Journal #6

In the article “Social Justice: Choice or Necessity,” authors Colleen Swain and David Edyburn discuss whether teachers should choose to incorporate technology in their classroom dependent on their teaching styles or whether it should be a requirement. For many adults technology is intimidating, they did not grow up with computer, the Internet, or cell phones. Many of these adults are teacher’s and as educators may incorporate technology into the classroom in order to enhance students’ learning, but it is a choice. If the educator is confident using technology in the classroom they will, while others are more comfortable sticking with the traditional style and methods of teaching. However, many people are debating if a teacher fails to expose students to technology are they failing to meet the needs of the student. With the drastic growth of the use of technology in the workplace over the past two decades it is hard to believe the trend will level off. It is important teachers prepare students for the demands they will have to meet in the workplace. It is indeed a social justice issue because if one student is fluent in technology while another is not the student who is not fluent while be put at an unfair disadvantage.

What can be done to help ensure educators incorporate technology in the classroom?
I think it is important for the schools to provide teachers with the necessary resources to ensure they are proficient at using technology in the classroom. They should be informed of the newest technological innovations available to them in the classroom and the schools should ensure it is readily accessible to them. I also think providing teachers with refresher and help courses would be an important aspect in ensuring teachers are comfortable with incorporating technology in the classroom.

How will I ensure I am providing my students with the adequate exposure to technology?
As a teacher I will do everything in my power to incorporate technology in the classroom, I enjoy technology myself and find it to be a powerful resource in my everyday life. I will continue to be a member of ISTE (www.iste.org) and use to help keep me knowledgeable on the current trends in technology for educators. I will take advantage of opportunities for me to learn more about technology and be knowledgeable of the resources available to me as a teacher for my classroom.