In our book's first chapter, Richardson states, "There is no debate any longer that poiliticians who aren't taking advantage of the connective tissue of these technologies are putting themselves at risk of irrelevance" (p.4).
Can the same be said for teachers, administrators, and schools?
Tell me what you think!
Dr. Diggs
There is so much information to be learned and gained through the use of technology. If teachers, schools, and administrators are not using the technological resources available to them, then they are running the risk of being seen as irrelevant to the students who they serve. If we do not seek ways to connect in a more relevant, up to date way with students, then we will lose their interest. If students aren't interested, they won't have much of a desire to learn.
ReplyDeleteI agree. This fact highlights the changing role of today's teacher. Back when the teacher was the sole dispenser of knowledge, he or she could control the methods of curriculum delivery. Now,as facilitator, the teacher must be aware of and skilled in the latest technology in order to most effectively facilitate instruction.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Katie's statement that if we do not teach our students about the newest technology we are doing a disservice to them. I think that teaching for the 21st century cannot be done by ousselves. Technology allows our students to gain knowledge from around the world, not just from us. With blogs, video capabilities, internet, etc. our students have so many resources to use. My first graders are currently learning about maps and a co-teacher of mine has friends all over the world. She contacted them and they are sending us videos via youtube.com to show us how maps are used everywhere, not just in Charlotte, NC. The individuals making the videos are also speaking in both English and their native language, which is awesome for our bilingual students. They LOVE the videos and are so engaged because they can relate to what is on the videos…..There is so much out there to help our children, we are crazy to not expose them to at least some of it!
ReplyDeleteConsidering that most jobs in the 21st century will require technological skills, it is imperative that schools use technology to teach students. Technology is ever-changing but students need to be exposed to it and have a foundation that will help prepare them for the future. It is definitely a new way of teaching and as our students learn, teachers are learning with them. A teacher, administrator or school who chooses not to use technology is putting themselves at risk for being irrelevant to their students' learning. Students who use technology as part of their every day instruction will be much better prepared for a career in the 21st century.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything that has been said! With living in a world that in constantly undergoing change, improvements, and advances in technology, we need to better prepare our students to be able to live and be successful in the 21st century. Schools need to work together in coming up with means of educating our students through technological tools. Without this exposure and knowledge, we are not helping our students become prepare for a world that now revolves around technology!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more with this statement, and must say-it is so fitting for educators. With the increased use of technology in the classroom, it's important that we also stay educated on the latest trends and learning tools available to us at our finger tips.
ReplyDeleteBlogging is a great way for teachers to connect (even those that aren't working in the same building). We can not only gather ideas, but share with our fellow colleagues. Not quite sure just how to use some of these web tools? Not a problem-reach out and begin an online conversation with other educators.
With the new evaluation system in effect, it seems now, more than ever, that documentation is key! The weblogs studied this week provide an online portfolio/filing cabinet. Imagine....reading educational research articles and writing up your own thoughts and reflections. Who knows who your audience may be, but this is a great artifact to include that proves that you have been researching and trying to stay current in your practices! Let your voice be heard.
I agree. As teachers, we must embrace the latest technology and put our full attention to using it as a tool in our classrooms. Students are already using technology to learn and discover everyday. If teachers do not keep up with 21st century skills, we may run the risk of becoming irrelevant.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone. I do think that teachers are held accountable for preparing students for 21st learning using technology,yet funding is not there to provide every student with a computer in the classroom.Two computers is not enough in a class size of 22 or more. How can we teach our students to be technology savy with a 45min visit to the computer lab with someone who is not a certified technology person
ReplyDeleteI too agree with the above statements. Society is quickly evoling around us and if schools are not keeping up with all of the technological advances, they are doing a disservice to their students. When students graduate they will need to be 21st century ready. Technology is part of that preparation. Students should be fully emerged throughout the day in technology in order to refrain from becoming seen as irrelevant!
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of the comments made by my classmates! Technology is steadily increasing and it is up to us as educators to continue introducing new and different tools to our students. This will in fact enable them to be able to keep up and maintain in today's society.
ReplyDelete