Understanding Educational Technology Issues and Trends

Chapter 2- Understanding Educational Technology Issues and Trends

Focus Question: What are the major issues, developments, and trends in the field of educational technology?

The major issues, I believe, stem from the reality that Students are Digital Natives, while Teachers fall into the category of Digital Immigrants as classified by Marc Prensky. The Youngsters who have grown up using instant and interactive computer and wireless technologies are the Digital Natives while the others, older of course, have to learn how to interact with technology.  Tight budgets and a rapidly changing system are also among the issues. Many schools are not up to date on the latest technology and are often guilty of  neglecting to use the technology they have to its fullest. Teaching schedules is another factor as the pressure is placed on the teacher to ensure that the required curriculum is taught within the confines of the allotted time period. Additionally, digital inequality and participation gap is said to limit access to technology for many students.

Yes, many teachers know how to operate a computer, to use google, to email, and to create PowerPoints, but that is just not enough in this technologically advanced era in which we live. No wonder so many of our students complain about feeling bored, disengaged and alienated from school. There is clearly going to be a disconnect unless the teacher finds ways and means to grow in a knowledge of technology and use this knowledge to enhance the learning environment. Technology is a part of the teacher's administrative work  and it is imperative that the teacher receives training in order to be competent in using the required tools such as the electronic grade book; the job requires it. It is even more crucial for the teacher to receive training in the use of  instructional technology, but this for too long has been optional to many teachers. Many will debate that there is just not enough hours in the day for the teacher to plan and implement amazing student centered lessons, and maintain the School District's Data system but technology MUST be incorporated into both the administrative and instructional professional work of teaching, none optional.

There are enough reasons for teachers to use technology to create many different learning formats to engage students. It is never a good thing when students appear to be more knowledgeable than their teachers and as such, this is another motivator to become the technology-using-teacher. Become the one who confidently integrates computers and other digital and electronic resources to create a highly interactive, inquiry-based learning environment.

http://educationtrendsandissues.wikispaces.com/Integrating+Technology+into+the+Classroom
 

In Tech Tool 2.0, the focus is on Apps for Teaching and Learning.  An Application (App), is a software program that runs on a smartphone or tablet computer. There is no excuse for the teacher to avoid the use of technology. Most students today own a cellular(cell.) phone and these, provide the teacher another avenue to direct, student centered learning. "There's an app for that!" is Apples' marketing phrase. Two popular educational apps are; Molecules, used for scientific activity,  Story Patch, used for English/Language Arts. There are billions of applications for teachers to use to motivate and interest their students. In most Public School Systems in Florida, there is a myriad of technology at our disposal, Collier County Public Schools is one such Technologically focused school district.

It is the responsibility of the teacher to get on-board the 'technology train', or be left behind; but be mindful of the fact that principals and School Districts do not like to be "Left Behind". This is not just the future, It is the present. The choice then is a binary, drive the use of technology or you will get driven by the technology. You can either be the master or the slave of the technological revolution that has come to the classroom.

.

Resources:

Textbook - Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2011). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN:10 0-13-159611-X, ISBN:13 978-0-13-159611-5