Computer illiteracy is quickly becoming a thing of the past as more and more of the general population is becoming tech savvy. The technology race is on and sending a clear message: hop on the train or you’ll be left in the dust. Over the last few months, social networking sites have boomed and are continuing to drive the American economy in a sort of underlying (but alarming) way. Of course, the change reluctant “caveman” wouldn’t dare give credit to this rapidly growing phenomenon. For the rest of us, it’s pretty clear that we have some serious keeping up to do so we aren’t left out of the loop.
So, what exactly does staying “in the loop” entail these days? It’s our human nature to strive to meet social norms and standards. We constantly (and uncontrollably) crave respect from our peers and colleagues. In the 21st century, this quest for social “acceptance” has taken on a new meaning. It has to do with keeping up with the web and all it has to offer in terms of personal growth and the development of society as a whole. It has to do with networking and learning from our closest colleagues or even from bloggers we’ve never met. That is what staying in the “loop” involves these days. In order to be accepted (and informed), we must be "plugged-in", "turned-on" and "charged" at all times.
What about technology's implications for educators? As an emerging young professional studying education, I dare not downplay the importance for teachers to keep up with this "race". If you really think about it, educators are at the forefront of the “big picture”. Everything they do in the classroom extends into the lives of their students. The students take new found knowledge and apply it outside of the school walls, using it in their communities and everyday lives. In the long run, this knowledge will serve as the foundation for the next generation of society that will inevitably consist of America’s business leaders, politicians, and other esteemed professionals. We want these future leaders to have the best education possible, one that is centered around technology and the acknowledging of the amazing feats that can be accomplished if the proper tools are put in place and lessons are taught.
This being said, it is key that everyone (especially our teachers) provides proper means of support for students and their learning about technology and the web. The days of blackboards and chalk are over and something new and exciting is in the works. So, let’s make sure society keeps up, regardless of what age you may be, profession you have, or belief system you follow. While teachers are an important part of this equation, keeping up with technology goes for just about everyone whether you live in the west or east, the U.S or Europe, a big city or small city. Technology cuts across all geographical "barriers" whether you like it or not. So, whoever or wherever you are, it’s time to wake up and get with the program. After all, who wants to be left out of the loop?
So, what exactly does staying “in the loop” entail these days? It’s our human nature to strive to meet social norms and standards. We constantly (and uncontrollably) crave respect from our peers and colleagues. In the 21st century, this quest for social “acceptance” has taken on a new meaning. It has to do with keeping up with the web and all it has to offer in terms of personal growth and the development of society as a whole. It has to do with networking and learning from our closest colleagues or even from bloggers we’ve never met. That is what staying in the “loop” involves these days. In order to be accepted (and informed), we must be "plugged-in", "turned-on" and "charged" at all times.
What about technology's implications for educators? As an emerging young professional studying education, I dare not downplay the importance for teachers to keep up with this "race". If you really think about it, educators are at the forefront of the “big picture”. Everything they do in the classroom extends into the lives of their students. The students take new found knowledge and apply it outside of the school walls, using it in their communities and everyday lives. In the long run, this knowledge will serve as the foundation for the next generation of society that will inevitably consist of America’s business leaders, politicians, and other esteemed professionals. We want these future leaders to have the best education possible, one that is centered around technology and the acknowledging of the amazing feats that can be accomplished if the proper tools are put in place and lessons are taught.
This being said, it is key that everyone (especially our teachers) provides proper means of support for students and their learning about technology and the web. The days of blackboards and chalk are over and something new and exciting is in the works. So, let’s make sure society keeps up, regardless of what age you may be, profession you have, or belief system you follow. While teachers are an important part of this equation, keeping up with technology goes for just about everyone whether you live in the west or east, the U.S or Europe, a big city or small city. Technology cuts across all geographical "barriers" whether you like it or not. So, whoever or wherever you are, it’s time to wake up and get with the program. After all, who wants to be left out of the loop?
Great post! I'm glad that you see what an impact teachers can have by knowing and using technology.
ReplyDeleteI agree that technology is the way of the future, and teachers need to keep up with the times. There are many wonderful technology tools that we can use to get our students excited about learning. I have seen the impact of technology in the classroom. Their faces light up when they learn about projects that we'll be doing on laptops. There are so many different programs that they're capable of doing, even at a young age. In my experience, children grasp computer concepts much faster than adults. I enjoy introducing my students to new programs that they'll then run with on their own. They learn new things from those programs that they enjoy teaching me. Sometimes it seems hard to keep up with the fast pace of changing technology; however I think it will benefit our students if we do.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is definitely the wave of the future and we as teachers need to stay informed and practice these skills so we can impart them to our students and use them as a teaching tool to keep students interested in the lessons being taught.
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