Technology in elementary education...

The International Society for Technology in Education states how ‘technology standards promote classroom transformation by ensuring that digital-age students are empowered to learn, live, and work successfully today and tomorrow’ (ISTE). Standards are set in every content area to ensure that every child is receiving fair access to an education that is preparing them for the future. Technology standards in the Juneau School District adopted standards in 2011 that clearly state that all students will ‘possess the ability to collaborate and adapt, and use the skills and tools necessary for the 21st century’s world or work’ (JSD).

The standards are in place from the federal to local level but the next hurdle is implementing technology into classrooms. In Classroom Strategies that Works, the authors grouped ‘technology into five genres – word processing programs, organizing and brainstorming software, multimedia, data collection tools, and Web resources’ (p 11). As a student teacher I was able to begin organizing the different kinds of technology in my mind and can now begin to imagine how these five groups can be integrated into the curriculum. The book supplies examples of useful, research driven applications of technology in the classroom. One aspect that was made clear to me from the reading was that simple is better than none. Teachers who expose students to basic programs and computer technology are creating a stronger foundation for continued experience with all forms of technology. Rather than feeling as if elementary aged students are too young, it is important for teachers to have access to research and lessons that can be successful to all age groups.

Interactive technology has the potential to play a huge role in everyday classroom instruction. I was impressed by the information available on Promethean Planet and the amount of collaboration that is happening international between teachers. Once teachers have the hardware in their classrooms, they can connect globally and share ideas and strategies around the world. Standards will keep teachers moving towards integrating technology into the classrooms and this will provide students have a better understanding of the global world.

International Society for Technology in Education. (2011). Retrieved from

http://www.iste.org

Promethean Planet. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.prometheanplanet.com

Juneau School District. (2011). Elementary Technology CORE/GLD:k-5. Retrieved from

http://www.juneauschools.org/district/instructional_services/curriculum