Michelle Loomis

EDU 315

Module #1 Due 9/3/08

 

NETS For Teaching Standards

á       Category - 3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning

o   In todayŐs society, a basic understanding of computers is not enough.  With new technology coming out every day, now more than ever, a teacher has to be up to date with their computer skills. If they fall behind, the children will also fall behind, and will not have all the opportunities they possibly could have. This is why the third standard is so important. It explains that a fluency in technology is extremely important. Fluency allows a teacher to provide awesome opportunities to educate their students and to communicate amongst parents, students and fellow teachers.

The new technological advances can bring a new way of teaching to students. There are programs that can teach a biology lesson on the human body, that could not have been possible before. There are also programs that the teachers can show the students how to use them, and they then can go home or to a library and practice their math, science, social studies, and/or literacy skills. Video games have swarmed our nation. Children love them. Many of the video games can also teach great lessons. If video games are what grab studentŐs attention, why not teach a math lesson through a video game?

All of the NETS Standards help to promote a use of technology to aid in education. However, I believe the third standard is the basis for all the other standards. It explains that teachers must be fluent in the use of all new technologies. Teachers can show this through creating power points with animation to prove points, and through creating games for the children to play to practice their vocabulary words or their math skills. Teachers can also recommend products parents can use at home with their children. By doing those two things a teacher can prove they know how to use technology, and pass on their skill to students and parents.  

 

NETS For Students Standards

á       Category – 6. Technology Operations and Concepts

o   The children in schools today need to learn fluency with computer programs to be able to compete in the global market. Technology is being used in everything that goes on in the world, and students must understand how to correctly use it. Therefore category 6 (Technology Operations and Concepts) is the most important category. It provides a basis for all the other categories.

To be able to use technology one must understand technology. Therefore, the first step for students is to learn how to use and understand different technological tools. Once they understand how to use a technological system properly students then must be able to pick an application and use it properly. By doing this they will be able to find a certain Math program to help them with their difficulty on multiplication tables. Since technological systems have many glitches, students must understand that things can go wrong. Students must then need to troubleshoot until the program is working properly. Finally, technological devices are always changing. Students need to understand that and be open to adapting to new ways. For example, Microsoft office recently came out with a new version. This version has most of the same features but is difficult to figure out in the beginning. Students need to understand that they need to spend time figuring out and adapting to new technologies. Once students figure out those four aspects, they then can effectively understand and use the other standards of NETS.

Depending on where the students starting level of using computers is, activities can be developed to help a student become fluent at using computers. If a student has never used a computer before, they must start from the basics. A simple typing session will be necessary, since most projects done on a computer will require writing. If a class understands typing, and basic word processing, lessons can be done to learn how to surf the web for certain materials. By a teacher demonstrating certain lessons on a main computer, students will be able to grasp new methods faster and easier.  Overall, activities for students to become fluent in the use of computers depend on the skill of the students. However, for students to move onto the other standards they must all reach a high level of fluency with computers, first.

 

The teacher and student NETS standards have many similarities. They both have a goal of fluency with the use of computers. They both believe there are many opportunities that can come from new technologies, and in order to embark on those opportunities both students and teachers must understand how to use the new technology.  Another similarity is that both students and teachers have an urge to use and learn new technologies. Both realize that there are great benefits from technologies and learning and educating have become much easier, since computers have come about.

                  The teacher and student NETS standards also have many differences. First, the teachers are the ones who are responsible for the studentŐs knowledge of computers. If a teacher is not comfortable with certain programs, the students will likely not learn how to use that program. Next, teachers often create websites that encourage learning. They are the ones who have created math sites to help a student who is having difficulty in math. The students are the ones who use those sites, with the teacher helping them figure out how to use the sites properly. Another difference is that students are the ones pushing for more technology. If it was not for the students wants, teachers would most likely not be interested in the use of computers. TodayŐs society revolves around computers and the students know that. Therefore, teachers are forced to adapt and learn to meet the studentŐs needs.