Educational technology literacy is vital to educators; it is not only knowing how to use various types of technology, but also being able to apply the technology in a way that enhances their teaching and the students’ learning. Due to the importance of educational technology literacy, NETS standards have been released for students, teachers, and administrators, and most states have adopted these standards to at least a small degree. Because states have begun to require the use of technology to such a degree, it is important that teachers accept this and begin planning ways to implement the use of technology in their lessons.
Most, if not all, states also have technology requirements as part of their state teacher licensure. For example, this course is part of my licensure requirements. For teachers who began in the profession before such technological requirements, courses are required before teacher licensure is renewed. National certification is also available and looked highly upon; technology literacy is also important there.
Many educators are very resistant to technology because it is new and different, and even as these people become more familiar with the various forms of technology, they are usually hesitant to incorporate it into their teaching. I believe that requiring the use is a good start but will not necessarily totally “cure” the problem.
Technology is something that should now be accepted as a part of life, because it influences every aspect of our daily existence to some degree. Teachers are expected to model what they are teaching, so the proper use of technology is one of the things that needs to be modeled. It would not make sense to expect our students to be successful citizens if we as teachers were to just gloss over many of the points that have now become part of being successful; technology is one of these new points. Also, if teachers are seen by students as being too “old fashioned” then it will be more difficult to fully reach them.
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I believe technology requirements are essential for teachers these days. We must stay on top of what our students are knowlegeable of so that we can communicate with them on their level. State requirements for certification is just what we need to make sure this happens.
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