Journal #6 Change Agent/Nets-T 5

Journal #6 Change Agent

Rebora, A. [11 October, 2010]. Change agent. Retrieved from http://www.edweek.org/tsb/articles/2010/10/12/01richardson.h04.html?cmp=clp-edweek&intc=bs&sms_ss=delicious&at_xt=4cb7dc75d0303b73,0

Nets-T #5

Due to the new technology changes in society, Will Richardson argues that the classrooms need to transform also.  In his interview, he brings up two ideas regarding the involvement of technology in education.  First, Richardson states that teachers need to be able to be online role models considering their students will be highly involved in technology.  It is important teachers get the proper training so that they can collaborate with their students online.  Second, he presents the idea that teachers and education not only need to include technology in the school days, but they also need to convert their ways of thinking in regards to learning and educating. 

Richardson blames the lack of technology involvement from teachers on the fact that there is a sense of pride in not sharing their strategies and ideas.  He encourages leaders in the education world, like principles, to model using technology appropriately and openly. 

Students should be given the opportunity to learn and communicate outside of a specific place and time; there are “network literacy” skills that are profound for personal growth.  It is not just about being able to work and use technology, but it IS about learning how to learn from online sources and technologies. 

As an educator, it is important to not desire our students to be successful in the world we were once successful.  In order to do this, teachers must engage in learning how to successfully communicate and learn via online, in addition to learning how to incorporate it within the classroom. 

Question #1: How can teachers take action in learning how to use technology in their own lives, that way they can be models for their students?

Answer #1: I think that first; teachers should seek out other educators in their schools and see what comes from collaboration.  Maybe starting a hash tag for their school on twitter or having blogs where they can share their lesson plans.  Teachers need to be open and willing to try something new, and practice only makes perfect.

Question #2: How could using the Internet and web cloud tools help decrease financial spending inside the classrooms?

Answer #2: First, using computers saves trees and therefore decreases the amount of paper usage for teachers and students.  Second, the amount of learning teachers and students can gain from PLN’S is amazing and can possibly over-ride the usage of books, which student’s don’t engage in and read anyways.