Module+1+Reflection


 * Reflection Prompt: //How has your knowledge of technology standards changed after this module? Reflect on your own use of technology standards in your classroom and personal use.//**

Module One’s readings were focused on introducing the National Technology Education Standards for Teachers and Students. The knowledge of the standards helps both teachers and students utilize technology successfully in the classroom. The growing use of technology will open up teachers and students to standards set for optimized use. I try to use technology in my classroom daily knowing it is going to continue to grow. Being open to new tools and resources is important to remember when adding new skills to the busy teacher schedule.

Before the readings I was unaware that there are technology standards set for both teachers and students. With the increasing use of technology teachers/students need to be more aware of what is expected of them. In my classroom, I make an attempt to incorporate a form of technology when possible given the time constraints and available/reliability of technology in my building. I have a Smart board and use the Notebook software for my lesson presentations and the Smart Exchange site to find lesson/activity ideas. Technology is growing quicker than my district and teachers are able to comfortably keep up with. The demand of reliable technology is stressful in a district that is not able to meet and afford technology needs in a timely fashion. With this there are many teachers who are resistant to these changes and becomes frustrated with learning new concepts and then making it worthwhile when we have unreliable technology. Also, I teach in a low socioeconomic district where many families do not have resources at home to practice and use different types of technology. The biggest obstacle I see is providing teachers with valuable time to experience new technologies on their own, then allotting time in the instructional day to teach students who to effectively use the technology. With such a demand on test scores, I always feel like I am in a time constraint and cannot take time to show students new uses of technology to enhance their learning. Though, I am optimistic that over time the benefits of technology will exceed its stresses.

After the readings I am going further my working knowledge of the technology standards for both teachers and students. I feel it is important to be able to have the background knowledge of the standards before sharing views with other teachers or administrators. With a better working knowledge of what is expected of me, I feel it will help me incorporate technology within my classroom design with more purpose and have positive outcome. It will also help me facilitate information and advice to the resistant teachers on how a little technology education will have a growing impact on the level of learning in the classroom.