Technology in Schools

Blog Entry #1:  Technology in Schools 

As we enter the new school year and I have my newest set of eager 6th graders, I am reminded of the comical dance I participate in each year when it comes to my students and their baffling struggles with technology, especially with Canvas and Google Drive which are both new to them. It's as if they've stumbled into a digital wonderland without a map. They can't seem to resist the temptation of creating a new copy of a document every time they open it, and the panic on their faces as they think their work has magically vanished into the digital abyss is priceless. And let's not even mention the Herculean feat of uploading their completed assignments to Canvas; it's like asking them to decipher ancient hieroglyphics. We might as well be asking them to perform brain surgery on a penguin riding a unicycle. But hey, it's all part of the charming chaos of teaching in the digital age, where students are the fearless pioneers in a wild frontier of misunderstanding and confusion. 

Each year, I forget how little background knowledge my students bring into the classroom when it comes to computers and digital tools, but I am also reminded of how often I use technology in my everyday lessons. Just this past week, I was able to continue to teach my students remotely, ensuring that their education remained uninterrupted despite being at home with COVID and no voice. 

In an age where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, computer literacy has evolved from a helpful skill to an absolute necessity. It is no longer a matter of choice but a fundamental requirement for success in both education and the modern workforce. 

Computer literacy empowers students to access a vast world of information, communicate effectively and appropriately with peers and mentors, and develop problem-solving skills that are vital in today's digital landscape. Moreover, it opens doors to endless opportunities, from coding and software development to creative design and scientific research. No matter what field a student may enter, they will be using technology in some way.

As educators, it is our duty to ensure that our students not only grasp the basics of computer literacy, but also to harness the transformative power to shape their futures. In cultivating these skills, we equip our young learners with tools they need to navigate an increasingly interconnected world and thrive in an ever-evolving technological age.  

In order to uphold my duty as an educator, I am eager to embark on a journey of continuous learning, immersing myself in the latest AI and ChatGPT technological advancements. Anticipating the invaluable insights they can offer, I'm excited to discover how these tools can not only benefit me as an educator, but also enrich my student's learning experiences within the classroom. 

Ertmer, P. A., &; Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A. T. (2010). Teacher technology change. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 42(3), 255–284. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2010.10782551 

Taylor, R. P. (1980). Introduction. In R. P. Taylor (Ed.), The computer in school: Tutor, tool, tutee (pp. 1-10). New York: Teachers College Press.