ashleybaker: Tech is the New Black

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Tech is the New Black

So I found an article about integrating technology into the classroom from my Twitter feed.

(It’s amazing where a few clicks can take you when you start playing on the internet.....and where a few hours can go!?!?)

Granted, I am an art teacher and we typically don’t use a whole lot of technology unless it’s graphic design or using the Smartboard for a demo, but I promised that I would seriously attempt to integrate the 21st Century Skills and technology more into my classroom flow.

This chart is really eye-opening when it comes to the differences and sad to say, I have seen more teachers in the left column than the right. More PDs please!

I think a lot of us know that we need to do this, we just don’t really know how.

Either (A) we don’t know how it works and are afraid to figure it out on our own; and/or (B) don’t know how to apply/implement/manage the usage in the classroom. So those who are willing to attempt all the tech usage are doing their best; their best just happens to be in the left column.

So......solutions and next steps:

Wouldn’t it be nice if.....

Apple hosted a big conference and made us be the students. We used the technology and apps to learn and create something by the end.
District’s hosted PD’s on exactly what they are looking for in the classroom instead of telling us the basics and letting us figure it out/screw up on our own. (Example: “Okay folks, I heard 21st Century Skills are the NEW BLACK, so let’s do that, OK and GO!!”)
Have a few model by example. Have one designated teacher within each school to be the Tech Leader. He/She has to teach ALL the teachers and staff how to use all the technology. No excuses! Teachers are held accountable for learning it AND performing a test/quiz at the end. Of course, Phase II would be holding each teacher accountable for implementing ONE, just one, techie practice and using it consistently.
Communication to the Community (parents) could be more efficient, instant and effective. Alerts and messages could be like texts, Parents could log in at THEIR convenience and touch base regarding Homework, Expectations, Documentation and just what the heck is going on.