After creating and sending out a survey asking about how teachers utilize technology I learned that technology in my building and district is being used but not to its fullest ability. Many teachers use SMART boards but when making that statement in the survey they followed up with something vague, like I use mine for EVERYTHING. What is everything? How does it help you in getting your students to their learning goals? Many teachers use their computers for personal use when it comes to their teaching jobs for things like attendance, lesson plans, grading, etc. Some use laptops and internet to help their students go deeper with their learning. But teachers who don't have a full class such as reading interventionists and resource room teachers seemed a little lost when it comes to ways of integrating technology into their work.
A trend that I saw was that many teachers were unsure of what to ask when it comes to what they want to learn or what they want to know more about. It seemed that educators are unaware of what is out there in terms of what could help them with their students involving technology. One comment was that a teacher was curious about how a SMART board can be used as more than just a fancy white board - I think it's unfair that some teachers know all the tips and tricks to having something like a SMART board and some teachers don't know how to turn one on. I was kind of shocked that more teachers were not curious about the iPad. This technology would be PERFECT for teachers who work one on one with students. The truth seems to be that their just isn't enough education for teachers involving educational technology. Also, the wealth isn't being shared. Teachers need this kind of learning to be successful and it is so uneven within buildings and districts. How are we supposed to ensure that all students are getting the same quality education when it is so different from district to district or even building to building within the same district?
There has never been enough PD for teachers in regards to technology. Really you have to take the initiative like you have and take the next step which is to take a full blown course like this or do a lot of learning on your own. Many teachers are unwilling to take on another task. Not because they are lazy, but because there is not enough time in the day and technology always seems to be put on the back burner for those hesitant to embrace new things.
ReplyDeleteThey just don't realize that yes it is extra work up front, but then it SAVES so much time. I don't know what I would do without all my organizational tools and those that enable me to be paperless. It saves me time and space.
Not sure how we are going to solve these issues. We still have even young teachers who are not in the know and hesitant to embrace technology. These are people who supposedly should have picked it up by osmosis according to the experts. I disagree that just because you are young you can do the technology. You have to learn, embrace and apply no matter what age you are.