Reflections+on+Facilitator+Standard+V

Technology Facilitator Standard V dealt with the issues of //Productivity and Professional Practice//. Technology is something that changes on a regular basis as everyday were are presented with some new software or hardware that does more than its predecessor. It is impossible for a school to be technologically up-to-date. With this being said it is inexcusable for educators not to seek out ways to improve their digital skills and in turn translate what they have learned into their regular classroom routines. There were two key issues that I believe were raised in this chapter was how important it was for educators to not only seek professional development in these areas but to also incorporate these tools into their regular classroom routines. The purpose of technology ever since the industrial age was to increase functionality and to make certain tasks easier. Fast-forwarding to today, and these same principles apply. Of course if there isn't a willingness to learn something new then the benefits will never be realized. An article in the December/January 2009 issues focused on why there should be an investment in technology; monetary and skills-wise. In the article, Christine Greenhow states that: "Technology helps address teaching and learning challenges" and "Technology is a central force in economic competitiveness, and technology fluency among young people is essential to their future employment and our country's continued innovation." (Greenhow, 2009, p. 36) With the integration of technology, teachers are allowed to invest more of their time on students who need critical one-to-one attention and releases the restraints of those students who are more advanced thus preparing both types of students for whatever career that they desire after they leave schools. One way that educators can look to improve their technological skills is by expanding their knowledge of the tools that they already use. Many teachers have yet to unlock the full potential of //Microsoft Word// or //Excel// and quite frankly to acquire these skills are just a book away Improvement in technology can only take place when educators choose to be innovative, creative, generative, adaptive and collaborative. With all these qualities major challenges will be seen and minor irritants and we will find schools that have confirmed to the 21st century classroom.

Greenhow, C., (2009); Rehash or restructure? Shifts in ed tech policy and research; Learning & Leading with Technology; December/January 2009-10; 37(4) pp. 36-37

Scott, F., (2010); Effective strategies for tech integrators: Getting teachers onboard; Learning & Leading with Technology;June/July 2010; 37(8) pp. 18

Williamson, J. & Redish, T.; (2009); ISTE's Technology Facilitation and Leadership Standards; Washington, D.C.:International Society for Technology Education