I am currently taking my technology class for grad school and love the challenge! I think it is great that so many ideas are coming about for 21st century learners. There are so many opportunities for kids now than there were just 10 years ago.
I have been asked to make a short instructional video. Scarey and exciting for me (I only had 2 weeks to do it, but am down to 1 now). The part that frustrates me is that of all the teachers I know, most do not actually embrace technology in the classroom for their students. Many say that we learned the old way, so our students can too.They complain about no time because of data meetings or grading etc. Unfortunately, this is a reality, but I think it is so important to include this technology in our schools. Kids are not learning from books anymore, but from eBooks, not from journals but eJournals. I have been researching a lot lately and all my research is through the internet, usually ERIC since I'm in education.
When will teachers realize that our profession is constantly changing. We will always be changing because the world is changing. I hate change, but I am more than willing to embrace it for my future but more importantly my students' future. I recently read an article written by James Careless that discusses social media. The article discusses how social media is where we are headed; therefore, teachers either need to get on board or they will fall off.
Some people may be fearful or think students will be distracted with other websites like Facebook, but in reality, this already happens. There are kids who will always find a way to not do what they should be. The teacher can take care of that the same as previously. When a kid had a magazine inside a textbook there were consequences. There is no getting around those who break rules. If you have them, there will be rule breakers. Who doesn't break the rules every now and then?
Whether you are a parent, teacher, or an adult who works with kids, don't be afraid of failing, embrace technology! Ask one of those kids to teach you, I guarantee they would love to!
