I have read the NETS for students and teachers. I think both sets of standards are well stated for the most part. In the student set, I really think collaboration is key as one of the standards. In the past few years, many collaboration type programs have emerged such as blogs, wikkis, Facebook, and MySpace. I like that part of the collaboration was to interact with people from other cultures and develop a cultural understanding and awareness. Technology can help those in areas not as diverse, become more open to other cultures that are out there. Collaboration also helps with students studying with each other; help with homework, and sharing ideas on projects, or giving opinions on research.
One part of the standards that I think should be added is safety. Even though students are not chatting online at school. They use programs such as Facebook and MySpace. While this is the parents’ responsibility as well, I believe it should be taught in schools as well. Many incidents happen at school that stem from Facebook, and students need to know the correct way to use social networking sights such as this one.
I like that there are technology standards for teachers as well. Many teachers are not very willing to be trained on new technology, and to have standards for teachers makes the process more mainstreamed. I like the standard to develop a technological enriched learning environment. Technology can help teachers expand on what they are teaching and enrich student’s understanding of what they are learning. I also think the standard to engage in professional growth and leadership through technology is important. Much of professional growth is done through technology or it is where many teachers need to grow. Teachers should attend training on new software such as the Smart Board. Additionally, technology makes it available for teachers to attend conferences through the Internet, called Webinars. This can be an extremely useful technological tool for all teachers and they should not be afraid to use it.
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Good observations. I especially appreciate your comments re: teachers and technology standards. Re: safety, I think cybersafety falls under the "digital citizenship" standard -- 5.a. says that students "advocate and practice safe ... use of technology."
ReplyDeletejd
I agree that it is important to have standards for teachers, but how and when are those standards addressed? The fact that they exist will help to encourage more teachers to be involved in using technology and to explore the opportunities that are attached to technology. Are the teacher standards incorporated into the receiving of a teacher's certification? Is a teacher required to show certain skill levels for re-certification?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that they exist, but not sure how they are applied.