective part of their lessons. I
believe Lacey mentioned in her blog
that many schools are now incorporating
technology as a part of teacher evaluations. My question is simply how can
school districts help prepare their teachers for using these devices and
programs in an effective manner that will help benefit the students and
district? How can we help educators be confident in the technology they are
required to use?
Finally, I am a supporter of students using technology in
the classroom and I agree that it is beneficial for students to be using it.
However, I feel that a majority of the quality of student work is severely
diminished. Especially, if the devices and programs are not being used as effectively
as they should be. I sometimes think that the importance of the quality of work
and what a student actually produces (not the internet) has been forgotten.
I thought that this article Issues with Integrating Technology in the Classroom really covered some key points
to the problems of incorporating technology within classroom.
Kelly, M. (n.d.). Issues with integrating technology in the classroom. In About Education. Retrieved November 18, 2014, from http://712educators.about.com/od/technologyandeducation/tp/Issues-With-Integrating-Technology-In-The-Classroom.htm
Even though this white stuff is really pretty...
I'd rather go back to shades,
motocross, and beach days!
