After
reading the survey it gave me a better insight of teachers’ views on technology
in the class room and at home. Honestly, nothing surprised me about the survey.
The responses actually seemed predictable. As stated in the first paragraph, technology
has its advantages as well as its disadvantages, true. The second paragraph expresses
how there is a difference in the role of technology in wealthier school
districts compared with poorer school districts; very true. It articulates how
the generation gap amongst teachers play a role in the comfort levels of technology
in the classroom, also true. Those three statements from the article, and the
data behind it proves known facts. Compared to the teachers in the survey I “rate”
along the same lines of the younger generation. I appreciate how convenient it
is to communicate from teacher to student or teacher to parent and vice versa.
I am “very confident” when it comes to using programs on computers or smartphones.
I can navigate well through programs, and pick up quickly on programs I do not
know. I am not as versed when it comes to social media, compared to the 78% of
teachers that use social networking sites, I have yet to try any of them. I believe
the survey is accurate, especially with the ages of the teachers. My younger
teachers were always more confident when it came to smart boards and internet
uses, whereas my older teachers would have a student set up or fix the
programs.
Anita,
ReplyDeleteAs you described, the results in the survey about almost ⅔ of teachers under 35 felt “very confident” about their tech skills--compared to 44% of teachers older than 55 clearly shows a “digital” generation gap among teachers. You are part of a new generation of teachers who will be entering the profession with a powerful skill set. As you continue to move forward in your coursework, think about how you could share your knowledge with colleagues who may not be as technologically adept.
Additionally, this digital gap is also evident in where teachers are employed. The digital divide that exists between poor and affluent districts can certainly affect even the most tech savvy of teachers. Here, in New Jersey, we see this scenario played out over and over.
Helping out a fellow teacher is right up my ally. However, I do wonder if teachers from the past generation would be open to help from a "newbie." Living in somewhat of poor district I have an understanding, even though I attended catholic school most of my educational career I still know the digital divide. With that said no matter what district I teach in I believe I will be able to adapt.
ReplyDeleteAnita,
ReplyDeleteHaving come from a district similar to yours where technology may have been almost non existent except for a handful of devices, maybe our generation of teachers can bring something to the table and make a difference and help these districts make better use of what they have? Something is always better than nothing.
Eric I think we can definitely use our generation to an advantage and help the next one by sharing all we know. All we can do is try our best.
DeleteAnita, I agree with you when you say that you have found younger teachers seem to have more confidence with technology in the classroom, and that you can identify with them. I often find that some of my professors (even in my graphic design classes) need help navigating around the computer, pulling up power points, ect. Growing up alongside advancing technologies puts younger generations at an advantage for sure.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I believe we are really lucky to be born when we were. Some of the older generations feel our generation is lost, but I think a lot of us use this time to our advantage especially when it comes to technology. You mold to your surroundings and technology is a part of ours.
DeleteMrs. Muthee,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your reflection and I too have similar views. I do see that younger instructors are more confident and tech-literate when using technology in the classroom. I also believe that you and I "rate" similarly in our knowledge of technical mediums and communicating with others instantaneously. Our schools seemed to be the opposiste. My district did not integrate technology in the classroom unfortunately, and we were a wealthier district. We had very little available to us (technology wise) but were very involved in extracurriculars.
That's very interesting. I would think a wealthier school would have more avenues to incorporate technology. However, I am a huge fan of extracurricular actives. Keeping students active in and outside of the classroom is very important to me.
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