Module 6
As a leader in educational technology I must have an open mind to emerging technologies and be non-biased until I fully understand the potential of the technology. Student, faculty, and parents need to be aware of emerging technologies that could have an effect on their lives or lives of their children. Graduating students are in a global battle for jobs and many if not all of these jobs have to do with some sort of technology. Students need to understand this fact and be fully educated about how technology is used in a potential employer’s workplace. To be educated on these technologies and how to use them stems from educators and/or adults pushing these students beyond their current understanding of the world and current technology usage. Both genders need to be able to understand and use technology to their fullest capabilities. Since we are dealing with global competition the idea of how technology fits into all cultures needs to be understood as well. The socioeconomic sensitivity might be the hardest aspect to overcome depending on which side of the sensitivity one falls. Technology can be expensive so those who cannot afford the technology could be left behind in this global society or just left out of those opportunities that could arise to others of more fortune. As an educator we must look beyond all these aspects and teach the student to our utmost ability.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) was created to help accomplish the following objectives: eliminate poverty, stimulate national economics, improve health, and encourage environmental responsibility and social justice. This organization is helping to level the playing field and have all understand the importance of technology.
http://www.cisco.com/web/about/ac227/ac222/society/socioeconomic_development_programs/global_education.html
Interesting article - This article looks at the socioeconomic status and the effect on academic performance.
http://www.editlib.org/p/27315
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteIt may be difficult to wait to see the potential of some innovations wothout deciding their value or usefulness. Some innovations have to be around for awhile before their potential is realized.
As teachers whose role is to introduce and hone the technological skills of all our students, we will be challenged to bridge gaps and sensitivities of all kinds; but we are up to the challenge because we are forever building our own skills.. Finding solutions to these challenges is part of the reason we teach.
Hi, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteYou continue to provide me with new information and comments that I find relevant and useful! Sometimes I feel "out of the loop" teaching from home. Even though I teach online, sometimes I am not as aware of new technologies as I was when I was onground. Isn't that a bit funny? I find that most of my colleges are set on one particular application or delivery of courses and they are slow to change. I am working on offering some additional resources to my students to help enhance their learning experience, so I appreciate anything you post or could recommend.
Cynthia
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI think it is much harder for underprivileged families to stay in the technology loop when they have to choose between food and a computer. The organization you mentioned seems like a move in the right direction. I think if parents are made aware of the importance of technology for their children future it would become more of a priority. The accessibility of computers is the most important aspect in spreading the use of technology.
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts about educating to establish the mindset of technology for the workplace. I see this so often with my Middle-High School Students, many of whom see technology as a means of social networking, which can also be tied to the use of technology in the workplace when establishing online professional learning communities.