Part 1: Article Reflections

U.S. Schools Lag Behind in Use of Technology:

I found this quote very helpfu, "Virtually all U.S. schools are connected to the Internet, with about one computer for every five students". I have been wondering throughout this course, on average, what is the student to computer ratio all over the U.S. I figured it was around 1:5, but wasn't for sure. I was however, surprised when the article stated, "At least 15 states provide some form of "virtual schooling," in which young students gain access to individual instruction online". This surprises me, I figured more than 15 states would offer this...very surprising and disappointing. I agree with the students that were interviewed in this article, when they said, "I think that teachers should be required to go to a technology course," and, "I think that students should have laptops to do everything in class. ... We should not have to carry heavy books all day long." In my opinion, teachers SHOULD be required to take an updated technology course every so often (one similar to TECS 290 could be very eye opening for many older teachers!) Teachers need to know about the things you can do online these days in the classroom, and should be familiar with such things as, podcasts, blogs, and everything else we have learned about in this course!

National Education Technology Plan:

The National Education Technology Plan lays out a framework for transforming education and incorporating advanced technology into our educational system.  They have layed out a set of seven action steps and recommendations to help states and districts work towards this goal. I have to say that this information is nothing new or shocking to me! It is obvious to me that these things have to be done and need to be conquered very soon in order for students to begin benefiting from everything that is available. The plan and action steps they have developed are essential for schools to implement and adopt worldwide! In order to keep up with the advancements in technology and the changing technology world, the education model that we have today must be modified! The vast opportunities, tools, resources and technologies are amazing and our education system must begin to take advantage of all there is available to for students and teachers! Hopefully the action plan that I read about on this website will provide the education system with a more enriched and updated learning environment, and bring today’s teachers up to date and educated with all of the new tools and resources that are now available and can be used in the classroom!

National Education Technology Standards:

This website is excellent for educators and I have already bookmarked it for future use!  All teachers should be incorporating these standards into their lessons on a daily basis. Unfortunately, it has become clear to me throughout my experience with internships and in elementary schools that so many teachers do not utilize these standards in their classroom. These standards are geared towards helping schools and teachers shape all students into technology driven individuals. With the incorporation of these technology standards students will be able to function effectively today and in the future, adapt to change that is inevitable, and encompass evolving technologies. The NETS are encouraging educational leaders to provide learning opportunities that produce technology-capable students. My hope is that within the near future all teachers will be utilizing these standards on a daily basis and realize that technology is a very powerful tool with enormous potential. If all teachers start to utilize this website and the information it provides, our outdated educational system would be one step closer to transforming into one that better serves the need of 21^st century work, technologies, communications, learning, life skills, etc.

Adopt and Adapt:

I enjoyed reading this article, I think that Prensky suggests all the right things and is right on with his evaluation of today’s educational system regarding the integration of technology. The best way to sum it all up is just what the article subtitle suggests, “21^st Century Schools, need 21^st Century Technology”. I believe the same thing that he does; schools and teachers have to start adopting technologies instead of adapting to them in order to keep up with today’s digital age in the classroom. From experience, I know that time restraints play a big role in what teachers are able to accomplish and teach their students. There is definitely not enough time in a teacher’s day to try to keep up with all of the old methods of teaching AND incorporate 21^st century technology. Instead, schools and teachers need to re-think how they are accommodating their students today and ADOPT new curricula, organization, assessments, parental connections, teaching procedures, and many other elements, to adhere to the new digital age. This article hits all the right points and I am lucky I got to read it….all teachers should!!

High School.com:

Unfortunetely, I could not find this page. It said that the page I had requested had moved or was not available any longer. I will try it again later to see if I have better luck!