Education, specifically, technology in education, has changed dramatically over the 26 years that I have been in education. My degree is in Business Education, and I began my career by teaching keyboarding and computer applications. Keyboarding was taught on typewriters and computer applications was taught on networked Apple computers. The internet, as we know it, was in its infancy. In addition to teaching, I provided technical and network support for my school. I tell you this, as it explains my guiding principal, never stop learning. I had no experience working with computer hardware or networks. I had taken a computer classes in high school and in college where we learned DOS, word processing and spreadsheets but did not have any experience with networks or hardware. I had a desire to learn how to fix the computers in my classroom and how the network worked, this, combined with the fact that I had experience with computers, led to me providing technical and network support. Fast forward to 2019, it is amazing how so much has changed. Students literally have the world at their fingertips as they use their school issued 1 to 1 device to do their school work. However, one thing has not changed, students must never stop learning.
My role has transitioned and I am no longer a classroom teacher, however, I work with students and teachers and impact learning on a daily basis. It is our role, as educators, to prepare students for the future in a world that does not yet exist. I believe my role in education is to; make technology accessible, teach students how to use technology effectively, show the real world relevance of what students are learning and instill a desire to never stop learning.
Making technology accessible has two parts. The first is making technology hardware accessible to all students. In a world where you can literally carry a computer in your pocket, not all students have access to this technology. There are many students who do not have computers or even cell phones at their homes. 1 to 1 initiatives help to erase this gap, however, some students do not have internet access at home and this limits what they are able to do with these 1 to 1 devices. Educators need to ensure students know how to make the most of the technology the student has, such as working offline and ensuring students know the options for finding wifi in the community. My school also offers extended library hours one day a week or voluntary Saturday School as options for students to come in and have access to the internet.
Having access to a device does not solve all accessibility issues. The second part of making technology accessible to all learners involves finding the correct technology to meet student needs and ensuring they know how to leverage this technology. Some students may need a different device from their peers in order to have the same access. For example, a blind student may need a different device than the rest of their peers. The goal is to find the device the works best in each situation. Also, once hardware has been decided upon, students need to learn the accessibility features or special programs that are available to meet their needs.
Having constant access to technology can be both a blessing and a curse. The world is at our fingertips. We can learn anything at anytime, but having this access can also be a constant source of distraction. As educators, we must teach students to use technology effectively. Students must learn to manage the distraction that constant access to technology can cause. They must learn the appropriate time and place for different activities.
When I was in the classroom, one of the goals of my class was to use the computer as an educational tool. This need still exists, students need to learn how to use the technology as a tool, even though they have had access to technology for most of their lives. They need to learn to harness the power of the technology. We must give students a solid foundation of technology skills, and then open the world to them.
When teaching students, we must make real world connections. Students need to understand how to apply what they are learning in the classroom. Project based learning is an excellent way to make these connections. Not only do students get to use what they have learned, they also increase their ability to collaborate, problem solve, research and manage time.
As mentioned earlier, we must prepare students to live in a world that does not yet exist. The best way to do this is to instill in students a desire to never stop learning. Learning does not stop when formal schooling ends, it must be ongoing. This continued learning may take place as a requirement for employment, for self improvement or just for fun, but whatever the reason, we must teach students to never stop learning.
Sandra Negro 