. . Reflection # 2 . .

NETS for Teachers

            The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) NETS for Teachers Project, a US Department of Education, Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology grant facilitated a series of activities and events resulting in a national consensus on what teachers should know about and be able to do with technology. Teachers will be able to use technology effectively for improving learning. Something I thought was unique from this article was the fact that the most effective learning environments meld traditional approaches and new approaches to facilitate learning of relevant content while addressing individual needs.

            In my opinion, standard number two, planning and designing learning environments and experiences, is crucial for teachers to demonstrate competency in. This standard requires teachers to plan and design effective teaching environments and experiences supported by technology. I believe this standard is extremely important because creating developmentally appropriate learning opportunities is key for reaching success. Developmentally appropriately practices reflect an interactive, constructivist view of learning and the child constructs his or her own knowledge through interactions with the social and physical environment. Because the child is viewed as intrinsically motivated and self-directed, effective teaching capitalizes on the child's motivation to explore, experiment, and to make sense of his or her experience. Therefore, it is crucial for the teacher to model and apply current research on teaching and learning with technology when planning learning environments and experiences.

            There are many ways that teachers could implement this concept. Teachers should always try to plan an activity or lesson that would motivate and engage the students. When students are able to express themselves and use their own creativity they are more likely to do their work and gain something from the experience. Teachers should also make sure the technology resources they are using are accurate and suitable.

NETS for Students

            Teachers know that the wise use of technology can enrich learning environments and enable students to achieve marketable skills. It is still critical, however, that educators analyze the potential benefits of technology for learning and employ it appropriately. The technology foundation standards for students are divided into six broad categories. Standards within each category are to be introduced, reinforced, and mastered by students. These categories provide a framework for linking performance indicators within the Profiles for Technology Literate Students to the standards.

            In my opinion, standard number one, basic operations and concepts is the most important. I believe it is the most important because it provides a framework for all other technological concepts and standards. Once students are able to understand basic operations and groundwork, they are able to become proficient in technology. They are then able to expand and conquer the other six standards. They are able to expand on the basic operations and explore social, ethical, and human issues, technology productivity tools, technology communications tools, technology research tools, and technology problem-solving and decision-making tools. You can’t master a concept without first mastering the basic operation foundation.

            There are many activities that you, as a teacher, could execute to help your future students demonstrate competency in mastering basic operations and concepts in technology. Simple projects, like a basic tutorial or exploration, could really improve and expand a students knowledge base on the topic. Once they understand how the system works they can explore and expand their skills and use new tools.

            Another activity that can be used is to have the students create a PowerPoint presentation or create a simple ePortfolio. The skills they gain during these projects will enable them to gain competency in all of the standards.