One of the discussion topics that often made its way around our group of Learning Technology Support Teachers/Coordinators was the matter of students being competent in technology skills and the skill level that was required of teachers to allow them to use technology in their classrooms. A few years ago too we had the additional focus (which has disappeared now in primary schools) of the Computing Skills Assessment for Year 6 and its implications for classrooms.
While this conversation took place, the evolution of using technology for learning continued. We’ve developed clearer understandings of why we use computer-based technologies in our classrooms in the first place, and the technology skills are increasingly becoming an intrinsic part of the bigger picture of learning.
So what skills do teachers still need to possess and develop? Do they need to be competent in word processing, spreadsheets, Web 2.0, etc., or do we expect more?
The Department of Education in Victoria offers an epotential Continuum that allows teachers to assess their technology use for teaching and learning across several key areas, and offers ideas and resources for improvement. Unfortunately most of it is locked away under passwords, but it still could be useful for identifying needs for professional learning. I like how it provides a “bigger picture” approach rather than “pigeon-holing” skill development into types of software (e.g. database, email) or specific tools (e.g. digital cameras, data projectors).
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October 16th, 2007 at 4:22 am
Thinking it must be time for another comment for your tipping point.
The amazing thing is I myself have talked about digital natives and immigrants but how now reached the point where I have decided that in many ways this and the different generations often leads people to have misconceptions. Often people will say we need to be using this technology with students because this is what they are using so it will engage them more. The reality is that our youth use technology very differently — they tend to be good at using it for how they want to use it e.g. SMS their friends, or gaming online with their friends but no always that good with how we need them to use it.
If we look at how they social network — they will normally be doing this mostly with their f2f friends — I am sure in David’s example with his son SMS they will have been all friends that he went to school with. The idea of collaborating and sharing on a global basis is definitely important to their future and are skills we need to give them.