BLOG 3: Technological Literacy

February 12, 2009 cindymendes
Tags: curriculum, literacy, No Child Left Behind Act, technology

The No Child Left Behind act in 2007 requires that all students be tested by the eighth grade to test for technological literacy. This ensures that students will develop technological skills no matter what race, class or gender they may be. This task is often delegated to computer or business teachers who often have little or no resources and are expected to teach both computer skills and the regular curriculum. This provides the teacher with a large quantity of information to cover, with a short time frame to do so. In addition, schools often do not have enough funds to provide the industrial tools needed to teach students. It is one thing to learn about the theory of technology, and an entirely different point when using it. Theory must be applied in order for students to fully grasp and integrate the knowledge from the classroom with reality. Sadly, only those who are fortunate enough to have computers and other similar tools at home can really benefit from the classroom material.

There are several new issues that teachers must deal with when it comes to technology: limiting and controlling access, preventing students from coming into contact with dangerous material, inhibiting plagiarism, and many more. However, one of the most important issues teachers and administrators must deal with is very basic and involves how to integrate technology in schools. Even if given the proper funding and tools, teachers are at a loss on how they can incorporate the vast and powerful world of technology into their current traditional curriculums. How does one move from the conventional chalk board to the savvy computer? There needs to be preparation for teachers to not only know how to use the technology themselves, but to demonstrate how technology really can be useful in the education of their students. Individuals can talk about the benefits of technology all they want, but if teachers remain unaware of how to use it to its maximum potential, than the advantages of technology will be lost.

Teachers must adopt a leadership attitude when addressing the issue of technology. It is important for administrators to recognize, support and compensate teachers on their efforts to plan, implement and enact technology into the current curriculum. In order to maximize the integration of technology into curriculums, teachers must:

1. Identify a common goal: which should be to enhance or increase the level of literacy among grade eight students in the area of technology.
2. Identify the resources: what equipment and hardware are available, can the students access them?
3. Gain support from administrators, other teachers, principals, parents, etc.
4. Have clear standards and tools for assessment (the National Test)

It is crucial that teachers be given the proper tools if students are expected to learn the appropriate material. Through the previously mentioned steps above combined with proper training for teachers, the task of ensuring that all students become technologically literate will be simple and straightforward. Teachers needn’t fear technology, they simply need to inform themselves and gain a better understanding of it before they can begin to teach it.

Entry Filed under: Technology Benefits and Dangers

One Comment Add your own

• 1. Melissa  |  March 1, 2009 at 8:15 pm

  I think the No Child Left Behind act was brilliant. Its time somebody started taking responsibility & ensuring that our youth are learning at the level and pace that they should be!

Trackback this post  |  Subscribe to comments via RSS Feed