January 24, 2010

It's Not About the Technology

Ms. Hines made some excellent points on technology and education. I totally agree with Ms. Hines that teachers need to be learners and self-motivated to stay up to date on current trends. Self-motivation is the key word. Teachers can not stay in their comfort zone and continue with the same teaching methods. They need to continue learning, practice what they've learned, and find ways to reach all students with different learning styles.
I do believe technology can be used to facilitate learning, but not just to facilitate learning. I also agree we need to involve students in critical thinking, problem solving skills and finding ways for them to be creative. Technology is just one tool for students to learn these skills.
I believe all teachers should be learners. If a teacher is not a learner, how can they be an effective teacher? I interpret a teacher as learner in many aspects. Sure, as a teacher one needs to learn their students and learning styles. Yes, learn how to customize their learning experiences and learn how to be innovative. Teachers need to continue learning, staying up to date with technology and use the technology to do, as Ms. Hines says, "amazing things", not just to facilitate learning.


A Vision of Students Today

Interesting video! I would think many of today's students can relate to that video. Seeing as I'm an older returning student, I can only relate to some of the statements. For instance, in my early years of college, I definitely recall the large classrooms in an auditorium where the professor did not know your name. I would say that now, I read more web pages than I do books. As far as being a multi-tasker, well, I think we all have to be in today's fast paced society.

The video portrayed it's message in an appealing manner. The choice of music complimented the video perfectly. I think the video got the point across, granted that you choose whether to take your education seriously. Sure, the educational system could be better. We may not agree with all that we see in the video, however, it seems to be an accurate portrayal of students today
and the educational system.


Fisch: Is It Okay to Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?

I could not agree more with Carl Fisch! I think he is right on the mark about teachers needing to be technologically literate. As Mr. Fisch stated, technology is a part of life. It is a large part of how we communicate today.
Teachers need to make the effort to stay up to date on technology. It's also important that teachers practice and apply what they learn and look for ways to be innovative in their teaching with the use of technology. It's obvious, as Mr. Fisch says, "teachers need to demonstrate continual learning" or we will be doing a disservice to our students. I think he made an excellent point when he compared a teacher 30 years ago that did not know how to read or write to a teacher today who is not technologically literate.


Gary Hayes Social Media Count

Gary Hayes Social Media Count makes me realize how fast the world is moving. As an educator, this definitely wakes me up to what's happening. I need to constantly stay educated on new technology. Not just learn whats happening with the technology, actually explore ways to incorporate and utilize technology into student's learning. Teacher training and learning will need to be ongoing. I'll need to be self-motivated to continue and expand on what I've learned. If I don't stay up to date with technology, my students are going to leave me behind, while I scratch my head and wonder what's happening.
Just as a post script, I think Gary Hayes Social Media Count would be great to project on a Smart Board in a classroom for students to see and as a reminder to teachers as to how fast technology is moving.