The face of technology is ever changing, just as the role of teachers is ever changing. What might have seemed like an excellent way of teaching in 2002, is not necessarily wrong now, it just might not be the most efficient. A lesson on “Today’s Weather” could be taught using an almanac, taking a walk outside, or tuning the classroom TV (if there is a classroom TV) to the local weather channel; or you could simply set up your smart board to create a tally/graph/poll of today’s weather, which would also help the kids keep a running record of the month’s weather. Simple tasks like that can change the way children actively learn and become more comfortable with technology in the classroom.
One point Richardson makes is that in order to do it correctly, you must incorporate technology into the classroom daily. Just like anything else, the more you use it, the more you understand it and become accustomed to it; this is said for both teachers and students alike. When it comes to network literacy, many teachers do not welcome the idea with open arms. To them, the Web is not something that comes smoothly and easily. This is probably the biggest challenge that educator’s face- how can you make something seem easily, comfortable, and welcoming… when you don’t even find it to be any of those things?
Personally, I think educators should be required to incorporate technology into their classrooms daily. On page 297 Richardson makes a point that in order to do this correctly, we must view teachers first as students, then as teachers. They must be taught before they can teach. Why wait? This should begin now—and what better way to learn than do it hands on? As I’m working in an elementary school, I’m noticing it is much easier for me to understand what my professors are referring to when they talk about many different aspects of teaching. Sometimes the easiest way to learn, is to closely time learning and teaching.
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