EDTC Module 6 Post

I've noticed the discussion board posts this week have had a lot to do with teachers feeling overwhelmed and insecure about implementing the use of technology. Even us "young whippersnappers" in our 20's feel clueless and over-the-hill when looking at how our adolescent counterparts gobble up and master the newest technological fad... To use an old phrase, it seems like many of us feel like old dogs, trying to learn new tricks.

True, to some-- many, even-- technology is a pleasure to explore and employ, and it feels very natural to engage the invisible workings of a new technological toy. (Raising eyebrows at Prof. David Wicks). However, for those of us who have waited 8 months to get a new cell phone simply because the thought of learning how to use a new one is too frightening-- even though the phone that one has has lost the battery cover and has therefore been flashing its nudie cell-phone-self all over Seattle... Well, for those people, thinking about incorporating new technology into the classroom is an intimidating thought indeed.

However, frightening though it may be, I've discovered in the past that I don't give myself as much technology-savvy credit as I deserve. It may take a couple tries to learn something new, but it's possible. When I set my kids up with blogs last year, there were some trouble-shooting moments along the way, but I got help and the project moved forward. And what's more, the kids hugely benefited from the combination of technology and writing.

I think I've realized that this is something I need to force myself to keep current with. I commend districts that require-- and reward-- yearly technology training for their teachers, because I think we should all be making efforts to be up on the latest tools and machines. Our students benefit from our knowledge, and we make practical progress in avoiding stagnated methods. Furthermore, I don't think we should be above asking our students for help in implementing a new technological tool. If we've heard of something that sounds interesting, but don't feel sure of how to do it-- why not invite our students to take a crack at it? In all likelihood, they'd enjoy the challenge, and then students would be taking more ownership over their learning and education-- certainly a good thing!

In conclusion, even though I've yet to get a new cell phone, I've realized there are ways to avoid avoiding technology in the classroom!