Read the blog entry at http://www.fluency21.com/blogpost.cfm?blogID=2070
In your comments, please respond to the following:
1) Select the most important 3 of the 7 Golden Rules. List the 3 and then give a one or two sentence justification for each choice.
2) Author an 8th Golden Rule. Provide a paragraph similar to the ones written in the original blog entry.
3) Read (and comment if you wish) on your fellow scholars' comments.
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ReplyDelete1) DON’T TRAP TECHNOLOGY IN A ROOM. When computers first appeared in schools 30 years ago, having a separate classroom to teach students to use the computers made sense. However, as technology has now become such an integral part of our daily lives, schools need to look for ways to merge the technology into the regular curriculum and into all the classrooms, not just one.
ReplyDelete2) TECHNOLOGY IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. Teachers must continually invest in personal professional development, especially with the rapidly changing technology scene. They need to know how to use technology & integrate it into the curriculum.
4) THE NEW ‘F WORD’ IS FEAR. Teachers need to be freed to teach without fearing that the students will know more than them about the latest technology. Administrators have responsibility to help teachers with the integration of technology into the curriculum with confidence and courage.
#8)TEACHERS ARE THE KEY TO FACILITATING LEARNING. Teaching is a skill. Teachers need to use technology tools in the classroom to faciliate student learning. Administrators need to guide teachers through this process in a rapidly changing world.
The first golden rule that I found important was "TECHNOLOGY IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT." I think that this is vital as without training all of the technology in the world is useless. Teachers must be able to utilize it appropriately in the classroom. The second gold rule I noted was "THE NEW ‘F WORD’ IS FEAR." Students are in a constant struggle with schools trying to go online where they shouldn't. Teaching digital citizenship can take away the fear and better prepare our students for the real world where they need to make responsible decisions. Lastly, "MONEY IS NOT THE PROBLEM" was also very important. Free web apps can often times be easy to use, easy to access, and something that students can use later in their own time.
ReplyDeleteMy own commandment:
"Change is good." Technology is constantly changing and evolving. Simply getting to know one piece and sticking with it for too long can make it stale and less effective. Keeping yourself tuned into what students are using and familiar with can link what is being taught better to their lives. This can create more interest and make the technology more effective. Change keeps the teacher fresh and students engaged.
TECHNOLOGY IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Interestingly, we usually think about Professional Development as a session that we are forced to attend however, the best professional development is simply spending time reading and subscribing to discipline-related blogs. What better way to "develop professionally?"
ReplyDeleteTECH TOOLS ARE NOT JUST A PASSING FAD: Can you imagine returning to a time without the Internet, or cameras that use film, or setting off on a trip without a cell phone? I had a conversation with a colleague last week who was lamenting that he just couldn't get away because he felt tethered to his email and cell phone. I reminded him that his phone is actually what ALLOWS him to get away. As a small businessman, he is able to take his business with him anywhere in the world that has Internet.
INVITE EVERY STAKEHOLDER TO THE CONVERSATION: Actually, we need to allow students to pull US in and allow US a seat at the table. In a typical classroom situation, there are about 25 students for every teacher. They are constantly conversing about the latest and greatest. We need to have a seat at THEIR table!
#8 CHECK YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR: There's just no way any one person can know it all, especially with the rapid development rate of mobile apps. The only way to learn from others is to admit our shortcomings and let the students teach the teachers.
The first rule is that Technology is worthless without Professional Development. I chose this one because, as we all know, learning is a life-long process. And, just like everything else, technology continues to expand, change, and improve. There should be a way, perhaps with a media/computer specialist, to continually research, train and forward new technology and strategies to teachers.
ReplyDeleteThe second rule I chose was Money is not the problem. Teachers ARE able to obtain many free sites and assistance on the web. But, for those sites that cost money or have other issues, there surely are grants available, fundraisers, donations, etc to help cover the costs of these educational tools.
The third rule is to Invitee Every Stakeholder to the Conversation. It is just a fact of life that it you want a response to something, you need to as FACE to FACE. Engaging direct conversations with parents about what you want/need via conferences, open houses, or when they help in your room, has a much higher positive response rate than an email or a note that goes home. BE Direct!
The 8th rule I would include would be the following:
NETWORK WITH OTHER PROFESSIONALS.
