This is the third week of the fall semester and so far so good in Education Tech. While its only been three weeks I've certainly leaned a lot that about the importance of technology in the classroom. For starters it actually is necessary. I've always disliked anything that had to do with online, and anything harder to work than a phone; but mostly that stems from my notion that technology is scary and that it it will ultimately take over humanity. But alas I am forced to also consider all the good that technology brings to the world. It makes life essentially easier. And if that remains the case then technology is not all that bad.
In the class room teachers use technology for many reasons. For starters common core for students is very involved. At every grade level, there are certain requirements and standardization's all of which are necessary for the growth of the child. So having online resources is notably helpful for teachers getting their point across but also to make sure that the progress of the students is recorded. Teachers use technology for presentations and for assignments, for interactive activities, and just about anything else to make the class run smoothly. All grading is computer based and websites that analyze students work or authenticity are necessary elements and help maintain a successful classroom atmosphere.
A big thing for educators are the ISTE Standards. Standards set by the International society for Technology use in Education they help encourage the future of integrated technology in all areas of education. There are set standards for students as well as teachers. One of the standards I resonate the strongest with is setting personal learning goals and applying approaches made possible by technology and reflecting on their effectiveness. I think it is so important to be able to identify the type of teacher you want to be, and setting goals that will lead you to a better understanding of your teaching methods with technology. As well as how well your intended audience perceives the points you are trying to make. One of the standards that will take some getting used to is: staying current with research that supports improved student learning outcomes and findings from the learning sciences. I have always been a stickler for the notion "if it isn't broken, don't fix it". Meaning if I see a method working it will be hard to resist just letting it run its course and not changing the way I get my point across. But obviously that's the whole point of being an educator, having the patience to do the research, and attempting to find the research that works best. Having to be constantly updated with the latest in technology will be admittedly harder than the other standards in my opinion but I know eventually I will learn how to interpret and administer the new information.
In a recent class we talked about today's youth and the concept of them them being digital natives, Mark Prensky stated: depending on your age, that dictates the technology you grew up around. The newer generations are more applicable to advanced tech. While the older generations have to adapt to this new technology after being so used to things as simple as a land phone. Being the age I am (18) and having professors old enough to be my grandparents who do have different skill sets when it comes to technology. There are many times when they might ask how to do something with technology and a student has to teach them because they just don't understand how to work it. When I have professors like that, they are still great teachers, but the whole teaching situation is just less efficient. Canvas is more tricky for the older professors and it takes longer to see my grade reflected on the site, but that's okay because eventually they figure it out, you just have to be patient with them. In the future I'm almost nervous for my students. They are going to be so advanced in all the ways of tech and ill have to ask them for help. But I will make sure that I try my hardest to do good by them and constantly try to learn the kinks of technology. Hence abiding by the ISTE Standards!
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Just one correction...The term, 'Digital natives' was not coined by Mark Prensky but popularized through this article. :-)
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