Reading Assignment #2
Links:
"IST
Standards for Teachers"
"IST Standards
for Students"
As an educator, I feel that the technology standards are very
important, especially in today's society. They help the teacher's
with integrating technology into their everyday teachings. Not
only do they help with the enhancement of lessons, but the educators
who incorporate technology into their classrooms help to model the use
of technology to their students.
The first standard in which I feel it is necessary for teachers to
reach competency in is standard number one, titled, "Technology
Operations and Concepts." In order to teach any subject, it is
important that the person has a good solid knowledgable backround about
what his or her is teaching. This applies to technology in that
if a teacher does not know how to do something for themselves, then how
will they teach it. Technology is being updated daily and it is
very important for teachers to keep up with the latest. If they
are more comfortable with the programs, then it will ultimately make if
for a more comfortable setting in the classroom.
In order to achieve this, there are many ways of doing so. One
way would be to have a requirement of some backround knowledge on basic
programs prior to even interviewing for the job. This will allow
for them to have to know a little bit before even getting considered as
an educator. Secondly, for those current educators, districts
could have a requirement of attending a "refresher course" once a month
to help them to keep practicing as well as updated with the latest
programs.
Along with the teachers following these standards about technology,
I feel that it is necessary for the students to follow these
standards as well. The main difference between those of the
students and those of the teachers is the strands. Although the
strands are different, I feel that is it just as necessary for the
students to know than it is for the teachers. I feel that
standard four, which is using technology as a communication tool is not
only useful for their education but also for life in general.
Communication is essential in every society and communication by means
of technology (like computers, for example) is becoming a part of
everyday life.
There are several ways of practicing this. One way would be to
have the students pick a family member in which they wish to talk to on
a regular basis and write back and forth to them by means of
e-mail. This will help the students to learn about e-mail as well
as communicate with a relative they may or may not be close to.
It would also help to hone their writing skills. Another activity
that could be done is using Powerpoint Presentations to introduce one
another to the class. They first could start off by interviewing
them and then use Microsoft Powerpoint to help "communicate" his or her
information to the classroom.
I feel that it is very necessary to have both standards of technology
for teachers as well as students.
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