01+My+thoughts......SJ



Many of us attended the Apple Academy. This session was enjoyable and enlightening. We were shown some tips and tricks as well as playing the role of a student in an absolutely stimulating environment. Within this simulated environment, we had access to multiple technologies -ipod touch, ipad, and laptop computer. These tools work together with such grace. We were shown how to use the best “tool” for each job and the experience was truly exciting and empowering. Imagine the possibility of bringing our students here at Seminole ISD into this amazing environment.

In order for our students to gain the 21st century skills that will be needed to thrive in this connected society, the backbone of our “lesson delivery system” must be augmented to address the needs of the students today - not 30 years ago. Students must be taught how to search and find credible information, how to cite sources, how to use information to solve current problems, and how to assemble this information in a clear and concise format.

To accomplish such tasks will require a type of revolution - starting from the top. Teachers should be encouraged to see the big picture - the picture outside of TAKS prep. Yes, of course, TAKS scores are important, but exploring different techniques to be successful on the test and in the real world must be investigated. Businesses today are looking for people that are creative and innovative in their thinking. Students must have the opportunity to explore these characteristics. Today, we can all get to the “information”, no longer does the “teacher” have all of the answers. We must now teach students how they can apply information to solve new problems in today’s global society.

Of course the “white elephants” in the room are; technology access and lesson delivery. Technology should become more than an add-on. Daily access is key. Studies show this to be true. Inquiry/Project-based schools are showing gains over traditional schools. Students today are less likely to perform well with the “sit and get” education that we had in our day. Imagine this, kids today do not see smart phones and ipods as technology - they have been around from the beginning for them.

I feel very strongly that to have true technology integration we must have:
 * technology on demand for each student
 * the understanding that the way we were taught doesn’t work for most kids today
 * the excitement and passion about this “time” in education.

We are part of a huge shift in education. Remember we chose this profession because we are lifelong learners. Now is the time to learn about our students and explore the variety of ways that we can reach them. Let’s play to their strengths not ours.