Course: Tech Literacy for Teachers/Staff

Technology and Education the Perfect Fit

In this, the first step of the training, we will investigate the most effective use of technology in school. The old school concept of instructional technology said that technology is used in education to teach or supplement teaching through learning software. That philosophy is being replaced by one where technology is used to enable students to investigate a topic more fully and to collaborate with others as they complete projects and solve problems. This approach uses technology to provide access to more information, and students are guided through the appropriate use of technology in a classroom environment. In fact, the classroom environment is expanded by technology and its increased access to information provides opportunities for a more complete understanding of a topic that is explored. Read this blog post first , then go to the first assignment. If the link doesn't work for you, copy and paste the URL below. http://www.practicaltheory.org/serendipity/index.php?/archives/955-What-I-Want-to-Talk-About.html Keep this post in mind as you complete the assignments in this module.

The first activity asks you to investigate some common educational approaches that affect how technology can be used in your classroom. After you read a selection, you'll be asked to submit a response that tells how you feel about the teaching approach that was discussed and how you think it would work in the classroom.

The second activity asks you to investigate the technology applications TEKS. After you read the TEKS you'll be asked to submit a response that tells how you believe the TEKS for technology applications can be addressed effectively across the curriculum.

It really isn't acceptable to tell what we don't have. We don't have that option. Our students need these skills, that is a generally accepted understanding. It is our job to find a way within the limited structures of funds, time, energy, and resources. I want this course to be devoted to finding a way over the barriers we have before us, not complaining about them. You may see some ideas that just don't seem to be workable. That is alright. Going to the moon wasn't do-able, the atomic bomb wasn't do-able, and powered flight wasn't do-able either. If we work together with the goal of finding a way, we just might find one. We can either stand in the shadows of the "can't do's" or we can dedicate ourselves to the business of overcoming. That is the charge of my job, your job, and this course; overcoming.