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Reflection on effective teacher professional development
Technology and teachers
What do teachers think about professional development
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Several scholars indicated that K–12 teachers are not skilled, and lack confidence needed to infuse technology effectively into the curriculum (Francis & Mishra, 2008; Harrison, & Wamakote, 2010; Teo, 2009; Weston & Bain, 2010). Teaching with technology is complex and the challenge of newer technologies (Koehler & Mishra, 2009; Ozek, Kesli, & Kocoglu, 2009; Weston & Bain, 2010; Hennessy). A number of K–12 schools across the US are under pressure to integrate diverse technology resources into the curriculum (Weston & Bain, 2010). With this in mind, the integration of wireless laptop technology is the latest initiative attempting to promote the use of wireless computing in classroom instruction (Skevakis, 2010; Weston & Bain, 2010).
According to numerous researchers, this available technology in the classroom enables teachers to differentiate their instructional practices through technology-based activities (Nagel, 2010; Glassett & Schrum, 2009; Hall, 2010; Ross, Morrison, & Lowther, 2010). Many of the Georgia K–12 schools participated in some exhilarating projects using technology-based instructional activities. The technology-based instructional activities occurred through the Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing Network (Georgia Department of Education [GaDOE], 2008). Because of the budget crises, the supplies of up-to-date technological resources and teacher training have undergone major cuts over the last four years (Glassett & Schrum, 2009). An essential characteristic of technology in education is the continuous evolution of technological devices and the use of corresponding applications (Hall, 2010).
The GaDOE is taking tremendous strides toward developing perspectives in thei...
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...from this technology (Suhr, Hernandez, Grimes, & Warschauer, 2010). Collaborative measures, advancing teacher-students’ literacy, data driven tasks, cross curriculum running records, promoting explorations, and facilitating assessments are some potential benefits. Teachers can use wireless laptops to teach students to generate and analyze their own data during inquiry learning (Kervin & Mantei, 2010; Skevakis, 2010).
Students with access to wireless laptops also have added aids at hand for creating products that illustrate mastery of introduced concepts (Zucker & King 2009). The problem that will be studied here encompasses some of the reasons why teachers do not routinely use wireless laptops in their instructional practice. The Teachers Attitude Scale (TAS) will be used to determine teachers’ need for ongoing training to incorporate wireless computing.
Working as an Instructional Technology Specialist for the past seven years has provided many opportunities to observe teachers and students in a classroom setting. During this time teachers have been in the process of phasing in a new standards-based curriculum with an emphasis on student mastery of these standards. New technology tools have also been incorporated in many classrooms including studen...
Over the past few decades, technology has advanced significantly. The use of calculators, computers, and other techniques in many fields has increased. On a large scale, technology is replacing traditional methods of instruction in the field of education. Many people believe that adopting technology in the learning process can increase productivity. However, David Gelernter, a professor at Yale University and a leading figure in the field of technology, suggests limiting the use of technology in the classroom in his article “Unplugged: The Myth of Computers in the Classroom,” published in the New Republic magazine in 1994.
It is very hard not to realize that technology has overpowered education in many ways. “Technology integration is similar to a tidal wave, growing silently in strength, then falling with an unstoppable roar upon those who paid no attention or showed little interest” (Guhlin, 40). Nowadays, computers are almost considered a necessity in the classroom, and are the main component of technology integration. Computers are being used in more numerous ways, besides only being used for basic word processing. With a simple computer, copious availabilities of technologies can be used in the classroom. “The one thing that is so great about the computer is that it does give a lot of instruction--and you don't need to have hearing to take advantage of it” (Anderson, 12). It’s amazing how one simple screen can provide everlasting opportunity for learning.
As the world keeps relying more and more on technology, the possible question for the future is, will technology eventually replace classrooms and teachers? Slowly, more and more of college level classes are offered online now, instead of in the classroom. Will computers provide a better learning opportunity for students? Will students succeed more with online classes rather than traditional classes? Will this be cheaper in the long run for students? Since the world is being taken over with technology, will this be better to students so they are able to teach themselves with technology? Technology already has a huge role with classes right now, could that lead to technology completely taking over the regular classes? This topic is important because it could result in many jobless teachers, but it can also result in cheaper schooling for students. There are many questions up in the air about this happening in the future. There are many valid points for and against this topic coming from teachers, and departments that explore different areas to expand and advance learning environments.
