Technology Counts: A Digital Decade

I'm honestly not surprised by any of the information in the Technology Counts
article. It's pretty obvious that billions of dollars were spent on school technology at the time of the first article, and billions of dollars are still being spent each year on modifying and making better the technologies that are present in schools.



Two pieces of information grabbed my attention as I read.

First:

Digital cameras and videorecorders, coupled with photo-sharing and moviemaking software, are putting new, easier-to-use means of expression into students’ and educators’ hands.

Interactive software applications such as blogs, podcasts, and social-networking sites are letting students and teachers easily post their own writings and multimedia presentations on the Web.

Again, this is everything that we already know: not only are teachers using these technologies in the classroom, but they're using them effectively. Just look at Shade Gomez or Will Richardson... and the thousands of other teachers nationwide who have found that students respond better when they're asked to create, develop, and publish work of their own. I know I would have, but regrettably, my high-school English teachers had yet to catch on...

Personally, I find that motivation to complete assignments is generated when I can create something of my own. This creation may not necessarily be technology-based: I can recall making posters, books, or even cooking Mexican or Spanish food for Spanish classes. Of course, this is not to say that technology could not have been incorporated into any of these projects; these projects were fine, however, without using any computer technology.

Second:

For many educators, 21st-century digital literacy must hinge not on the superficial fluency with technology that many students exhibit in their off hours, but on proficiency in such skills as effectively sifting through a glut of electronic information and producing creative work
that will be valued highly in the global marketplace.

This idea is key to the success of future technological integrations. As teachers, we must not be concerned with the level to which students can use certain technologies, however, we should be more concerned with how they can use various technologies to evaluate and appreciate the expanse of available information. In other words, if the best a student can do with regard to technology is use Google to find information, that's GREAT, as long as that student knows how to use Google in the best and most effective way to find and evaluate information.

Friedman would certainly agree: students need to be producing work that will aide them in the global marketplace. No longer should we be requiring students to complete fill-in-the-blank worksheets or book report-style essays: the validity and advantageuosness of these assignments will be void after the due date. It's crucial, in today's competitive job market, for students to be developing and perfecting skills that will be most needed in their adult lives.

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I can't wait to try all of the wonderful technologies and techniques that we've been introduced to in the past few months. As a new teacher, I know that I will have to constantly remind myself that my goal is not necessarily perfect proficiency in grammar, spelling, and interpretation of literature. My goal, however, is to give my students the tools necessary to live a successful and gratifying adult life, as well as igniting a love for literature and writing