By blogging or setting up websites for teachers to discuss things that work or where to find information/websites/technology, teachers can connect like other professional groups do.
Putting on technology workshops and conferences can help educators to present ideas and innovations that can help everyone in the long run.
1) Don't trap technology in a room.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is all around us all the time, from the self-check out at the grocery, to ordering a pizza online to watching a TV show on Hulu. If we don't surround our students with it too then they don't see the relevance of what we are trying to teach them to the "real world."
2) Technology is worthless without professional development.
As a teacher preparing to return to the classroom after 10+ years at home, I know it would be worthless to drop me into a room with a SMARTboard and iPads. I need to be taught not just how to run the devices, but how to apply them to improve my teaching and my students' learning. Even those on the forefront of technology, must continually adapt and learn to keep at that level. More than just the guy who can show you how to run it, we need professional development to show us how to use it in our teaching.
3) The new "F" word is fear.
As an early elementary teacher I see the importance of teaching digital citizenship from an early age. If we expect students to research and collaborate online, they need to know how to protect themselves, find reliable sources and participate safely in this online world. As they become older, the lessons learned at this early age can guide them as they become more independent learners.
My commandment would be: Use the technology to improve learning.
While the computer can be used to do math flashcards, and while flashcards have learning value, there are so many better applications of the computer. Don't stop at using the technology to do something you can easily do without it.
2) TECHNOLOGY IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. I am living this Golden Rule firsthand. My principal decided to have the SMART Board our school won from Hy-Vee installed in my room because he knew I would use it. He was right, but as I seek training on my own, I am mired in frustration as I try to find time to create good Dr. Marzano-worthy lessons using the interactive whiteboard effectively.
ReplyDelete4) THE NEW ‘F WORD’ IS FEAR. I support Web filters in schools but the Golden Rule is right in that they are crude. They filter out a lot of useful sites I can use in my classroom. It would be wonderful if there was a filter that would remove the YouTube videos that people have altered with goofy or inappropriate endings.
6) MONEY IS NOT THE PROBLEM. Since there is so much free stuff on the Web now, teachers have many free options available to use to teach. Schools should spend their money on high-performance hardware. Better yet, Schools should figure out how to let students bring their own devices. (See rule number 8.)
8) LET STUDENTS BRING AND USE THEIR OWN DEVICES. Students often wonder why their home computing life is so different than their school computing life. At home, it’s habitual to use their computers to learn, entertain, and as a resource. It should be the same in the classroom. If students could bring their own laptops, iPads, et. al., they would be able to engage in lessons in ways that seem more engaging to them because they have their hands on the device. Teachers could be confident in setting up lessons students can easily connect to and navigate through.
1) DON’T TRAP TECHNOLOGY IN A ROOM. Student technology use in a classroom should be similar to student technology use at home. However, this is impossible when schools limit technology to a computer lab, library, or a few carts. It is difficult for teachers to incorporate technology-rich lessons if they only have access to it a few times each semester.
ReplyDelete2) TECHNOLOGY IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. Teachers need to learn more than just the on/off switch on projectors, document cameras, and SMART boards. Professional development needs to focus on integrating technology into lesson plans that assists learning. Additionally, technology is always evolving; professional development can help teachers keep up with the times.
4) THE NEW ‘F WORD’ IS FEAR. Along with inappropriate websites, schools tend to block as many useful educational resources. Instead of constructing filters that students already know how to bypass, schools should take the initiative to teach students responsible Internet usage, helping protect themselves at school and at home.
8) TECHNOLOGY IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT A SKILLED TEACHER. Technology will not be effective in the classroom without a skilled teacher at the helm. Administrators need to remember that technology is not the “end all, cure all” for academic struggles. It starts with the teacher.
1) Select the most important 3 of the 7 Golden Rules. List the 3 and then give a one or two sentence justification for each choice.
ReplyDelete1) DON’T TRAP TECHNOLOGY IN A ROOM.
Keeping technology in a room separated from all other classrooms in the school is a disservice to students and it inhibits the teacher’s ability to effectively teach 21st century standards. Technology should be accessible to all students so that they learn what it means to be responsible digital citizens using current trends and not outdated trends.
2) TECHNOLOGY IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
Giving teachers technology without professional development is like allowing a child to drive without being trained. Not only are they unprepared to work the tool but to use it effectively and efficiently would not happen. Continual professional development is an essential key to the success of implementation of technology.
