As
stated by Jahana Hayes, 2016 National Teacher of the Year "And one of the
challenges we have at my school is that we can’t keep up with technology."
Understanding
this concept of a constant struggle in many schools across the country to stay
updated is essential. As an educator, teaching for the last 3 1/2 years I've
been able to see how technology can truly play an important role in the
classroom when used correctly and when given the updated programs and devices.
Our
schools and the adopted programs need to continue to improve and change just as
rapid as the industries and businesses. If we are teaching our students to be
able to survive in this rapidly growing world full of technology, then we need
to make sure our schools are implementing the same. As an educator I feel like
I am constantly trying to catch up with resources and programs that haven't
been introduced into our schools yet. By the time, they become introduced the
program is outdated and something new as taken its place.
The
biggest problem I also see is the drastic difference from school to school.
Students across the country, let alone across the state or city have differences
in the access and availability to technology in the classroom. From my 3 1/2
years of teaching I was able to teach in one school considered a BYOD school
(bring your own device) which integrated technology through the use of a
variety of apps. The school also had the latest "Smart Board" (the
new, old-fashion dry erase board). On the other hand, now I'm teaching
literally down the street in the same county, and the technology accessible is
completely opposite. Students have one day computer lab time, and the teacher
is given one Ipad for classroom use. The board is a standard projector screen
with the computer connected. In other words, the technology is WAY outdated. I
truly believe that the resources across the board are not allowing our students
to have the same learning experiences that this world requires. By the time my
school "updates" the equipment and programs will be outdated.
I
also believe that schools should be requiring their teachers to integrate
technology in their daily lessons. Many teachers (more traditional teachers)
are opting out and choosing not to use the resources given. Even if it
takes trainings, and professional development opportunities in order for them
to become familiar. This is a concern because they are not allowing their
students to be equipped with the tools they will need in the future. We
are preparing our students for jobs that may or may not exist yet, therefore it
is our responsibility to expose them, and allow them to explore, discover and
create. We cannot rob them from this way of learning!
References:
Madda, M (2016, August 2) "We Don't Have Resources to Keep Up With Technology": 2016 Teacher of the Year Jahana Hayes Talks to Edsurge. Retrieved from https://www.edsurge.com/news/2016-08-02-we-don-t-have-resources-to-keep-up-with-technology-2016-teacher-of-the-year-jahana-hayes-talks-to-edsurge.
Esteves, J. (2016, January 18). Did You Know 2016. (Video File). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqZilO0YI7Y
