Tuesday, December 7, 2010

The Importance of Technology in Education and the Tech Skills Necessary to Support a District

Technology is crucially important but not as important as what you plan to do with it.

A district and/or school can have the best technology, SmartBoards, Projectors, Elmo Machines, State-of-the-art computers running the latest operation systems, and software but all these platforms and machines are futile, even counterproductive if there is not a clear path for how it will improve student learning. Too often there is an excitement, and rightfully so, to bring in the latest equipment and technology as it provides the "flashy" evidence that the school and or district is improving. We must ensure that whatever technology we bring into our classrooms and schools that we have a clear system for monitoring and evaluating the technology so student learning is maximized.

Assuming that we have a clear plan in place with solid monitoring and evaluating systems, then technology becomes essential as our students enter the 21st Century and the globe becomes flat. Students must have a solid understanding and use of software programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, but students should also be comfortable in using the computer for social issues and learn how to conduct research using valid, credible sources. Additionally, we must help students understand how using technology enhances human interactions but is not a substitute for it. Sending email is often time as important as a hand written note. Searching Wikipedia has advantages but cannot possible capture the entire Library of Congress. Proper balance between on line platforms and social interactions must be the job of the school.


As an educator deeply steeped in exemplary student achievement, I can bring a set of experiences and thinking that can serve both students and schools and families. I strongly believe in identify meet short-,mid- and long range goals. For instance, if we wish to improve reading in our particular district or school, then there is strong evidence, both quantitatively and quantitatively that several reading software programs yield results. However, I have seen even the best software go awry. Upon one site visit that I made to a school the math software program used to bring students up to grade level, was being ran by the Spanish teacher who had not the slightest clue about the program or on how to help students. I provide this example to demonstrate the fact that our plans must include how our staff are supported in the use of whatever technology we bring into our schools that there is proper "buy in" to programs used to help students.Its crucial that the school community is comfortable with multiple platforms and that proper training is conducted.

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