I was amazed at how quickly technology via the web has progressed since 1989 when the Internet started. Tim Berners-Lee saw the potential to create a vast "web" of linked information, built from people around the world. This allowed people to not only share data but to share personal talents and experiences in new and powerful ways. In 1993, many people were "surfing" the web. It was limited in its capabilities but quickly became an essential communications and research network connecting people locally and globally.
Fast-forward to 2009 and we have many capabilities and possibilities. The one major problem I see as an educator is that we are challenged with keeping up with technologies. The world is constantly changing and "educators are very, very slow to react." I think more time and training would help me to overcome my personal struggles with technology. Many of our students are exposed and adept at the evolving technologies. Their abilities far surpass their teachers' abilities. Our students use more complex and flexible digital information with minimal or hardly any instruction. Today's schools are faced with the difficult dilemma that pits a student body immersed in technology against a teaching faculty that is less skilled in these tools. Students are by and large "fearless" in the use of technology. Personally I am trying to catch up with my students abilities with technology.
Ann Marie,
ReplyDeleteI love your fall colors on your web blog, it makes me want to go apple picking or go for a hike up Mount Monadock, in Jaffrey, New Hampshire. Our family usually treks up the 3,165 foot hike every fall. I would highly recommend the trip, what a view! Your children would love the adventure!
I agree with you about the warp speed this technology has taken, as I stated on my blog… Just as I learn a skill something better is invented… Technology training should be on going… The frustration will be apparent, when we learn these skill and then we can’t utilize them in the classroom, what good is it?
After a quick look at my survey, you will be pleasantly surprised that you in fact are more technologically talented than you might think. The students can play games, look up information, text like crazy on their cell phones but that is all that they can accomplish in the area of the wide world web! So, take the risk and always find out who is your technology star in the classroom, just in case you may need help!
Your fellow blogger,
Cathyr
Ann Marie,
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is difficult to keep up with all of the new technology available to us. I'm loving this class because it's giving me a time to sit down and try out new things. It would be great if we were able to have a technology PD once a year so we could be consistently learning about new technology tools and how they can be used in school.
Alicia, I like that idea of having a technology PD once a year. That would be very helpful. For me lots of times I learn a new tool and then never use it again. I need to practice technology more than I do.
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