The Question of Technology
The Question of Technology
Week of September 24th:
As I began asking the administrators in our building what they felt the professional development needs were, each of them had technology on the list of “needs.” As I asked more about what aspects of technology the teachers needed to explore, I received everything from “Everything. We are an ICT school.” to “The teachers need to learn to take care of their machines because when the computers begin to work slowly, the teachers want the IT to fix it when it is something simple.” I never heard anything about helping the teachers know when, how and what technology is appropriate for increasing student engagement in a lesson, or to extend learning for all students.
Many of our schools have more technology than they have knowledge to use it effectively. It is one area which requires differentiation in the workshops to meet the levels of teacher competence in the basic use of a computer, and the level of understanding of what technology can do to enhance instruction.
Then again, when one hears “technology,” how does one define it? Is technology a computer, or the computer and peripherals which can be added? Does it include an overhead projector, or scissors, or a protractor and compass, or… ?
Merriam-Webster defines technology as,
“Etymology: Greek technologia systematic treatment of an art, from technE art, skill + -o- + -logia -logy1 a : the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area : ENGINEERING 2b : a capability given by the practical application of knowledge 2 : a manner of accomplishing a task especially using technical processes, methods, or knowledge 3 : the specialized aspects of a particular field of endeavor ”
As our CSS team discerns the “technology” needs of our staff, we will need to work through layers of perception and knowledge. We will definitely keep in mind that each tool in teaching is used purposely to capture students’ attention and keep them engaged in learning, and hopefully this learning extends beyond the classroom.
Week of September 24th:
As I began asking the administrators in our building what they felt the professional development needs were, each of them had technology on the list of “needs.” As I asked more about what aspects of technology the teachers needed to explore, I received everything from “Everything. We are an ICT school.” to “The teachers need to learn to take care of their machines because when the computers begin to work slowly, the teachers want the IT to fix it when it is something simple.” I never heard anything about helping the teachers know when, how and what technology is appropriate for increasing student engagement in a lesson, or to extend learning for all students.
Many of our schools have more technology than they have knowledge to use it effectively. It is one area which requires differentiation in the workshops to meet the levels of teacher competence in the basic use of a computer, and the level of understanding of what technology can do to enhance instruction.
Then again, when one hears “technology,” how does one define it? Is technology a computer, or the computer and peripherals which can be added? Does it include an overhead projector, or scissors, or a protractor and compass, or… ?
Merriam-Webster defines technology as,
“Etymology: Greek technologia systematic treatment of an art, from technE art, skill + -o- + -logia -logy1 a : the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area : ENGINEERING 2
As our CSS team discerns the “technology” needs of our staff, we will need to work through layers of perception and knowledge. We will definitely keep in mind that each tool in teaching is used purposely to capture students’ attention and keep them engaged in learning, and hopefully this learning extends beyond the classroom.
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