1. Articles Reflection

U.S. schools lag behind in use of technology

After reading and reflecting on this article from USA Today, I was struck by a particular quote, "I think that teachers should be required to go to a technology course." I think that this statement hits the nail on the head. As the article states, technology has begun to become a priority and is being funded as such. However, what good is the technology if the teachers do not utilize it or are not trained to utilize it. That is why I think a course such as FHSU TECS290 is so important. I think young teachers are stepping up to the plate but veteran teachers need to be a training priority.

National Education Technology Plan

This US Dept. of Education plan is a no-brainer. It gives a name to and lends credibility to what we, as young teachers, already know: Our teaching methods in America are outdated and we must evolve if we are to keep pace with a globalized economy. A quote that caught my eye here was from the Secretary of Education, "Indeed, education is the only business still debating the usefulness of technology." This is a sad statement coming from a man in this position. This plan suggests steps that all schools should take to meet the learning needs of the modern student.


NETS: National Education Technology Standards: for Students, for Teachers and for Administrators

The NETS-S, Natl. Education Technology Standards for Students, is the only set of standards that has been released if I read the website correctly. It was released at the NECC 2007. I think that this is a valuable resource for teachers and administrators in thinking about how to integrate technology and which aspects are being taught. The one that I thought was particularly interesting was Digital Citizenship. This revolves around safe and ethical use of technology. I think this standard addresses the root of why so many people are scared of technology. The media bombards us with stories of technology gone wrong. This standard encourages individuals to be proactive in avoiding these issues.


Don't Just Adapt Technology, Adopt It!!

This was a cool article challenging school systems to try new things in new ways in regards to technology. I've never really thought about it but we are really doing old things in new ways in many ways. For example, my main computing uses are #1 - email, and #2 - accessing our student information database (SASI). These two things are really all about doing old things in new ways. Granted, it makes me much more efficient and effective in my job but I think I can do so much more with technology in my job as School Social Worker. One roadblock for me is sometimes resistance to change by the powers that be. For example, any URL with the word "blog" in it is banned by the school district filtering program. I find that amazing after taking this class!

High School.com

I could not locate this article.