Where you are at on tech skills to be a great teacher and where you think you need to be? What are your strengths and weaknesses in technology use for instruction and professional development? What kind of plan can you develop for your professional growth?
I honestly can't say where exactly I am when it comes to my technology skills; I did not grow up with computers, until middle school, since they were not very popular until around that time in my life. Compared to children today, my skills are most likely lacking in the areas of specific technologies, such as podcasts and I don't even an own an Ipod. I guess I'm not entirely thrilled with using technology, because I don't know how to use it; my computer skills are decent, but I have no idea how to input formulas in a spreadsheet and have never used all of the different features of a word document or blackboard. For my own professional development, it would be nice to gain first hand experience of what it is like to use a smartboard or expose myself to other forms of technology that could be useful in the classroom. However, I also believe that it is unfair to hold the regular education teacher fullly responsible for teaching children how to use the everchanging technologies in the world. Rather, I think that their should be teachers in the schools, who are spefically trained in the use of relevant technologies, who can then teach the children how to use it, so that the regular education teacher can implement what the children have learned in the computer lab. Technology is being renewed so rapidly, that I fear by the time I learn what is out there today, it will be outdated and I will have to start all over again. As for a professional growth plan, I'm not even sure where to start, because there is so much out there, it's overwhelming.
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I can relate to what you are saying because I didn't grow up with computers at all. When I graduated from high school the electric type writer was still a big deal. Yes I am old I guess! Like you I am comfortable with most basic areas of computer use, but there is a lot that I haven't explored or tried, even with basic programs like microsoft word.
ReplyDeleteI honestly feel that as educators our primary focus should be on teaching, not just technology. Technology can be incorporated as a teaching skill and to allow students to develop skills, but I don't believe it should be our primary focus. I am hoping to use some of the education links I've discovered to learn about new technology for education and the best ways to incorporate it into the classroom.
Well, it's good to think about which technologies might be useful with Pk-3. I don't see you needing Excel spreadsheet expertise.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, if the technology is to support the learning, then it needs to be imbedded in the curriculum, and not be something that the children go do separately.
We also have a responsibility to provide time for regular teachers to learn useful technologies to enrich instruction.
Remember,these kids live with technology. My 6-year old grandson can use an IPhone. If we want children to learn, how much do we meet them where they are and how much do we force them into 19th and 20th century classrooms. And how can we prepare them for the 21st century in these environments? And, for early childhood, how do we make sure that they have time for play and exploration? I am more unhappy about the academic-izing of Kindergarten than about the technology infusion.
In relation to the play versus technology, in the early childhood field, there is a strong push AGAINST children spending a lot of time in front of the television, computer, or other screen, unless it is strictly educational; and even if it is, they come across as seeming to want to keep that to a minimum as well. I personally believe that while technology is important in this century, nothing prepares children for life than being able to play and express themselves creatively. I sometimes wonder if we are exposing children to technologies at too young of an age, or perhaps that is the best way for them to learn how to use it.
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