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Based on blog message written by Mary Beth Hertz on 8/3/11.
This article puts into question what type of knowledge should be needed by instructors teaching with technology. I think this is a very important question and this article provides a link to the International Society for Technology in Education organizational website. I think teachers need to be familiar with the technology they are using in a classroom and should be required to keep up with continuing educational opportunities to keep up with current changes in technology. Knowing how to use email properly, knowing how to do various internet searches, and knowing how to use different computer systems effectively are three examples given in this article as suggestions for what an instructor needs to know. I know that public school systems are setting technology goals for their students, but I think it is important for teaching professions to set technology standards for teaching professionals. I do think that some type of standards needs to be established for teaching professionals and this may get improved by initially changing the training that teachers are receiving. Most professions have research that continues to be part of their profession and I think it would be practical to incorporate technology research into teaching professions. There seems to be differences in how technology is used from one school district to another and it would be beneficial to have research to back up how technology is improving a school district.
Hertz, M. (2001, August 3) What Tech Tools Should Be Required Knowledge for Teachers? [Web Log Message] http://www.edutopia.org/blog/technology-skills-required-knowledge-mary-beth-hertz?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
In Michigan, at the elementary level, a teacher takes one class and they are considered certified to teach technology. Now, I am grateful, because that allowed me to get the teaching placement I hold. But I agree with Ms. Hertz and you in that there MUST be continual professional development in technology. I would include citation and research reliablity for all educators so that they can inform students on their responsibility. If teachers are provide new technology they should be given the appropriate amount of training and support to continue updating and evolving as the technology changes.
ReplyDeleteI do know that there has been talk in our legislature to make technology one of the "highly qualified" areas like music. This would be great, but universities would have to provide the course work. Should be interesting to see where it goes.
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ReplyDeleteThere should be a technology requirement. Technology is here to stay so for people to say they don't need to know it, they might as well stick there heads in the sand and stay there. How can students be required to know more than the teachers? If you don't know it, how can you teach it? How do you know if it is being done right? Do teachers need to know how to write a program? No, but they should know how to use the internet and some other tools to compliment their teaching.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that there should be a technology requirement. I dont know if this is required in every district or if its a state requirement, but in my district we have to have 60+ P.D. hours each year until you receive tenure. I believe that a certain amount of those hours should be designated to technology.
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