Teaching and Learning

Today’s challenges in teaching and learning in the school setting are not as clear as they once were. New technology comes out every year and as teachers we have to prepare students to be successful in a more global economy. The Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology says that, “the roles of teacher and learner must continue to change.” I believe that is true. Today I can learn just as much from my students as they can learn from me when it comes to technology. Matter of fact, I learned something new about a PowerPoint presentation today from a student that I did not know. Progress is being made everyday by the state to help teachers zero in on the technology that students need to master to become successful adults. The Texas Long-Range Plan for Technology and TEKS help set guidelines for teachers to follow. No Child Left Behind is setting academic achievement levels for technology for all students through the eight grade. Both the state and national levels are promoting on-going professional development and advance based research to continue for the continued improvement of technology curriculum. So, how can we make things better? I think as teachers we have to let our guards down a little and listen to what the students are telling us. They want more technology, so let’s give it to them. I believe today’s students are far more engaged with instruction when technology is used and even more engaged when they are the ones using the technology. I think more and more teachers are willing to incorporate technology into the classroom. Now we just need the money to fund our technology ideas!