| Today, it is not unheard of for schools to have | | | | developmentally right, teachers can make sure that |
| access to many varied types of education | | | | there are no earning gaps for the children. |
| technologies. Many public school systems are able to | | | | Having qualified staff to educate our children is also |
| use interactive whiteboards, laptops, wireless slate | | | | an important consideration. When the regular |
| devices, software, amplification systems, and | | | | education teak her is asked to fulfill this role, he may |
| document cameras to support learning for their | | | | not feel technology literate himself. If the instructor is |
| students. | | | | from an older generation, she may be intimidated and |
| While having the ability to teach students about | | | | not be able to accurately teach the subject if not |
| technology and its use is wonderful, general education | | | | trained properly. If districts are expecting teachers to |
| teachers are being asked more regularly to teach the | | | | introduce technology standards, they should also be |
| students about a myriad of technology items. What | | | | prepared with additional staff development |
| if the teachers know no more (or perhaps know | | | | opportunities at every level for all to partake. It is |
| less) than the students to which they are to be | | | | only fair to the instructor and the students. |
| teaching? This could serve as a challenge for | | | | With so many new online etiquette rules, keeping up |
| students and teachers. | | | | with the children becomes quite a task for anyone |
| Many states currently have, or are working on, | | | | who works with them on a daily basis. Many times, |
| putting technology standards into place at all public | | | | students are more technologically advanced than the |
| school levels. These standards serve an important | | | | leader of the class. This poses a problem in many |
| purpose. While we want children to be able to learn | | | | ways. Teachers must step up to the challenge of |
| about technology, making sure there is a scope and | | | | trying to stay one step ahead of the game by |
| sequence is just as important. Teaching young | | | | reading trade journals and asking technology directors |
| elementary kids how to use a keyboard and mouse | | | | within their district for the latest technology news. |
| will be just as appropriate as instructing middle | | | | Being educated about trends will keep adults ready |
| schoolers about online predators and internet safety. | | | | to approach this new learning avenue with |
| By having specific topics at each grade level that are | | | | confidence. |