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3.1.3 Effectively Using Technology
Even though it can be seen that technology needs to become a bigger part of the educational system, it is equally important for the technology to be used effectively. In order to accomplish this, it becomes necessary for teachers to be trained for the available technology. Most teachers, especially veteran teachers, have a widespread aversion to technology. This aversion holds these teachers back from realizing the potential of the computer, and this in turn means that the students of that teacher will be behind the curve where technology is concerned.
How we will go about making these teachers more comfortable with the technology?
The common answer is simply to have a couple of workshops. I must tell
you, there are fewer things teachers dislike more than workshops, especially
if they see no point to the topic. Many times the teacher would prefer
to have additional planning or teaching time rather than a workshop. So
although teachers would attend, and quite possibly gain something from
a workshop, there are more effective ways to train them. A couple ideas
that come to mind are college courses, peer tutoring, and student guidance.
The last of these might possibly be the most effective considering that
most students now know more about the computer than the teacher. This,
however, brings up the problem that many teachers have in showing their
students that they lack knowledge in any given area. For this to be a
viable option, the teacher must view this loss of authority as a positive
thing. If that can be done, then this can be one of the most powerful
tools for teacher education.
Of course, curricula in schools of education must become more
technologically oriented. The introduction that we have given you to the
technological world will be squandered for a great majority of you simply
because the other classes you take will not build upon it. The question
you, as a student and a future teacher, must ask yourself is whether you
believe that you have been adequately prepared for the technological nature
of the educational system. If the answer to this question is no, then
it becomes imperative to change the educational system to rectify this
situation.
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No Parrot Question |
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Mrs. Stewart is a ninth-grade mathematics teacher in a prominent high school. Her school decides to purchase a new computer system, and mandates that all departments get a certain number of the computers that come in. Mr. Wright is a science teacher in the same school and has no idea how to use the computers in his curriculum. How can he effectively use the technology that the school is fortunate enough to provide for him? |
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