Chapter 7: What Should Teachers Know About Technology And Its Impact On Schools?

It’s Our Future

Computers and technology in general, are now a way of life in our society. Technology is everywhere so we need to seek the best way to utilize it which means teaching our young people about the importance of technology today. Computer literacy is so much more than being able to play a game, send an e-mail, or surf the web. As Eisenberg and Johnson stated in their paper titled Learning and Teaching Information Technology “computer literacy is not only knowing how to operate computers, but to use technology as a tool for organization, communication, research, and problem solving.”
Although our schools are spending a lot of money on technology, students of today will not have the skills necessary to survive in today’s workplace because of the current system in which we are teaching students about technology. As stated in the article, educational associations “are advocating for a more meaningful use of technology in schools.” This means integrated information skills programs should be used instead of our current method of isolated technology skills. Our current methods of isolated technology skills or separate computer classes don’t teach students how to apply the skills they learn in a meaningful way. On the other hand an integrated program would be more effective because it would relate to the content in the curriculum, and it would tie technology in with classroom assignment in a logical way. In order to create integrated information skills programs, teachers need to plan and collaborate with library media specialists and computer teachers so that lessons include both information and technology skills as well as the regular content discussed in a classroom.
Instead of just teaching children how to do a bunch of different skills on the computer, teachers need to focus on the “when” and “why” of technology so that they understand how the skills fit together in a meaningful way. Fitting these various skills together will make it easier for students to problem solve while also allowing them to be both flexible and creative with the computer. Children need to become proficient at many different technologies in order to thrive in their everyday life and in the workplace.

Website:
http://www.libraryinstruction.com/info-tech.html

Chapter 6: What Makes A Teacher Effective?

A Dream Begins With One

First time teachers often wonder what skills are necessary in order to make an effective teacher that can reach the minds and the hearts of their students. How can one person teach children or young adults’ math, English, history, and science but also instill a desire to learn and the ability to succeed in a future that is unknown? According to Great Schools, “teaching is one of the most complicated jobs today” which requires a broad range of knowledge in subject matter, curriculum, and standards along with things that can’t always be taught like enthusiasm, a caring attitude, and a love for learning. Teachers also need to have knowledge in classroom management and discipline plus the innate desire to make a difference in the lives of our young people and society as a whole.
So what is it that sets great teachers apart from ones that lack that certain something? The first tip is to set high expectation for all students and to not give up on underachievers. Children need something to reach for and if students have a teacher that doesn’t expect much of them then they won’t reach their maximum potential in the classroom. The second tip is to have clear, written objectives that clearly state what the class will be learning, what the assignments are, and the grading policy for those assignments. The third tip is to be prepared and organized in the classroom so the lessons are structured and precise. As with anything you do, it is very important for teachers to be experts in the subject or subjects they are teaching and to teach in an enthusiastic manner. The fourth and fifth tip is to engage the students and create strong relationships with the children. Teachers need to keep their students motivated and make a conscious effort to include the entire class rather than paying more attention to certain students that the teacher easily clicks with. Teachers also need to show their students that they care about them as people by being warm, accessible, and caring. The final tip is to keep in contact with parents by sending out written reports and scheduling conferences.
Teaching is a difficult job that requires a great deal of skill and a desire to make the world a better place. It takes time and experience to establish ideas that can reach students with different skill levels and personality traits. A great teacher needs to constantly evaluate him or her self and their lesson plans. You can’t just wake up one day and be a great teacher. As Dan Rather, the journalist, once said, “the dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called “truth.””

Websites
http://www.greatschools.org/improvement/quality-teaching/what-makes-a-great-teacher.gs?content=79
http://www.quotegarden.com/teachers.html