Thoughts on Class

Looking forward to learning more about web 2.0 tools and how to use them more in the educational setting at the elementary level. I am currently an assistant principal and technology coordinator at a K to 5 elementary school with over 650 students and 90 staff members.  Technology is very important piece of teaching the students of the 21^st century and needs to be addressed.

The problem I’m finding is getting the resources and time to be able to have staff PD to use the technology, and then having the time during the day to teach the students how to use this technology. That’s if we are given the equipment and freedom to go to these sites and the technology we are given is up to date. Technology unfortunately takes a back seat to No Child Left Behind and NECAP testing. Especially, if you are a title one school with state requirements that need to be met yearly in mat and language arts.   

So I am going to be very interested to see how others school districts are able to implement web 2.0 into their buildings with all the budgetary issues, as well as, privacy issues. It is amazing though what other countries and school districts are able to do using the technology given to them and the advantage they are going to have when they enter the work force. As the technology coordinator I am always working on getting technology into the classroom, especially all the free web 2.0 tools out there, but with limited resources and time it is very frustrating. Hoping to cure some of this frustration.

Chapter 1 Thoughts

Technology is extremely important to teaching the students of the 21^st century. Technology is touching almost every part of our lives, our communities, our homes, and our classrooms. Many are just beginning to explore the true potential technology offers for teaching and learning. Properly used, technology will help students acquire the skills they need to survive in a complex, highly technological world.

Integrating technology into classroom instruction means more than teaching basic computer skills and software programs in a separate computer class. Effective tech integration must happen across the curriculum in ways that research shows deepen and enhance the learning process. Effective technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is routine and transparent and when technology supports curricular goals.   

Technology also changes the way teachers teach, offering educators effective ways to reach different types of learners and assess student understanding through multiple means. It also enhances the relationship between teacher and student. When technology is effectively integrated into subject areas, teachers grow into roles of adviser, content expert, and coach. Technology helps make teaching and learning more meaningful and enjoyable. In so many schools this is not happening and in a high tech world where other countries are way ahead, we as educators need to start implementing technology into our everyday routine in the classroom so our student will be prepared to be apart of this high tech society.