A question was asked last week that I have been thinking about. (I can't remember the exact wording of the question, so I am putting it in my own words.)
"Is a "good" teacher one who uses technology? Is a teacher who doesn't use technology considered a "bad" teacher?"
During my first semester of graduate school one of my professors asked the question, "What is technology?" We had a class discussion on what could be considered technology. We came up with a pencil, paper, computer, and a cell phone are all examples of technology. What has happened is that technology has changed over the years.
So to answer the original question, I think a "good" teacher is one who is aware of the different technologies available and decides the best technology to use. Does technology have to include just computers and computer programs? Technology should be used to enhance student learning and not take away from it. We should look at what technology the teacher is using in the classroom, and is it the best technology available to enhance student learning? Teachers should be "master learners". It us their job to make sure they know what technologies are out there, and they shouldn't just stop there. Teachers need to learn how to use those technologies in a way that can benefit their students.
And that is where I come in as an Educational Technology Specialist. I will be the one to help educate teachers about the different technologies out there. I will model how to use this technology in this classroom. I will be their support. I am excited to get into the schools and meet the teachers I will be working with. If I have learned anything this week, it is how important the relationships between me and the teachers will be.
1 comments:
Teachers are master learners. That reminds me of how important it is to teach by example. Many teachers think that they just teach by telling, or lecturing. But it is so important to be an example of that to your students. Great thoughts.
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