Building a Bridge

In a world where technology is increasingly becoming part of our lives, rather than an accessory to our lives, I believe it is essential for students to have digital access. Not only does digital technology usually engage students' interest and attention in the classroom, it also opens up a world beyond the textbook. In this world students can explore multiple perspectives on an issue or research anything that catches their interest. Using technology poses challenges when it doesn't work the way it's supposed to, but in my experience I have learned a lot by figuring out how to troubleshoot problems by myself. I think it is important for students to learn all of the multifaceted skills that are encompassed within a technology rich education. I hope to be a digitally connected teacher who implements technology in ways that enhance the curriculum or add meaning to learning. Digital literacy is not just about technology, it's also about teaching.

If I am not satisfied with the technology at the school where I am teaching, then there are several things I might do: appeal to my school administrators, appeal to the State of Florida Digital Divide Council, encourage my school district to apply for Florida’s Enhancing Education Through Technology Grant Program, and seek out other state offered programs and tools. If the students have smart phones, iPod Touch, or laptops, I can see if the school will allow the students to bring in and use their own technology in the classroom. Depending on the school's financial situation I can also try reaching out the PTA or Boosters to plan fundraisers to purchase technology. At the very least, I can be as creative and innovative as possible with the tools that the school does provide.

A lot of teachers, school districts, and states are hard at work trying to get technology into classrooms. Teachers have to become advocates for technology integration by making their voices heard. Some teachers have petitioned the government to include more funding for technology in education (see ETAN's website). One school in the United Kingdom has decided to allow students and teachers to use cell phone technology for educational purposes. This way students get digital access without any cost to the school. As Renee Robbins told me on Twitter, "Most learners are bringing their own technology now a days because they already use these tools." Many teachers are also taking the initiative to learn how to use and take advantage of technology at their schools, which is at least half the battle. Teachers can have all the technology in the world, but if they don't know how to use it, then they won't, and then what's the point?

Some More Resources:
#edchat
November 17th archive 
November 17th summary 
More info on EdChat 
I was fortunate enough to stumble upon #edchat on Twitter this past Tuesday, November 17, right in the middle of its weekly discussion.  The topic was: How to motivate teachers who don't see the value in technology integration. Part of the Digital Divide problem might be that the technology is in the schools, but teachers aren't using it. In under an hour and a half over 1,500 Tweets were part of #edchat. I contributed only one Tweet and got only one response, but it is really neat to look at the archive and see that I participated in the discussion. I mostly spent my time trying to keep up with all the Tweets, which was hard since the discussion moves so quickly. I recommend looking over the summary and skimming the archive to see what teachers had to say. EdChat takes place Tuesdays at 7pm, consider popping in next week!

How can parents promote the use of accessible technology in school?

This article talks about how parents can demand accessible technology for the children with specific disabilities, but any parent should be able to get involved in asking for technology in schools. The "people in charge" like to listen a little better when parents advocate for their children, so reach out to them and get them involved in your cause for technology integration.

8 Engaging Videos Advocating Better Integration of Technology in Education 

We have seen some of these videos in class, so I think we know that a well made video can make a good statement for technology integration. Why not show at least one to teachers and school and district administrators, encouraging them to pursue technology integration?


Getting Technology Into the Classroom
NCSS Ning forum topic