Interactivity # 5

I interviewed an educator who teaches graphic design, introduction to engineering design and art to 9 through 12 graders in the Paterson school system.  The school he teaches in a small academy of 100 students that is based on engineering.  His current supervisor reinforces technology use.  They have a digital lab, smart boards and a library.  He was not sure if he had seen NETS/T standards before although he stated he had previously seen technology standards.  They were similar to the technology standards that he currently uses.  He indicated NJ Core Curriculum Standards are what is mandatory for him at the moment.  He had not come across the term NETS/T before and wanted to know if those were the standards for NJ.  Also, he was not sure if other teachers in his school were utilizing technology standards.

            The teacher had not come across any documentation of a push from the state towards using technology standards.  Technology standards are used depending on the administration, the theme of the school, or the inclination of the teachers.  It is not enforced unless you are a technology teacher.  

            As a graphic design artist he is more inclined than an art teacher with a traditional concentration to use technology, he has a natural affinity towards it.  He feels that because students are living in a world filled with technology it is important for them to know how to properly utilize it.  According to him every student is not going to be a painter but every student will use technology.

            In order to make implement the NETS/T standards a school district needs to be well funded.  They need money to purchase technology, hire staff to take care of the technology, and for professional development so that the teachers can implement technology into lessons.  He states that sometimes teachers get training but then there is no technology for them to implement.  There are not a lot of professional development opportunities within his school district and technology is not pushed by administration.

            I was not surprised by the answers I received because I interviewing a teacher from an urban environment.  I previously visited a school in Paterson that was supposed to be a technology academy but they barely had any technology for the students to utilize.  My school visits has opened my eyes to the lack of funding in many urban schools, it dictates everything.  I do not have any false expectations of the circumstances I will face as a teacher.  If NETS/T were not implemented in my school I would discuss implementing it with my administrator.  It could be applied gradually so that all teachers can easily become comfortable with the new standards.  We could begin with the younger students and build their proficiency and constantly provide assessments to gauge progress.  If it is a matter of funding for technology, this class has taught me that there are many free options available for students.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ar5ACq1X9PTsdGRDdElKdHpSY3NXSlo4cEc2RGRicXc#gid=1