Teaching Teachers Technology

Computers and technology have altered the educational landscape. Educators alike see how integrating technology in the classroom can enhance student learning. In addition, most will agree that the use of technology is an essential skill for students to compete in the emerging information-based global economy. However, embracing the ever-changing world of gadgets and software can be a daunting and intimidating task for educators.

According to a survey by NetDay, urban teachers tend to be more comfortable using computers-65 percent are very comfortable, compared with 54 percent of suburban and rural teachers. The Nation Education Association believes that given the fast pace of change in public schools, meaningful staff development, especially in the area of technology, must be a priority in all schools, even in the smallest of communities.

So how do we provide “meaningful staff development?” Many successful professional development programs in technology focus on skill-building and give teachers incentives to devote the time and energy needed to use computer technology. Although this idea may sound simple, many administrators are still working to define “successful” to implement professional technology development programs in schools across the nation.

Luckily educational researchers have caught on to this “issue” and have begun researching and conducting studies to help educators alike. While each study’s conclusion may vary slightly, a majority of researchers agree that a successful professional technology development programs should provide the following:

1. Intensive training in which teachers explore new ideas and materials over several sessions. Such training should take into account varying interests and needs.
2. Sustained staff development and follow-up consultations with mentors over an extended time period as teachers implement new practices.
3. Allow time for ongoing reflective conversation with colleagues doing the same job and implementing similar technology applications.
4. Observation of other teachers using exemplary techniques for incorporating technology in the classroom.
5. Provide teachers incentives, compensation, and recognition as they acquire and implement new skills.

Technology is being successfully integrated into school curriculums in many schools across the nation. If technology is to be used by students, then teachers must possess the confidence, understanding, and skills to effectively incorporate technology into their teaching practices. This will only occur by providing adequate training and development of teachers.

References:

Cynthia Kopkowski (2006, March). Ready To Upgrade? NEA Today, 24(6), 24-31. Retrieved December 26, 2008, from ProQuest Education Journals database. (Document ID: 993176981).

Glenn A. Brand (1997, Winter). What Research Says: Training Teachers for Using Technology. Journal of Staff Development, 19(1).

Assessment Web Page

Wow! Who knew there were so many online assessment building web pages. Although I believe most of them would be more useful with older students, I was able to find one that I like and believe I could use with my students. It's called Easy Test Maker. Some of the features found on this site include making a variety of different types of tests. For example, you can make multiple choice, true and false, matching, fill-in-the-blank, or short answer. When creating a test you can use any combination of the different types of questions or all of them. I found the easy usage of this site to be the most appealing. A teacher can create an assessment in three easy steps. It also saves and manages all the different tests that you create. If you are interested in creating your own test go to this website: http://www.easytestmaker.com. You will need to create a username and password. Have fun!

Cyberbullying

According to Wikipedia, Cyberbullying "involves the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behaviour by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others." During my search to find more information on this topic I found prevention groups, blogs, information for parents and interactive web pages for students.

Some resources I found to be helpful in teaching students include:
Cyberbullying http://www.ctap4.org/cybersafety/cb.htm
Ten Ways to Prevent Cyberbullying http://www.hotchalk.com/mydesk/index.php/back-to-school-tips/312-ten-ways-to-prevent-cyberbullying
Penguin- Puffin Teaching Package Destroying Avalon as a Cyber bullying Resource http://katemccaffrey.wordpress.com/category/cyber-bullying-resources/

Netiquette

Netiquette, or network etiquette, has evolved out of the cutlural influence of the world wide web. Wikipedia defines netiquette as "a set of social conventions that facilitate interaction over networks, ranging from Usenet and mailing lists to blogs and forums." In other words, it is a set of rules for behaving online. There are many books and resources online to learn and teach about netiquette. One resource I found is a book titled Netiquette by Virginia Shea. In her book she listed 10 rules to follow. Those rules are:
1) Remember we are human
2) Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life
3) Know where you are in cyberspace
4) Respect other people's time & bandwith
5) Make yourself look good online
6) Share expert knowledge
7) Help keep flame wars under control
8) Respect other people's privacy
9) Don't abuse your power
10) Be forgiving of other people's mistakes

You can read more details from her book by visiting: http://www.albion.com/netiquette/book/index.html

Some other good resources include:
Netiquette (Internet Etiquette) http://www.livinginternet.com/i/ia_nq.htm
Netiquette for Kids http://www.bpl.org/kids/netiquette.htm

Digital Storytelling

The University of Houston has created a very useful web page about the educational usage of digital storytelling. On their web page you can find examples, tutorials, educational usages, and links to a variety of software. The information on the site covers a broad range of information related to digital storytelling . The content is well organized and user friendly. If you are at all interested in digital storytelling you should check it out!

Educational Journal

I chose the education journal called National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). This publication produces a biweekly newsletter with information supporting early childhood education initiatives by providing objective, nonpartisan information based on research. As an early childhood teacher I chose this journal to stay current on research and issues surrounding my field.

Check it Out: http://nieer.org/

PowerPoint Reflection

PowerPoint is an educational tool that can enhance student learning and teaching in the classroom. As with most technology PowerPoint has its pros and cons. When implemented correctly PowerPoint provides a visual aid for information that benefits visual learners. It also can provide opportunities for student engagement and active interaction. In addition to being used for instruction, students can use PowerPoint to organize information, create presentations and portfolios. I believe the program is easy for students to use and allows children to be creative.
The biggest problem surrounding PowerPoint occurs when it is not used appropariatly or is overused. Powerpoints lose their teaching effectivness when teachers stick to closesly to their presentation and not on their students needs. For example, when students are confused and not understanding the information opposed to stopping and improvising to ensure student understanding, the teacher continues to teach slide by slide as they had planned.

For More information check out these webpages:

PowerPoint in the ClassroomStudents of all ages can create multimedia presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint. Teach them how using this fun-filled, online tutorial.
www.actden.com/PP/

PowerPoint In the ClassroomPowerPoint is a wonderful tool for learning in both a student and teacher-directed situation. It can add a new dimension to learning allowing teachers to ...
www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/powerpoint/

PowerPoint in the ClassroomThe three most compelling arguments for the use of PowerPoint in the classroom are its suitability as a powerful and easily learned authoring system for ..
www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=520839

Presenky Article

Prior to reading the article I believed that children's interested have changed due to technology. While reading the article I found myself nodding my head in agreement with many of Presenky's ideas. In addition, the article reminded me of many discussions I have been involved in during staff meetings and trainings at my school.

From all the information I've been presented with I believe that, as with most things in education, their needs to be a balance. I believe technology should be integrated into education when it benefits and enhances student learning. In order for this to happen teachers will need to learn and adapt curriculum in such ways. However, I also believe that there are concepts that don't need to be "technologisized" and that would be more beneficial for students to learn the "old" way.

About Me

Hello Everyone!

My name is Heidi Scaife. I am a 1st grade teacher at Audubon Elementary School in the Lake Washington School District. This is my fourth year teaching. I received my teaching certificate at Central Washington University and I am currently in the process of getting my M.Ed in Technology, Curriculum & Instruction at City University. I am also in the Pro-cert program.