You Bet We Follow NETS-S

The International Society for Technology in Education has written standards for promoting technology in the classroom.  The National Educational Technology Standards for Students., when applied, encourage higher order thinking skills in students.  Technology standards are a much-needed add-on to the current taxonomy of educating our children in the 21st century.  If we want the critical tinking from students ( a major component of the current educational concern) then we need standards to aspire to.  But, in order for teachers to wholeheartedly promote these standards in the classroom, the school district needs to be 100% committed to supporting the standards.  Just as districts are committed to the traditional educational standards, there needs to be the same commitment to technology. 

I am currently not a full-time teacher nor do I know what ISTE standardards are guiding and influencing curriculum.  However, I am a Substitute Teacher and have seen evidence of students' uses of various technology for school work.  I have seen creativity and innovation from students in putting together projects and presentations.  Although this is the only standard that I've witnessed come to fruition, I don't want to sell today's students/teachers short. 

The ability is there.  The commitment is not there.  The expectation is not there.  I feel confident in my readiness to embrace all new technology to come and to meet the standards.  The students will demand the commitment from me.  I will demand the commitment from the school district.  My commitment will be fueled by professional development, continueing education, and flexibility.  This is the fuel that will give technology in education a chance.