Tina Barseghian provided readers with a great synopsis of a presentation by Adam S. Bellows, at the 2011 ISTE conference. http://mindshift.kqed.org/2011/07/the-seven-golden-rules-of-using-technology-in-schools/ For anyone who wants to be inspired to take the step to use technology in one's classroom, this is an article one can not miss.
I will not go through all the rules, because I think the whole article is worth checking out. However, several points are worth mentioning. I thought it was interesting that one of the rules put forth by Bellows is: "Don't Trap Technology in a Room." He suggests computers should not only be in the "lab" but integrated in the classroom, not just a "special". (Bargeghian/Bellows) I felt a little uneasy, since I am the computer teacher. But technology must move from my room to the classroom. I guide students and teachers toward the confidence to use in the classroom. This leads to another rule: "the New F word is FEAR" (Bargeghian/Bellows). Teachers cannot fear technology or totally forbid students from using some of it. Teachers should use these situations to help students become responsible "digital citizens". Not that I am ready to put middle school students on Facebook, but I think they need to start early learning that there are consequences for poor Internet behavior.
We all know these rules but it is always a good idea to come back and refresh our memories and remind ourselves of the importance of technology and our role integrating it in the classroom.
I liked the rule in regards to teachers have to have professional development on it and it cannot just be, "here it is, use it" which is often what districts do. I myself would never teach that way and therefore I do not want to be taught that way either.
ReplyDeleteThe point is teach us to use it, then brainstorm with us how to integrate it and implement it in our classroom, so we do not feel like it is useless.
Thanks for sharing the article!