Improving Technology Use in the Classroom

By: Kali Reimbold

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Head Start Technology

Discovery Educator Network Institute

Computer Idiocy to Computer Competence

Conclusion

References

Head Start TechnologyThe article begins by addressing the “digital divide” and

providing reasons why it has not been fixed yet in urban schools. The Digital Divide is the difference in access to computers based upon factors such as race, income, and level of parent education. The reasons that this problem has not been addressed yet is the lack of computers in the home and classroom and untrained teachers. The article goes on to describe the program used in Chicago Public Schools. The program focused on six main goals: teaching for understanding, co-construction of knowledge, integration rather than isolation, responding to teachers’ instructional needs, cooperative learning, and peers as role models. Many of these goals focus on supporting the teacher during the transition period.

Head Start TechnologyThe teachers that participated in the instructional program had

perceived and actual improvements in their attitudes about integrating computer use, their knowledge and skills about computers, and their practices in the classroom. Key lessons learned during this program about how to support teacher development in technology include:

Eager teachers—teachers are eager to learn this new information

Attitudes as indicators—a positive attitude increases desire to learn

A community of learners—teachers working together makes it easier

The issue of scaling up—making the program more economical

Head Start Technology

I was really surprised by the differences that the teachers saw in the students by beginning technology use in early education. The fact that the children were developing at a rate faster than the normal child was amazing. I think that this program would be a great idea to begin in more urban areas, and even more affluent areas.

Networking

The article describes a company that runs national training programs for teachers. The company, Discovery Education, has affiliates, Discovery Education Networks (DEN), in many states that focus on what that state specifically needs. In addition to programs that are live, Discovery Education also has a host of online conferences including webinars, blogs, meetings and workshops. In many cases these are free to anyone, but there are even more available to those who pay a membership fee. Every training program was designed with academic standards and curriculum requirements in mind, so that the products would get used and not sit in a corner rarely used (Manzo)

Networking

One of the best things about these programs is that they allow teachers to connect with other teachers. "Technology allows you to connect with teachers all over the world,” Jennifer Dorman told participants at the institute. "Many teachers are interested in building a professional network, but they just don't know where to go. There -are all these ways to find people you are compatible with and can help you with your teaching challenges.” Some advice offered was to keep your technology plans simple. The assignment should be about the curriculum, not the technology.

Networking

I was really happy to learn about this program. I am not particularly comfortable integrating technology into my classroom at this point. This feels like a safety net for me. Also, if I ever do become comfortable with technology, and I come across something I don’t know how to use, this group could really help me to learn about the new technology. Not only that, but it could give me new ideas about integrating technology.

Idiocy to CompetenceThe article describes some important factors in technology

training:

Modeling in technology training

Hands-on training so teachers become comfortable

Matching the level of instruction to the needs and skills of the teachers

Continued support

Easy access to technology

The article then presents a study attempting to find the most important components for successful technology training.

Idiocy to Competence

The results of the study showed an increase in the teachers’ perceived comfort with technology in the classroom. An end of semester survey also showed an increase in the number of teachers using technology in the classroom. Some limitations to the integration of technology is a lack of available computers, broken equipment, or lack of administrative support. The No Child Left Behind Act was supposed to fix this, but it has not had an effect in all areas.

Idiocy to Competence

I thought this article was very helpful for if I ever decide to take another technology for education class. I would know what the most efficient kinds of support are available. Also, this article introduced a kind of technology I had never heard of. I had never heard of the Virtual Field Trip, and I think it sounds very interesting, and it could be useful in the future.

Conclusion

Each of these articles have convinced me of the importance of integrating technology into the classroom so that the students are more prepared for life outside of school. These articles have also taught me that it is important to have a network or some type of group, as a teacher, so that if I am ever feeling overwhelmed or confused, I will have people that can help me.

ReferencesChen, Jie-Qi, & Price, Valerie. (2006). Narrowing the digital

divide: head start teachers develop proficiency in computer technology. Education and Urban Society, 38(4). Retrieved April 21, 2009, from SAGE database.

Manzo, Kathleen Kennedy. (2008). Networking teachers coaxing colleagues to use technology. Education Week, 28(3). Retrieved April 21, 2009, from Wilson Web database.

Rosenfeld, Barbara. (2008). The challenges of teaching with technology: from computer idiocy to computer competence. International Journal of Instructional Media, 35(2). Retrieved April 21, 2009, from Wilson Web database.