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.
LaShauna,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you (and picciano) that we have evolved into the computer/technological era that we are currently enjoying. In the 1960’s technology in the classroom was a television and VHS player, by 1980 we had cassette tapes and players, and by the 1990’s the first personal computers were entering the education system. The internet became publically assessable around 1995 which converted our small worlds into a global discovery zone! And, of course, now we have smartboards, document readers, tablets, smart phones and so much more that can utilized for education! But, as you pointed out, professional development has not kept up with teaching teachers what they can do in their classrooms with all of this technology. It may even be that we live in an era that is a technology overload era. There is so much to learn and new technology is being introduced faster than we can learn the “old” technology. It’s a conundrum but also a huge responsibility of schools to keep up and equip their teachers. I think there is more professional development options in technology than, in my experience, in Christian or private school districts. And Shenninger really stresses that a district needs a digital leader. I believe that he is correct. Change needs to start from the top. I’m interested to learn more about ACE. It sounds promising.
LaShauna,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post, I enjoyed listening to your video. I agree with you and Picciano that technology has changed drastically especially from using to collect data to using it to facilitate learning. When you discussed the ACE technology training program, it made me think about professional development in the school. I feel like at my school, which I’m sure is similar to most schools, that there are tons of other demands within the school that I feel that the technology PD is not as effective or often as it should be. There are a lot of teachers that are willing to use technology within the classroom; they just have not had the PD to show them how to effectively use this in the classroom. You also discussed cost and how that prevents technology and computers in the classroom. With the budget cuts that you see with education, it is difficult to purchase technology and train teachers effectively. This will probably always be a problem, so teachers need to be motivated and eager to use technology in the classroom. Thanks again for your thoughtful post.
You made a great point when you mentioned that the world is changing and therefore all educators need to be equipped with technology instead of being opposed to it. When I was a freshman in college, Facebook was just becoming popular. Eight years later there are already so many new social media outlets. Our world of technology is changing constantly. Therefore, it is crucial that we as educators ensure our students are aware of technology and understand the appropriate ways to use different tools.
ReplyDeleteI have always been a little skeptical about such wide uses of technology but this course has already opened my eyes. Interacting with other team members from various locations has been an awesome experience and has really opened my eyes. There is an entire world that most students do not get a glimpse of. As you stated, technology allows students the opportunity to communicate globally, which I find exciting and life changing. Students can learn so many things from other around the world and incorporating technology into our classrooms is a step into expanding each student’s world! Great post!