4) THE NEW ‘F WORD’ IS FEAR.
Blocking websites and tools that are valuable resources to students and educators is harmful to full growth and development of digital citizenship. Administrators should not be full of fear when implementing technology. Students are smart and with the right facilitated instruction and guidance they will use technology to further their exploration in a positive light.
2) Author an 8th Golden Rule. Provide a paragraph similar to the ones written in the original blog entry.
I believe that the 8th Golden Rule is that educators should facilitate learning. Educator roles have transformed with the rising power and uses of technology. It is no longer our job to lecture, it is our job to facilitate and guide. We should model a basic skill and then allow children to collaborate and explore their education. Learning technology is a lifelong process and being able to manipulate and explain what they’ve learned is far more useful in our world than a teacher lecturing.
2. TECHNOLOGY IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. Teachers need more professional development to learn all the new technology that our students are using. I think the students know more than the teachers when it comes to technology. This is their world, a world of technology and as educators we need to keep up with it in order to be successful in the classroom.
ReplyDelete3. MOBILE TECHNOLOGY STRETCHES A LONG WAY. This statement is so true when I think about how I can talk with my grandchildren who live miles away through FaceTime. Mobile technology is a wonderful way to learn, but many students tend to abuse in the classroom. IPhone, IPads, laptops are essential to today's education, but students need to be responsible when they are used in the classroom.
6. MONEY IS NOT THE PROBLEM. It is true that there are many webs tools that are free, but you have to know where and how to get them. You need to make sure that the school district has not blocked the sites.
8. THE 8TH GOLDEN RULE. Education in technology is for everyone, teachers and students. We need to join forces and teach each other so that we can become better instructors and learners. Students already know so much of what is out in cyberspace. It is their world and as educators we need to keep up with them. Technology is the future.
The most important three rules
ReplyDelete1. Don’t Trap Technology In A Room – I believe that technology should be a common resource for students to have in every classroom. We shouldn’t limit where technology is used in a school. Technology is used everywhere where we live and we need to educate our students to use technology fluently.
2. Technology Is Worthless Without Professional Development – I feel that administrators do not provide their teaching staff with enough professional development opportunities, especially when it comes to technology. I know that there are a lot of teachers with technology in their classroom that they cannot use well or to its full ability. Professional development opportunities for teachers can help them find new and engaging ways to be an effective educator.
4. The New ‘F Word’ Is Fear – I taught at a school that banned www.youtube.com from their school. After teaching world music, band, and guitar classes in the last five years, I have found hundreds of youtube videos that are educational and can be used in my lessons. If we can teach students to use these sites for educational purposes I believe they would use these sites at school for appropriate reasons.
My Added Rule
8. Technology Is A Priority In Budgeting – There is lack of technology in many schools and school districts throughout the United States. A common excuse from administrators is that the budget does not have room for a large purpose of technology or that because technology changes so fast they can’t afford to keep up with current technology. We are living in a world that relies on technology. Investing in technology every year needs to become an essential part of a school’s budget.
2. Technology is worthless without professional development- We have lots of great technologies, but without the knowledge to use them, we are sunk. Professional development often gives us different outlets for which to use these new ideas.
ReplyDelete5. Tech tools are not just a passing fad- Some people think these technologies are going away. We are not going to give up what is here, it's just going to become even more involved, so we all need to get on board now.
6. Money is not the problem- like the blog said, there are lots of free web tools. Many of these tools are very easy to implement and are very useful, people are just afraid to use them.
8. Everyone can find a way to implement technology.
No matter what your specialization is, you can find a way to implement technology in your classroom. Music teachers, Spanish teachers, Math teachers, anyone can use tools in some way. Even if you only do activity for five minutes, it's useful. Sometimes that's the best way to start using it in your classroom, little by little.
1) DON’T TRAP TECHNOLOGY IN A ROOM. Technology is all around our students lives. Except, at school. We need to embrace technology in every classroom and help students learn to use the devices they have in a positive productive way.
ReplyDeleteTECHNOLOGY IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. The key to having technology in every classroom, is to provide professional development that teaches more than where the on off switch is. In several schools I have been placed at there was some really cool tech hanging out in hallway closets that was never used. When I asked about using the tech I was told “ well you can try, but it is really complicated and wastes class time.” Situations like that show why we need the professional development that goes beyond the basics, to how do I incorporate this in my classroom in meaningful ways.
