Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Technology Training in Schools
Technology training in schools today is a must! Teachers need to be updated on the newest technology equipment or resources. At the school where I volunteer the teachers need a lot of assistance in different areas when they use the computers in the media center. That is why it is the media specialist's responsibility to conduct workshops for them. She/he could have a technical person to come in from the county to implement this. The media specialist may have a full plate to do it herself. Technology staff developments would not be a waste of time. This would be an asset to any school. Technology is integrated into the curriculum to engage student's learning. Students are more interested and focused when teachers introduce technology projects to them. This takes students to another level when learning. Technology in the schools helps teachers to become more proficient and effective at their jobs. The web site www.education-world.com/a_curr/curr176.shtml discusses how teachers should be trained to use a computer, and how to integrate technology into the curriculum. Once technology is mastered by teachers and students both of them could move forward in life. Schools would be established and known for developing high achievers.
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6 comments:
You are so right when you say that kids are more engaged when technology is used with instruction. I also like the idea of having a technology specialist help with technology training. I worry about time constraints with media specialists,especially the ones who have a set schedule (not flexible). You make many good points.
I share your passion about including the technology training with the lesson for the students. This could take a couple of minutes to teach and the student will have the background in order to complete the project. I also support the fact that teachers should be willing to learn the basics in order to mature and grow as educators in a ever changing environment. I personally believe that the media specialist should be a backup "goto" contact when the technology specialist is NOT available. I know many teachers who are unwillig to step up and take the initiative to learn what is needed to advance their skills as educators. This, as you stated, is a MUST!!!
I went to the link you suggested. One thougth that I loved was by Stew Pruslin who said that there should be a building technology integration specialist for every school. Of course with downsizing of everything now, I really doubt that would happen. But when you think about it. Kids love technology. That's why we are pushed to use it in the classroom. Couldn't "the powers that be" think to themselves that if they want something like this that they might have to sacrifice a salary and have an expert on site.
The incorporation of technology is stressed in schools today, but what I have found to be ironic about this are the mandates that are often put in place that prohibits technology use. For example, we are a reading first school, which means exactly what the title suggests. Reading comes first during the school day; 120 minutes of reading to be exact. Students can not be in the computer lab during this time. They also can't be in the media center during this time. That's so contradictory to me with the advancements in technology. I am aware, however, that technology doesn't just mean computers, but computers are such an integral part of technology.
I think that it is a good idea for the media specilaist to be proficient in technology so that staff needs can be met. We are fortunate, at our school, to have someone here who deals with most of our technology problems without having to call in the tech department, but when she's out it falls to me. I am learning, but there is alwasy so much more that I need to know.
I feel that all teachers need to use technology in the classroom. There is so much technology in everyday life that we have to use it at school in order to keep our students engaged and interested.
You are correct. Technology training is a must. While it will be difficlut for the media specialist to conduct training she may need to. Especially if there isn't a technology teacher at the school. We are lucky to have both at our school. Students are capable of doing much more on the computer than many teachers. It is imperative that we keep up with them.
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