Since I began teaching in 2005, so much has changed. What was considered technologically savvy then, is now outdated. In a society where the speed at which technology is changing faster than what we can keep up with, how do we as educators stay relevant, knowledgeable, and a practitioner of these new and exciting technological advances? After reading about the advances of technology in the classroom and the 4cs I feel inspired and intimidated all at the same time. I am not a huge technology savvy person. When I was a kid we had a computer, but I didn't use it much. I found I had a short attention span when it came to digital entertainment. So my natural ability with technology isn't natural, I have to really focus and choose to learn what I need to learn to remain relevant. However, as I have spent countless hours learning how to use new tools, I get excited about the possibilities at our fingertips as teachers. There is so much we can expose our students to that was inaccessible before. This is where my excitement lies. I used to joke that "technology and I don't get along," but now I feel more empowered than ever. I CAN do this, and technology and I have become better friends. In the classroom and at school sites I can continue to learn and play with these new tools that are presented to us all the time. This way I will be able to experience what is available to us as educators. In addition, we as educators need to let the students teach us as well. It is OK to learn along with them. Some of the best lessons have been when my students and myself are learning together. They get to teach me, the teacher, about what is possible. This empowers them and also demonstrates that we can all be lifelong learners. It is amazing what our students can teach us. They are growing up in a world that is surrounded with technology, and they have so much knowledge to share. (I learned how to rotate a computer screen this past year. Middle Schoolers think this is hilarious). We as teachers need to continue to go to trainings, ask questions, remain inquisitive, and be willing to be vulnerable to stay aflot in this technological whirlwind.
3 Comments
Megan Burton
9/22/2019 12:29:32 pm
Thanks for sharing your journey. It's amazing how much things have and continue to change. Meaningful learning with the students is the best!
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Evrim
9/22/2019 04:23:53 pm
Loved that you just learned how to rotate the screen, that made me giggle!! If you ever need help, I'm always around!
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Joel Kriner
9/24/2019 06:16:00 pm
Totally agree Kathy, we are must use our student's knowledge to help guide us to become lifelong technology learners. Students are on the cutting edge and can keep us all current and excited about education.
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AuthorKathy Martin is an educator in Napa, Ca. She has taught all ages, K-8, in her past 14 years of teaching. She looks forward to exploring more about the world of education. Archives
October 2019
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