Recently, I attended a course regarding the implementation of blogs in the classroom. I sincerely appreciate those who teach technology courses to teachers, as the spectrum of technology-use amongst teachers often seems as wide as the diversity in our own classrooms.
I generally see three groups of teachers at these events:
- “Techies”- who sport the newest smartphone, write professional blogs, podcast, and are constantly following and adapting technology for their own interest.
- “Average Joes/Janes” who will incorporate technology into their teaching as required or encouraged by the school district, but who need some guidance along the way.
- “Those resistant to change” who may believe themselves to be the “best” teachers and don’t need technology, or are too old or disinterested to attempt to learn new technology.
I freely admit that I have my own personal biases. I have coached a tech club, designed a publishing company’s website, and seek to keep up in our ever-changing world of technology. That being said; those of us educators who are invested deeply in technology also get caught up in the novelty and excitement of technology. It is important for us to take a step back and see the big picture- what technology provides the greatest assistance to our teaching? How can we use technology in a responsible way?
On the other hand, it makes me sad when teachers are too preoccupied with “the way things were.” Being part of a younger generation, I know that this is a more difficult concept for me to understand. But like in anything, I think we need to be welcome to change and to examine both the benefits and the consequences of new technology.
Technology will never replace good teaching. Giving smart boards and Flip cams to every teacher will not improve the quality of teaching in the least. Administrators need to examine the value of technology before it is implemented in a school system. Simply finding “the newest thing” that worked in a different school district does not mean it is appropriate for use in your school. Teachers need to be welcome to the idea of change, and need the education and support of people well-versed in technology to accompany them along the way.
When equipped with proper education, a willing attitude, and research regarding best practices of educational technology; technology can aid teachers in promoting a healthy, up-to-date, interactive classroom.
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