THE NEW ‘F WORD’ IS FEAR. The fact is whether we like it or not our students have access to and use technology. Many smart phones are actually just the thing that teachers have been waiting for and they are in students pockets. Instead of being concerned about all the bad things that students might do with them, we should focus our energy on teaching them to use these devices as the powerful educational tool they can be.
2) My 8th rule is Bring Your Own Tech, is a great idea. We should not only introduce students to technology that we can provide, but help them to learn how to utilize the technology in their pockets. Many kids may not have a computer at home, but pretty soon most will have a smart phone in their pocket. teaching them to use these multipurpose mini computers to their educational advantage is not only a good idea it’s a great one.
I noticed many of use chose THE NEW F-WORD IS FEAR as one of the commandments to highlight. I think it really shows how many of us in the profession feel or know the reaction to changes and learning new things. Everyone gets in their comfort zone. Motivating teachers, especially seasoned teachers can really be a challenge.
ReplyDelete2) TECHNOLOGY IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. Coming from a school that had a one to one initiative and teachers, students, and a technology/ media specialist who all knew very little about technology I think that this rule is a must. Technology is not a pit that can be crossed by throwing more money into it. Without knowledge technology is just another piece of classroom decorum.
ReplyDelete5) TECH TOOLS ARE NOT JUST A PASSING FAD- This rule jumped out at me not just because of its significance but because it is a partial truth. Tech tools are all passing fads and the reason for difficulty in integration is because every time teachers learn a new program or product the 2.0 model comes out and we are back to square one. Tech tools are not cars, the newest muffler does not work the same as the old one did. Tech tools are not going anywhere but they will not be the same next year. Thus they have more in common with a fad than the author wants to admit.
6) MONEY IS NOT THE PROBLEM- This rule makes me laugh a bit. With the expanding of technology the idea of free vs. cost has only become more sketchy. I personally never paid for software because it is accessible somewhere else for free. I am not suggesting that we become expert internet pirates but there is another form of what you are looking for somewhere where people are willing to give it away.
8) There is a fine line between the half-life of technological usefulness and hasty adoption of technology- Technology as we know it has a half-life. It is literally radioactive, decaying in usefulness at about the rate that a banana decomposes. If you walk into a school in 5 years you will undoubtedly not find the same hardware you find there today. With such a short lifespan it is vital to choose technologies that optimize their cost/benefit ratio. Technology like anything else is a business and like any other business can be full of salesmen looking to make a quick buck. All investments in technology need to be wise. But don’t wait too long. Nobody enjoys eating a partially decomposed banana.
1) DON’T TRAP TECHNOLOGY IN A ROOM.
ReplyDeleteI think it is vital that technology become an integrated part of every classroom. Technology is a vital part of our daily lives outside of schools so why should it be that when kids go to school technology is kept separate. Granted, we still need computer labs because not every students has their own device (especially at the elementary level) but that doesn't mean teachers can't bring technology into their classrooms. Using technology doesn't mean every student must be sitting in front of a computer screen.
2) TECHNOLOGY IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
If teachers aren't comfortable with the technology they sure aren't going to use it in their classrooms. There are all kinds of amazing tools out there that teacher don't use simply because they don't know about them or have never been shown how to use them. Professional development should also be meaningful with hands on application. If teachers aren't able to feel comfortable with a piece of technology when they are in a workshop their anxiety about it is only going to increase when they leave and the technology will still not be used.
5) TECH TOOLS ARE NOT JUST A PASSING FAD.
In every district there are those who don't want to change because they have been teaching one way for years and it has worked for them. Teachers everywhere need to realize that the world is changing and technology isn't going to go away, it is only going to improve. Just think about how much more we rely on technology today that we did 10 or even 5 years ago. it have becomes such a huge part of daily life that it must be taught and thoroughly integrated in schools.
8) Technology must become more reliable.
My major concern when I am going to do a presentation or use technology is always - is it going to work. When you are in a reliable setting that you know has an excellent network this is usually not a problem. However, in my district we have started facing some technology challenges because of budget cuts. we are short technology people this year and it is really starting to show. Tech problems are taking longer to fix, and the reliability and speed of the internet is not always a sure thing. I think schools need to make it a priority to invest in making their technology reliable. If a teacher feels that they are always running into problems when using technology they are going to be less likely to incorporate it into their lessons.
