The Direction of Technology in Education

I feel that perhaps in naming this blog Technology in Education, for the Future, I was not taking into consideration that the future is now.  What I’ve been able to learn as I read, “Navigating the Digital Rapids”, was that there is already so much of a conscious awareness on the part of teachers that the technology that is present today needs to be a part of the day to day class environment.  That this day to day environment has to be flexible and not stagnate,  or unyielding.  New technology can then be incorporated into the lesson plan, and have the capacity to bring about change.   Teachers are also coming together to teach class to students were they are teaching using a virtual class lesson plan.  Both student and teacher are exposed to digital learning by giving them both  an opportunity to use digital tools.  Already in this instance NETS-T is being addressed;   where innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments is used.  Administrators are giving teachers the support that they need to encourage teachers to conduct these classes. 

“Navigating  the Digital Rapids”, means just that navigating, it means that lesson plans need to be set up so that digital tools can be used within the lesson plan.  The analogy that the authors’ use,  help to describe just what to expect when you embark on this mission.  It’s helpful to know that in the beginning you might first face difficulty with the digital tools but that eventually with practice and patience you can become familiar with the technology.   

Digitally-rich Learning Environment

The article assigned for reading was, “Unleashing the Future:  Educators ‘Speak Up’ about the use of Emerging Technologies for Learning.”  This is a very good article to read to acquire more insight about what is happening  with education; what is the trend that education is taking in our present day society.  Project Tomorrow, has collected the views of teachers, administrators, principals, students in  grades K-12, and even students taking college courses in education .  The survey was conducted in all 50 states and in all areas; rural, urban, and suburban areas.  

                My major focus is in the interpretation to what is meant by having a, “Digitally-rich learning environment”.    Students are already experimenting and learning how to use digital devices.  Now we have smart phones where students can add,” apps” to their phone, search the web through their phone, and also go on “skype” to take a class with someone who is from another country.  Students are developing skills at home that can be applied and used in a classroom setting .    According to “Speak Up”, future teachers want to use more digital resources, like teaching aides and software.  Future teachers want to use more digital media devices, in contrast to veteran teachers who focus their teaching on digital resource like software;   where, they teach math, reading and science. 

                It is promising to see the involvement of future teachers and see that there is a recognition that more has to be done to incorporate more digital devices into a classroom setting.  Future teachers are preparing themselves by taking the necessary classes to prepare themselves.  These are the devices that must be given more consideration;   such as podcasts, virtual classes, and using digital resources in a lesson.   Veteran teachers must also raise the bar and become more informed with regard to the use of these devices within the classroom.   

                The assessment made by “Speak Up”, can keep us motivated and well informed as to the direction  that education is taking with regard to a, “Digitally-rich learning environment”.