Technology Facilitator Standard III

"We may want to think in terms of a well-rounded education for its own sake, but that education has to include a focus on the skills and abilities that students will need if the next generation is to remain competitive in a changing world" (Solomon and Schrum, 2007). This standard focuses on teachning, learning, and curriculum. I learned quite a bit on how technology can increase student learning over the past 18 months, and this chapter really tied things together. It is imperative that our students learn how to use technology to its full potential, not just a means of socializing or playing games. As stated by Williamson and Redish, "although meeting the new learning styles and preferences of digital-age students is important, other social pressures to rethink current teaching, learning, and curriculum make TF/TL Standard III relevant in today's schools" (Williamson and Redish, 2009). I have known that education has evolved over the years and our work as educators now goes beyond the traditional format of teaching, as educational stakeholders want to know that students are leaving the school systems prepared to be a vital member of their community. This knowledge in hand, I have strived to integrate meaningful technology into my teaching so that students are building their repertoire of technology skills.
Throughout my internship, I have sought ways to integrate technology more seamlessly in my own teaching, so that I can better help other teachers at my campus. I relied on some of the ideas in the text "Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works" by Pitler, et al. Our district has focused the past few years on the Marzano book "Classroom Instruction that Works", I assumed that this would be a good way to relate the two topics with my staff. My other main source of information in working with this particular standard was the NETS for Students. Blogging and web conferencing have proven to be invaluable tools in communicating ideas with fellow teachers. "Most teachers are eager to embrace new technologies, as they have seen their students' excitement and motivation when they do so" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski, 2007).
"With teachnology standards becoming an intergral part of students' education, teachers are more enthusiastic than ever to learn new technologies and methods" (Pitler, et al., 2007). These standards will continue to grow and develop as time passes along with the technology. My learning in this respect will never be completely finished. As I continue in my journey as a technology leader, I will draw upon what I have learned and continue to keep up with the current trends in technology.
Some of the things I wonder about for future learning are if it is possible for schools to stay current with technology trends or will they always be a bit behind, and how do you create a culture of acceptance and willingness to try new things when it comes to technology in the classrooms.

References:

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., and Malenoski, K. (2007). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Denver; McREL.

Solomon, G., and Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0: New Tools, New Schools. Washington, D.C.; ISTE.

Williamson, J., and Redish, T. (2009). ISTE's Technology Facilitation and Leadership Standards. Washington, D.C.; ISTE.