Journal 4 "It's Time to Trust Teachers with the Internet"

Ormiston, M. (2010, December 1). It's time to trust teachers with the internet: a conversation with meg ormiston. Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/12/01/its-time-to-trust-teachers-with-the-internet-a-conversation-with-meg-ormiston.aspx?sc_lang=en

This topic is so important right now.  The discussion is crucial to the gap that is forming between teachers and students in the world of technology.  There is no denying how the internet has become a daily tool for people of all ages.  In many cases students are given minimal instruction and guidance about proper and safe usage of the internet at home.  It is too easy for students to access inappropriate sites online. 

Imagine classrooms across the country that were fully integrated with technological instruction and guidance, and students accessing the internet for research, social networking, and daily school assignments.  I like Meg Ormiston's idea of the "tiered approach" where teachers are given full internet access in the classroom, they're given some instruction on helpful teaching websites, and they're given time to figure out how best to integrate the technology into their lessons.  And Ormiston's point about educating administrators as well as teachers is absolutely key, since administrators are ultimately the ones making final decisions regarding how restrictive to make internet access in classrooms. 

Students are already familiar with the internet, so it only makes sense for teachers to integrate this technology into their teaching methods in order to keep students actively engaged.  This is an important issue about keeping up with the times.  If we allow students to remain in cyber-space with no supervision from teachers, we are setting them up for disaster.  Teachers with a clear vision of technology integration will enhance their abilities to connect with students, and more importantly, provide students with a safe transition into our ever changing world of technology.

Will you use technology in your classroom?

Absolutely!  I will continually educate myself on the newest forms of fun and interesting technology through my colleagues near and abroad.  I believe this is the best way to engage the students with whom I'll be working.

What will you do if you encounter technology task problems?

I have already promised myself not to let the frustration overwhelm me.  It's okay if I get temporarily confused with new forms of technology.  There are many avenues available for me to find the answers I need, whether it is through social networks or finding the answers on educational websites.  I will work through the periodic "bumps in the road" for the benefit of my students.