"Teaching is not effective without the appropriate use of ICT resources to achieve student learning outcomes." (Ertmer & Ottenbreit-Leftwich, 2010)
The authors of the statement above feel that every teacher's mindset should include the idea in the quote above. I'm surrounded by great teachers who use ICT everyday, but I wonder if they believe that they would be ineffective without it. Veteran teachers might have the most problem with the statement... maybe it would seem to invalidate their teaching in the 1980s and 90s. Maybe teachers of some subjects - like music, art , or PE - would bristle at the notion that achievement requires technology.
They might be right. There is certainly a lot to be learned by turning the technology off. A good book, a pleasant conversation, or time to meditate in solitude can all offer important learning opportunities.
But I think it is important that we do embrace instructional technology as the new reality of teaching in the 21st century. Our students may dismiss us our teaching as irrelevant if technology is absent. Technology facilitates differentiation, collaboration, research, and reflective practice. Technology makes it easier for teachers to be student or learner-centered.
Every 21st century teacher needs to understand the important role of technology and use it when it fits. That is still the prerogative of the teacher: to use professional judgement and facilitate learning by guiding students in the effective and ethical use of powerful technology. And, we need to teach kids that sometimes the best choice is to turn it off.
Ertmer, P.A., & Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A. T. (2010). Teacher technology change: How
knowledge, confidence, beliefs, and culture intersect. Journal of Research on
Technology in Education, 42(3), 255-284.
The authors of the statement above feel that every teacher's mindset should include the idea in the quote above. I'm surrounded by great teachers who use ICT everyday, but I wonder if they believe that they would be ineffective without it. Veteran teachers might have the most problem with the statement... maybe it would seem to invalidate their teaching in the 1980s and 90s. Maybe teachers of some subjects - like music, art , or PE - would bristle at the notion that achievement requires technology.
They might be right. There is certainly a lot to be learned by turning the technology off. A good book, a pleasant conversation, or time to meditate in solitude can all offer important learning opportunities.
But I think it is important that we do embrace instructional technology as the new reality of teaching in the 21st century. Our students may dismiss us our teaching as irrelevant if technology is absent. Technology facilitates differentiation, collaboration, research, and reflective practice. Technology makes it easier for teachers to be student or learner-centered.
Every 21st century teacher needs to understand the important role of technology and use it when it fits. That is still the prerogative of the teacher: to use professional judgement and facilitate learning by guiding students in the effective and ethical use of powerful technology. And, we need to teach kids that sometimes the best choice is to turn it off.
Ertmer, P.A., & Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A. T. (2010). Teacher technology change: How
knowledge, confidence, beliefs, and culture intersect. Journal of Research on
Technology in Education, 42(3), 255-284.