#2 Technology is Worthless without Professional Development. I like how it states that we cannot be taught everything about technology in one hour sessions, but we must find "ways to integrate technology creatively into educators’ daily teaching practice in meaningful ways."
ReplyDelete#4 The new F-word is Fear. It is silly that useful websites are blocked when students have access to them at home. Also that they block websites that teachers may need access to at school: like when Mavlink switched to Gmail. All Gmail is blocked in my school district. This becomes an issue if I need to email a professor during the work day or double check an email for information before class.
#5 Tech Tools are not just a passing fad. Administrators make a point that we use technology in the classroom, but don't train us properly on how to use it. Then when we find technology that we want and can actually to use in the classroom, but it's rather specialized, there's no money for it!
#8 Don't forget Copy Right Laws. This includes any document, audio, and/or video that was not made by you, that you have asked permission to copy, or if you have bought the rights to show students. You don't want to find Disney at your door with a $250,000 lawsuit because you didn't ask permission to show that movie to those kids. Even if it is for educational purposes.
#2 TECHNOLOGY IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
ReplyDeleteTechnology can be very effective when used properly. It can also be a hindrance to learning if used improperly. Teachers NEED to know how to use technology properly in order to teach students. A couple ways of doing this is through classes, seminars, peers, and self discovery.
#4 THE NEW 'F WORD' IS FEAR
I like this one the most. Technology is everywhere. And since I am posting this assignment late, I would like to give a shout out to Steve Jobbs; he knew what to give people before they wanted it. Because of him, technology is a boom. As for teachers or those who fear technology, they need to realize that it cannot be denied. It truly can't! So, it is necessary to teach 'good digital citizenship'. Teach the students how to use the technology properly and school appropriately.
#5 TECH TOOLS ARE NOT JUST A PASSING FAD
Technology is not going away. It is better to get a head start on it now then naively think it is a fad. Since it's here and going to be here, jump on board and use it as an advantage.
#8 SOMETHING IS BETTER THAN NOTHING
Technology is advancing faster and more creatively than ever. There seems to be a better and newer version of something every week. Some schools complain that there school lacks in technology. I say that it is better to have some than none at all. Also, the older version of something doesn't make it obsolete-it can still be useful.
Finally! Sorry sooooo late! This is the 3rd time I had to write it.
ReplyDeleteMaryJane give the following comment
ReplyDelete2. TECHNOLOGY IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. Teachers need more professional development to learn all the new technology that our students are using. I think the students know more than the teachers when it comes to technology. This is their world, a world of technology and as educators we need to keep up with it in order to be successful in the classroom.
3. MOBILE TECHNOLOGY STRETCHES A LONG WAY. This statement is so true when I think about how I can talk with my grandchildren who live miles away through FaceTime. Mobile technology is a wonderful way to learn, but many students tend to abuse in the classroom. IPhone, IPads, laptops are essential to today's education, but students need to be responsible when they are used in the classroom.
6. MONEY IS NOT THE PROBLEM. It is true that there are many webs tools that are free, but you have to know where and how to get them. You need to make sure that the school district has not blocked the sites.
8. THE 8TH GOLDEN RULE. Education in technology is for everyone, teachers and students. We need to join forces and teach each other so that we can become better instructors and learners. Students already know so much of what is out in cyberspace. It is their world and as educators we need to keep up with them. Technology is the future.
I'm not sure where I posted my comment when I read this the first time, but the the most important, I believe, is that technology is worthless w/o PD. I have a new interactive whiteboard, but as I search for information on how to use it and create projects with it (during my spare time), I'm wondering why I cannot use PD time to learn to use it with a mentor and start creating with it. Administrators want us to incorporate technology and the school webpage, but we're supposed to use our own time to pursue it. #2 I believe is the F word...fear. It's scary to use this new stuff the first time and worry about lessons being ruined, having kids get chaotic while you're trying to figure things out, and allowing one class to fall behind the others due to trying to incorporate something new. The last would be "don't trap technology" in the lab. It should be infused in our lessons. When kids need to look up a word, they can just use the internet. I'm wondering how the kids would learn the technology I teach them in science if I wasn't here. (They have a computer class, but we seem to be stuck on making a calendar and a power point every qtr.)
ReplyDelete