I hate to say it, but I do not think every teacher should be tech literate. I would love to see those who have a passion for learning and creating embrace technology, but it is not something to be mandated. I think all future teachers should be exposed to it and those in the profession should be allowed to develop tech advances easier. The grant system is crazy for one teacher to try and attempt to improve the class or school on their own.
Teacher training should include how to assignments and instructions for all wanting to apply for grants, make interactive learning, or attend summer class one week intensive training for current teachers. We can't change the past or those stuck in it, all we can do is show how easy and give them the opportunity to embrace the improvements.
How do I get 8 cameras, 8 mac notebooks, 8 microphones, 8 sub teacher expenses for my class, for the music department, the drama, foreign language, science, math, special needs, student room......
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Good perspective Jim! I didn't think about it that way. I think one of the most important things that Sir Ken Robinson tried to teach us was that we (as individuals) should work hard to discover our passions and interests and use our creative abilities to expound upon them. Technology is for some, but not all. However, teachers don't know whether technology is for them or not until they become familiar enough with it to decide logically if it will enhance their students learning experiences or not. Which leads me to lean towards the notion that, yes indeed-- all teachers should be tech-literate.
ReplyDeleteA great idea - a class on how to write grants. Wonder if we can get it approved. Another brick wall to demonstrate how badly we want something!
ReplyDeleteAnthony,
ReplyDeleteYou are quite right. We should strive to work hard to discover our passions and interests. The trouble for many people is that they are unable or unwilling to change their view. Some people see technology as a large problem in today's society. Text messaging or spell check to an English teacher would be an example. While some may embrace this as a means to empower or build interest in writing, try and convince the English teacher that has watched the changes over the past thirty years that this is the answer. So, although it may be beneficial for the teacher and the student, I have to say once again that it comes down to the teacher. In some cases, you just can't make the horse drink the water.
Todays society doesn't read books or write meaningful literature on a daily basis. I enjoy classics, I like to write and hear what people have to say.
My question for you is "Why are we asked to write everything correctly and not abbreviate text?"
Dr. Strange,
I would sign up for the class. A network of past students and teachers working together would create an unbelievable resource to improve technology. Class group projects for EDM310 students could involve this process. The hardest thing for teachers who are willing is to convince the school and find the resources. The course and membership to the network would allow all teachers to get involved. The EDM class would be able to incorporate and help with the ground work giving them a leg up going into the schools. I have seen many universities working with schools all over the country being awarded serious money when done right. I know of a school in Arizona that received $750,000 last year for technology improvements. They only had 250 students so that's $3,000 per kid. They all work together to find a grant and then they all submit a application. It's listed on the NEA website under grants.
@Anthony Many teachers are not passionate about part of the curriculum we teach, this doesn't give us a pass to not teach it.
ReplyDelete@Jim Substitute literacy for technology and see if you still agree with your argument. BTW I agree to a certain extent that the means and mode of communication changes as well as the language we use to communicate. Our language is constantly evolving, changing, and being (for lack of a better phrase) rewritten. My question to you knowing all this is; What's your hurry?
@John You are lucky to get these two in your class. They have interesting ideas.
Mr. Chamberlain,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comments.
I realize we do not speak or write the way Shakespeare or Jefferson did and that everything evolves. Until July 2009 I did not own a cell phone or a computer. I feel like I've been shown the light and although my resources are limited, believe I can make great strides in the coming years. The more I learn now, the more chance I'll have to use and be prepared to teach what I know in class and to my children. The future is changing and I am playing catch up to many things, but tomorrow something new will happen and I could be part of it. I feel like I came across an iceberg and did not realize that I have only scratched the surface until recently. I want to be able to use what I have learned everyday in all my classes not just one or two over the next year. So why do I want to hurry? I am excited, I see possibilities were there was none six months ago. I am 37, started my degree last year and want to take every piece of information I can and see what I can do. It is a privilege to go to school and one that many members of my family have not had the opportunity to experience. I have an enthusiasm that I hope to spread to more and more people as I grow older and wiser, and the more tools I have under my belt to allow me do inspire others is only going to benefit people I come in contact with. You, Anthony, Dr. Strange, and many others have made a difference to my life in a few months and I hope that I can do the same for others.
I think you hit the nail on the head when you talked about lack of passion for some teachers/people and technology. We cannot mandate it or force change, we can only make it as beneficial and easy as possible for those wishing exposure.