An Investment in Tomorrow’s University Students

Instead of focusing on the education of today’s high school students about technology this article focused on the use of tech classes to teach in-service and pre-service teachers how to use technology in their classrooms. The problem that technology has had in the classroom is the high expectations placed on it to deliver tangible results. People want to believe that simply having and using computers in the classroom will deliver results in the form of better grades to their students. Nothing could be further from the truth. The real problem is the knowledge of the teacher on how to use these tools for success. Many teachers view computers and multi-media as a fad that will pass and give way to the old ways of teaching once again. Because teachers did not know how to properly use the computers or presentations the equipment was left unused and when it was used the format of the lesson did not highlight the components of the hardware or software that would make it useful. Simply putting together a flashy powerpoint with visuals and sound is no replacement for good teaching, especially if the presentation took too long to put together and leaves the teacher little time to prepare the upcoming lessons. Teachers that have training in how to use the hardware and software properly will be much happier with the results they receive from their students. Teachers should use the technological materials that they have gained mastery of, not get bogged down in trying to use products that will only confuse them. This article is a good look at how technology can be useful, but the people using it need to be taught. Then it can truly make a difference in the way we teach our students and in the information that is retained.

I found this article to be quite true. Being in the middle of our Instructional Technology course right now it is becoming apparent how little I know about the tools that technology provides. Having taken this course I can put together an effective powerpoint for my students, and do it in a timely manner. Not only will this new knowledge of technology make my teaching experience easier, it will also increase my ability to help students that are struggling with technology.