Image a school with laptops available to each student to complete their class notes, teachers who are able to help their students through the screens of their computer, children who are excited to learn about numbers with the help of cute, animated characters. With the endless advancement of today’s technology, schools across the world have begun integrating various technology into their curriculum. These devices have the potential to greatly impact students in their learning. When a school opts to use technology in a school setting, the most important factors they should take into consideration are the benefits of using technological devices, the effectiveness of technology used
Technology is becoming more and more dominant in our society.Everyday upgrades are being made and new innovations are being discovered. Technology is all around us whether we want it to be or not: it is the vehicles we drive, it can be found in our homes, and can even be found in the grocery store.Every place we look there is some type of technology.I believe technology has had a major impact on our school systems and is still impacting it today.There are those who do not agree, though, that technology has impacted our schools.Eric Gormly writes, “In fact, many theorists point out the overall impact of technology on education has been quite small, manifesting little discernible change in the classroom.” [1]Yes, there are some schools that are not as advanced as others, but many of them do have a significant amount of technology in them.I find it fascinating that so much technology has been incorporated into our classrooms, but I believe that, even with all of the positive aspects that are associated with technology, there are some negative and even dangerous aspects that should be taken into account.I will be sharing some of the equipment that has been used in the schools, how both the students and the teachers use the equipment, and also the positive and negative effects that technology has had on our schools.
The twenty-first century has arrived, and it has brought some of the most advanced computing technologies into the classroom; this leaves us with a very important question, do we really need technology, such as iPads or computers, implemented in our learning plans? As a student that has taken entire courses on iPads or computers, I can tell you that the former is not the case. There are plenty of reasons to teach about technological advances in each individual field of learning, but, more often than not, technology is unreliable and distracting for students. Not to mention that methods of maintenance rehearsal, like taking notes by hand, are more effective for recollection of information than staring into a screen. The bottom line is, using technology as a tool for education in the classroom is not necessary because it can inhibit the way students learn material.
For the teacher, computer technology can lead to more efficient time management in record keeping and developing lessons plans as well as the ease of conducting any kind of research and communication without having to leave the classroom.
Wright, Vivian H. and Elizabeth K. Wilson. "Teacher’s Use of Technology: Lessons Learned from the Teacher Education Program to the Classroom." 20.2 (2011): 48-58. Web. 13 Nov. 2013.
Some say that technology is a distraction and hinders the students from fully learning and developing important skills that they claim only the interactions with the teacher can provide. Teachers have said that technology is a powerful tool that allows them to introduce and demonstrate learning activities in a completely new way. It has been studied and proven that most kids are more motivated and interested in the concepts they are supposed to learn when the teaching tool of technology is used. A fifth grade teacher stated, “Technology is the ultimate carrot for students. It's somet...
The use of computers in school classrooms has evolved throughout the years, and has become revolutionary in changing the way we teach and learn. Our classrooms should no longer be confined to four walls and a few teachers who are considered to be experts in knowledge. Our classrooms need to keep up with a changing society and a new world that is dependent on technology. As students graduate, they need the technological skills needed to thrive in a world in which technology sets the pace. Society expects the school system to produce functional citizens who have the skills to gain profitable employment, and not be a drain on the system.
Technology has rapidly changed over the years and has expanded our infrastructure greatly. In particular, as technology advances the education system adapts to the many changes. The world of technology brings about many new improvements and shows no sign of slowing down. Many people spend their day to day lives utilizing the great aspects of technology doing almost anything imaginable. Through technology teachers and students can connect and expound upon the many fields of education. Technology is an ever growing aid in education that has increased awareness, communication, and accessibility. How is technology shaping education? The uses of mobile devices and applications have shown a great influence in the education system.
Modern technology has made it so much easier to obtain educational information for classroom or homework assignments. It offers educational games that stimulate the brain and help children who have difficulties focusing on traditional teaching and learning procedures. College students are even taking advantage of online courses that many colleges are offering as an alternative to physically attending classes. Advances in technology and computers will continue to play an important role in education for many generations to come.
Mundy, M., Kupczynski, L. and Kee, R. 2012, “Teacher's Perceptions of Technology Use in the Schools”, SAGE Open, pp. 1-8, viewed 15 Jan 2014, retrieved from Sage Online Article.
Andy Carvin states “ internet access in schools isn’t worth a hill of beans if teachers aren’t prepared to take full advantage of technology” (2000). Schools spend a lot of money on computer hardware and software as well as other technologies without realizing that many of their employees are unprepared to include them in their teaching and use them to their advantages. Educators often use technology as a classroom management tool rather than an educational one, allowing computer time as a reward for good behavior (Clark & Gorski, 2001). The problem with this is that students learn to use the computer for games and such because it is their reward instead of using it on their own time for educational purposes. This is teaching them the wrong idea. Margaret Honey, director of the Center for Children and Technology in NYC said it best, “The bottom line is, you don’t just put technology into schools or into homes and expect miracles to happen. The technology is only as good as the program that surrounds it” (Meyer, 2002, p.2).