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.