There are many ways to incorporate the five standards for teachers. In looking at standard one I tend to think of my main subject of math. In many math classes I have used online applications that graph 3D figures and compute data on equations. The calculators of today also carry a great deal of power. Beyond that I think cellphones, video chats, and other such materials can be used to get students working with online media in creative ways.
With standard two, I believe strongly in authentic assessments. That is not to take away from the value of paper and pencil tests, but real life rarely gives a paper and pencil test. Students need to learn how to apply lessons and knowledge to real life situations. I intend of giving many projects in my classroom that test a students knowledge, while allowing for fun and creativity. In reference to my earlier point, projects such as building graphs, models, and 3D structures that incorporate technology are perfect for authentic assessments.
The way I look at standard three, even with students prior technology use, teachers need to be able to teach and communicate with them on technology based projects. The teacher needs to understand the technology as well or better than the students, because as teacher needs to be able to answer questions on the technology. If the teacher is unable to explain and give examples with technology, they cannot expect the students to be able to do the work. A teacher must demonstrate confidence in their abilities, or the students will not feel confident either. I intend to always stay up on current technology and be as competent in using it as I can. That way I can give my students up-to-date projects the incorporate new and useful technology.
As I talked about in my last blog post, a teacher needs to teach students how to properly use technology. The two major aspects of this in my opinion are using legitimate information, and then properly citing that information. Standard four talks about these issues. Similar to standard three, teachers have to understand these issues and teach them to students. A teacher cannot just throw as student into the fire so to speak, but rather teach them proper use of technology. I plan on thoroughly explaining how to approach every step of technology research to my students before assigning projects that deal with it.
Finally, standard five deals with another topic I covered in an earlier blog post, a teacher's attitude towards technology. Not only to teachers have to be willing to learn and promote technology with their students, but they also must being active and excited in using that technology. As with anything, a teacher's attitude strongly affects their students. I must show excitement and enthusiasm in and out of the classroom in participating in projects that deal with technology. I can do this outside of the classroom with other teachers as shown in the Second Life video, and in many other ways. I must always reflect upon and enhance my use of technology.
If a teacher can incorporate these five standards in their lesson plan, they can better help students learn to use technology for school, but also in life.
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