Author Picciano discusses the beginning years of technology in Educational Leadership and Planning for
Technology. The early introduction of technology in schools only had the
purpose of collecting data as opposed to being used in the classroom. Higher
Learning institutions were most likely to utilize the concept for certain
programs of study such as engineering. Many considered the use of computers a
not being a personal approach to teaching and preferred physical interaction
with students. There was also the issue of cost which also prevented computers
to place in the classroom.
The initial theory of technology has changed drastically over recent years.
Classrooms
full of students are deferring the traditional setting with the professor
facilitating a lecture and opting for the accepted mode of distance instruction.
Despite many technological advances, the majority of today's classrooms utilize
this new trend. Educators can no
longer live in a bubble or be immune from advancements in technology.
The world is changing and today’s
technology allows us to communicate synchronously with peers universally. The
ability to communicate globally allows, education to change. Most educators might not want to change, but the high demand of learning at a distance is coming so educators
need to be equipped with not only content knowledge of the subject they are
teaching but they must also be technology literate. The challenge is to prepare the student of today for technologies
yet created. As we will see, technology
is changing the way our students need to be taught.
According to Gumbo and Miller (2009) the effect of the Advanced Certificate
in Education (ACE) in-service technology training program based on teachers'
knowledge and understanding of technology. The instruction of educators who
teach technology is an advantage toward professional development which includes
mathematics and science. A survey was used to collect insight that was processed
to teachers. The same questionnaire was given prior to training in 2008 and post
training in 2009. The main objective of the study was to conclude if the
ACE-Technology training had a major impact on teachers' level of knowledge and comprehension
of technology. In total, 304 surveys were completed and were included in the study.
The results revealed that there were improvements in the teachers' technological
knowledge and comprehension. In conclusion teachers were able to benefit from
the ACE- training.
The article supports and shows how the procedure for obtaining an Advanced
Certificate in Education (ACE). It is imperative for educators to understand
the technology which they are introducing to students.
Gumbo, M., Makgato,
M., & Miller, H. (2009). The impact of in-service technology training
programmers on technology teachers. The Journal of Technology Studies,
23-33.
Picciano, G., Anthony. (2011). Educational
Leadership and Planning for Technology. Pearson: Upper Saddle Back River,
New Jersey.
