NETS

I just finished reading the NETS for teachers, and I have to say that was a hard read! I found I got so lost in all the banter they were going on and on and on about that I could not keep my concentration. I'd finish one bullet point and I'd have to go back and read it 2-3 more times and it still would not sink in. Sheesh........................

So I'll just blog about my feelings toward technology in the modern classroom.

I definitely believe that educating students in technology is important and that it has a place in our curriculum and that teachers must make room for it. But the bigger question that presents itself is do public teachers have access to computers, programs, and the time needed to teach these valuable skills?

I have the luxury of teaching in the private sector and so technology is part of the weekly curriculum. Every school I have taught at has had a computer lab with the latest software. That in itself is worth its weight in gold. There is a Computer Specialist on staff who teaches lessons in technology every week, so the choice is mine as to whether I create additional projects outside of those lessons in my own classroom.

I happen to use technology in my classroom and curriculum all the time - from simple tasks of having kids look up unknown words on Dictionary.com when we come across them in whole class reading or discussions to students designing their own PowerPoint presentations on topics of their choosing. I use technology to enhance my teaching and student learning but I have the resources to do that. I can't help but wonder how the State of California can put out the NETS with a clear conscience knowing that a good majority of the schools out there don't have the resources to begin to even take on the task of teaching technology. It sort of like when P.E. teachers care supposed to teach without any equipment.