Hope Myles Scott

 
TF-III          Teaching, Learning, and the Curriculum
Educational technology facilitators apply and implement curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for utilizing technology to maximize student learning.
Self-Assessment
I teach Web Mastering, therefore, I understand the importance of using technology daily in my classroom.  My lesson plans must include the use of technology.  As technology leader on campus, it would become my job to make sure that all teachers understand and implement the use of technology in their curriculum as a way to maximize student learning.  It is unfortunate that the State of Texas removed Technology Application requirements from the graduation plan (Texas Education Agency, 2011)! Students are tech-savvy digital-age learners.  Technology is an integral part of the lives of their students.  Students need engaging, media-rich learning experiences that will prepare them for the world of work or college.  Schools are failing to capitalize on the needs of digital-age learners.  Properly used, technology will help students acquire the skills they need to survive in a complex, highly technological knowledge-based economy (Edutopia Staff, 2011, para. 1).
I found it interesting that, according to Williamson and Redish (2009), mastering core classes as defined in the past is not sufficient to prepare students for meaningful participation in today's global economy.  As I read this, I began to think, does the State of Texas know what is doing to digital-learners in our schools?  And, if they are aware, do they care?  As tech-savvy as this generation is, they still need teachers to teach them how to use technology for learning and work.  Those of us who teach technology classes try to ensure that we teach students to use technology properly.  I have shared sites which my colleagues now incorporate in their lesson plans for student blogs and assignments. 
Learn as a Learner
I have supported teachers incorporate technology in their curriculum.  For instance, I helped the math teachers include the use of interactive whiteboard in their lessons. I also encouraged math teachers (I have two across the hall from me) to use the computer and the Elmo to project problems on the board.  These activities focused on student centered learning.  The students were given the opportunity to go to the board to work problems.  They, in essence, became the teacher.  One of my co-workers shared how he uses the Qumo Wireless Tablet as an interactive game that engages his students in learning.  I will need to work on helping teachers to include technology in their lesson plans.  "Technology changes the way teachers teach, offering educators effective ways to reach different types of learners and assess student understanding through multiple means. It also enhances the relationship between teacher and student. When technology is effectively integrated into subject areas, teachers grow into roles of adviser, content expert, and coach. Technology helps make teaching and learning more meaningful and fun" (Edutopia Staff, 2011, para. 6).  Interaction and sharing ideas with my peers has helped me understand the importance of using technology to engage and prepare.  We engage our students using technology because this is how they learn, but we also prepare them for life after high school by teaching them how to work collaboratively.  
Lifelong Learning Skills
Standard III, Teaching, Learning, and the Curriculum may be the most important component of making technology work in our schools.  I regret that the State removed Technology Applications requirement from the graduation plan.  I plan to be a boisterous advocate to keep computer classes, including Business Information Management and Web Mastering, in schools.  Our school is in the process of moving 9th grade teachers and students to another location to help with crowd control.  None of the technology teachers are going to this campus.  This is appalling to me.  This means that what students learn in 8th grade will have to carry them to 10th through 12th grade.  I worked with seniors, and I know that this will not happen.  I had senior students who did not know how to create a resume or a simple blog.  Most know how to tweet, but cannot write complete sentences.  My fear is that we will create a generation that, as the text reveals, will be ill-prepared for industry or college.  I will continue to work with colleagues, now with more confidence, to share how to implement technology in their curriculum.  With the advent of the STAAR test it will be imperative that I research the new test and find ways for teachers to add technology.  

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Texas Education Agency. (2011). State Graduation Requirements. Retrieved form http://www.tea.state.tx.us/graduation.aspx
Edutopia. (2011). Why integrate technology into the curriculum?: The reasons are many. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction
Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). ISTE’s technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.