Standards

In reviewing the NETS-T, for teachers the standards and regulations put in place hope for a strong technological literacy of teachers. However I do not believe that all teachers have this type of technological literacy. I fear that the standards set however well thought out an important can only apply to a small percentage of teachers. Specifically one standard explains “teachers… demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.” I do not believe that most teachers today have that fluency in technology. How then are these teachers supposed to pass on knowledge of technologies and the importance of them today in they themselves are ignorant of most new programs and processes. Despite my notion of technologically ignorant teachers the NETS-T does provide a strong base for the teaching of new technologies. Almost every section strongly emphasized the modeling of each technology before unleashing the students to do as they please. This modeling will prove very important in making a clear and concise objective for the technologies. It eliminates basic questions or concerns, while most importantly cutting down abuse of the technology, while focusing to the task at hand. Especially the modeling of digital etiquette and awareness to keep the children safe and away from some of the pitfalls that can be found in this new technological explosion.

I also found an article that is pulling Thomas Jefferson out of the curriculum for Texas schools teaching great political thinkers and their influence on the political revolutions from 1750 to the present. ARTICLE . are these schools ignoring the standards set for history as Thomas Jefferson is such an influential part of history politically, socially and also educationally?

Integrating for integrations sake

While spending time exploring and using all three different types of computer software for education in became clearer over time that there is only one way I found beneficial in education. That would be the teacher directed inquiry. The drill and kill along with open ended student centered activities didn’t seem to have a strong upside for classroom use. Obviously the drill and kill effectively promotes practice and a good way of remembering what was learned however, with a limited supply and availability of technology these does not seem to be the most productive use of time. Since most drill and kill activities don’t require computers or new technologies, I find that a teacher can use her time with new technologies more efficiently then with drill and kill exercises. On the other had letting the students freely play with these constructivists programs like the one I used, Kids College also has a limited upside. Students here are completely ignoring the purpose of the activities and focusing on the Games provided or just its completion. The best way to incorporate some of these new programs is with complete participation from the students and the teacher with clear and concise directions and objectives. Just as in Etoys, without defined goals and teachers participation it could become a very elaborate program of Paint and defeat the purpose.