Monday, November 16, 2009
Technology Training
Technology training is a no longer just a valuable asset to schools, in the 21st century technology training is a necessity. Teachers must be up-to-date on the latest technology equipment and resources available to them. Students are not using encyclopedias to do research and write reports any longer; they are using internet websites to research materials to create power point presentations. Furthermore, students are no longer writing research papers, but instead using their word processor to type the information. I recently graded a host of social studies projects that were submitted on computer flashdrives, the material was organized, neat and easy to read. In today’s classrooms, students are not content reading from the textbook and discussing the materials they read; students are more likely to focus on an interactive lesson where the teacher is using a Smartboard or other form of technology in the classroom. Technology is integrated into the curriculum to engage student’s and enhance classroom learning. When teachers use technology in their classrooms, it takes students to a whole new level of learning. Additionally, technologies in schools helps teachers become more proficient; offering the most current information in their academic subject. Teachers should be educated on effective ways to use computer-related technology in their classroom and ways to integrate technology into the curriculum. I admit that I am not readily taking advantage of the technology around me, nonetheless I understand the need to step up my own pace and seize the opportunities I am being presented.
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You are so right in saying that technology is a necessity in 21st century classrooms. Not only does it provide skills, and even formats (students may learn to use PowerPoint in school, but many workplaces also utilize it) that students will need in the future, but also provides methods of obtaining and using information that are much more engaging than those used in the past. While sometimes there is no way of avoiding a research paper, as it's the best method of presenting a certain set of information, using multimedia tools such as diagrams and presentations can help student work be more interesting, both to the creator and the viewers.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your comment about tech training being a necessity. Our students are so involved with different types of technology, and it is very beneficial to be able to incorporate as much of that technology into the classroom as possible. I teach English, and I definitely see how students would much rather use the Internet to do research- I usually have to make a requirement of at least ONE book, otherwise they wouldn't even attempt to look at a book. It is my responsibility to teach research skills, and I need to be able to do that using the materials that are accessible to most students. I also like the idea of creating multi-media presentations instead of the traditional research paper. However, I have to be able to teach the students how to do that and feel confident in my ability to help them every step of the way.
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