Each of the scenarios shows how schools and students
struggle in different ways. I think that education as a whole will get to the
point where online learning is present and open for everyone easily, but for
now with the technology gap and lack of technology improvement funding, schools
are doing their best to keep as close to up-to-date with trends and needs of
technology and online learners.
I do not think that schools are ready for the changes in
education that are going to be taking place. I honestly think that schools
today are struggling to maintain the technology they have. I think that with
the constant change in standards and regulations, it has left many schools
unprepared for the future and the ever changing need for technology and online
learning. I think that the changes that
will occur will be very slow. I think that many have unrealistic goals that the
schools will not be able to follow through on. I do see small changes occurring
and being about the foundation for online and virtual schooling for the future.
My school is currently working on a technology bond proposal.
This bond will allow for the school to try and catch up on the current need for
new technology within our district and within our building which needs many
updates to provide the technology integration that they want educators to
provide. There is a large portion of teachers that are unprepared or do not
agree with online teaching which plays a major role in how technology is
properly implemented for the students. Also, there are funding issues there are
only so many things that can be accomplished with in a tight budget. This means
that in the end things are being left untouched until funds can be found, which
in all reality may be never. I know that in my content area, we offer hybrid
courses and use technology for content education daily. I also know that many
of our other content areas have been focused on incorporating more online
course technologies. But as an overall, the idea and hope is present, but the
follow through and guidance is still developing. There has been nothing set in
stone yet and for now we provide the best educational setting possible for
technology integration and content development.
I think it's great that your school district is attempting to address the need to increase the technology integration because it will involve making building improvements. Even though educators are also moving slowing with the technology changes, I have often sen that when policies become demanding in this area, they seem to panic and become resentful at the fast implementation. Technology changes are real and there is no other way to say it. Districts are going to have to put together a plan to upgrade one school at a time to make sure that students have the education needed including addressing students who need online programs for credit recovery or to obtain their high school diploma.
ReplyDeleteYes I agree about the errors that occur when quick implementation goes in to effect. A fear of mine is that by the time they agree to implement technology, that technology is out of date, starting the process again. Seems that education can never catch up with the current times.
ReplyDeleteI want to add that by the time they agree with implementing new technology and equipment new versions are out and they need educators to upgrade their skills and become fluent users with these tools.
DeleteYes, I agree education is behind the times and teachers need to be given the opportunity to learn as well. Do you think that virtual schooling /courses will change some of the process of getting new technology? Will open source and sharing applications such as Google Docs force schools to move or change quicker?
DeleteI feel the same way about schools not being ready. I think you can incluide teachers as not being ready either. think about how many people we work with that are not very tech savvy or even willing to try new technology things. I think it will be a long process but ultimately for the best
ReplyDeleteYes it breaks my heart that some teachers are so anit-tech in the classroom. Do you think it is more from fear of not knowing the tech or just lack of acceptance and integration? I agree I think it is the best option for the future of education and preparing the students for life-long learning.
ReplyDeleteI believe that teachers are not properly trained or exposed to technology like they should. They will also give them one day of professional development or ask them to pay for a session for credit. They need to understand that teachers need to learn new things too!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteYes this is so true. I believe teachers need more time to learn to use the technology more than a one day professional development day or staff meetings. I don't think that they should have to pay for the credit session as the information they are learning is for their job.
DeleteMallory, I think teachers who are anti-tech are more overwhelmed as they are not sure how they are going to fit in learning a new task. Even if learning the new task will help them do a better job teaching their students.
DeleteI agree Blair, training is a must especially because of the technology difference between all educators.
ReplyDeleteJudith, I do agree that teachers are overwhelmed. I know it from personal experience :) But I think that implementing tech in to already created lessons would be a great way to slowly ease them in to the tech world.
ReplyDelete