Week Eight - Chapter 5

hmm.  this was an interesting chapter.  It  starts out talking about the federal government putting in place the "National Educational Technology Plan" . ok,  I do not mean to be sarcastic but...you do need technology in all classrooms....right? Not just the one or two computer labs that many schools have.  The chapter goes on to talk about the typical professional development programs that are usually offered after school, or on an early release day.

The chapter does continue on and talks about supporting teachers' development of extended social networks and technology literacy training.  It states that many sates require their new and practicing educators to demonstrate basic competencies with technology.  O.K.  This all looks good in black and white, but what happens to many teachers is that they are dealing with old software, old computers, not enough computers or have students who are pretty much locked out of the Internet.

I know a few school districts that give each student (high school)  a new laptop when they start as a freshman.  It is loaded with software, and they can use it for four years.  I believe after the four years they return it to the school.   I feel this is the way to go. But, I think it should start at a younger age.

I also think the professional development that teachers receive should be set up like this class we are in.  A good eight weeks, plenty of opportunities to try new technology, learn about what is available and work together as a class.

I think if teachers had this type of professional development and their students had laptops, you would see more and more teachers increasing technology in the classroom.  I realize that someday this is what schools will be like.  That will be an amazing day.