Week one in review...

OK, so maybe after reading, writing (and finally) blogging all week I'm not as ready to return to school as I thought, but the technology discussions have been great, and I have already gleened several new ideas to take to the classroom. I was a bit surprised that several hadn't really been exposed to using some of the software like spreadsheet and power point, I am encouraged to be in what appears to be a group of learners. While they really aren't always talking about "new" technologies, the variety of uses posted is encouraging. The discussions concerning the standards were "interesting", in that the idea of keeping up with technology actually seems impossible. I have been in on several of the discussions about the implimentation of new technology and the importance of having as many computers available to our students as possible, I am also concerned that technology alone can not solve the information gap some students seem to have. It is evident which student have access to the internet and computers at home and those who do not. I know most of the standards discussed were from the stanpoint of administrators and teachers, but I see first hand that the student standards are going to have to address the gap between individuals and when possible, look at ways to impliment additional resources and time to these students to increase their success rates in technology. Fewer jobs and careers are low-tech, and while the learning curve may be a little wider, the opportunity to learn computer skills, even for some of the remedial students, by far out weighs the extra efforts needed to make sure that these students have the technological know-how to succeed. Of course, as stated, the issue of technology in the classroom may not just be students. As an "older" teacher at the school, I see the resistance on the part of some to embrace the opportunities for new ways to teach. Part of this new position with the school is the chance to expose students to careers. Most understand that even auto mechanics are going to be tech savvy just to be employable. Teachers are going to have to be even more capable to teach. I have already put some of the practices into place without even knowing I was working to that end. By making technology work in my classroom, I am building groundwork not only for the students, but also helping myself with teaching plans and curiculum I can grow from myself.