What are standards? Its quite simple really. Standards are a set of topics that every teacher is required to teach to their class. For example, as a 9th grade World History teacher, the State of Ohio requires that I teach my students about important Enlightenment thinkers, ideas, and its subsequent affect on later generations. However, little known are the technology standards that teachers are also required to teach. The International Society for Technology in Education, or ISTE, is the professional body that steers technology education in the US. By browsing the ISTE website, you can see many cool things, such as teacher and administrator standards. The website also includes several useful resources that teachers can use. To be even more specific, the Ohio Department of Education website includes the specific technology standards for teaching in the State of Ohio.

All of this information is very valuable to teachers. Previously, I had not known that I was required to teach technology standards in my classroom. As such, this new knowledge has made me more aware of what information I must know and teach to my students. Just like the content standards in their field, teachers should acquaint themselves with the technology standards in their state. It is important to remember that as teachers we are teaching our students the skills they need to succeed in life, not just the skills to pass our course.

Possibly even more important than the technology standards (which, lets be honest, most teachers probably don't actively teach) are the school technology rules. One of the most important technology rules is the school's Acceptable Use Policy, or AUP. The AUP is a document that states what children are allowed to access while using the school's internet connection. Oftentimes, both students and parents sign the AUP document stating that they understand and will abide by these rules. I am sure that most teachers will have a pretty thorough understanding of what activities are acceptable and which activities are not. However, it is still very important for teachers to familiarize themselves with the AUP in case a "gray area" arises. Children need to learn how to acceptably use technology, and as teachers we are the facilitators of that.

Lastly, and most important of all, are emerging technologies (well, emerging to anyone who has lived under a rock for the last 4 years...or North Korea). What is the point of having technology standards and netiquette if children do not keep up with the continually evolving world of technology? As of right now, several not so emerging technologies are used by millions of people everyday. Some of these technologies include social networking sites such as Twitter and Delicious. Other technologies include Podcast (a downloadable, non-streaming visual or audio episode) and Google Docs (Google's free equivalent to Microsoft Office).

These new technologies are very important in today's world. Student's must know how to use these technologies because they are what is "in." There is a sort of "technological arms race" in which everyone must constantly be up to date with new technologies. A student who does not stay up to date with these technological innovations cannot possibly expect to make themselves marketable in the job world. As such, it is important that we as teachers stay in tune with emerging technologies for several reasons. As stated, we need to know what technologies are important to teach students for the job market. It is also important to stay ahead of technology that can be used to exploit the educational system (such as free-translation, or some other website that allows students to cheat). Lastly, knowing about emerging technologies will allow our students to learn. As stated in a previous blog, I did my field experience at a school that gave every student an IPod with course related apps. Although not every school may have these means, it is important that teachers know about emerging technologies to help our students learn. Sites lite Twitter or Facebook can allow teachers and students to (appropriately) communicate during off hours. If the student has a question, then the teacher can easily be contacted for help. Furthermore, things such as Youtube videos and Podcasts can be used by teachers to supplement their material and further student understanding. Understanding the popular technologies can also allow teachers to build their lessons around student interests. For example, instead of a research paper, students can be assigned a "Wikipedia Project" where students critique the Wikipedia entry on a given topic. Ultimately, what matters is student learning. There is no reason that teachers and students should not be aware of the many resources they have available at their fingertips to help facilitate that learning. 

Technology is consistently changing. As such, so are the rules and standards. As teachers, it is vital that we can stay on top of emerging technologies and better reach our students.

On the other hand, maybe new technologies aren't such a good thing.

Whether it be youtube,google, wikipedia, or something totally different, the use of digital content is a must for any modern educator. As technology evolves, so does the way children learn. As a result of these new technologies, teachers now have access to many resources that they never did before.

One particularly useful website for educators is Google. Google has a wide array of uses. Aside from its normal use as a search engine for websites and images; Google Scholar can provide scholarly, peer-reviewed articles while Google Books provides both full length versions of books as well as samples for books that are still copyrighted. Another particularly good website for books is Project Gutenberg. Project Gutenberg is a massive database of out of copyright books in both Ebook and audio book format. Websites like these can be used by teachers in many ways. Most noticeably, these websites are fantastic for helping students conduct research. With just a quick search and click, students will have hundred of articles or books in a matter of seconds. These sites can also be used to demonstrate to students the difference between acceptable and unacceptable sources (scholarly versus something less credible). Websites like Google and Project Gutenberg make the acquisition of knowledge infinitely easier. Hopefully this ease  will allow students to enjoy learning and spur a lifelong interest in gaining new information.


Some sites, such as Delicious, allow for people to compile and share a massive list of their favorite links. In doing so, educators can better share their knowledge and "tricks" with each other, with the end resulting in a successful learning experience for the students. One such example is power point palooza. By cruising other people's Delicious accounts, I came across this fantastic website.Power point palooza allows you to find power points on the subject of your choice. As such, I can integrate aspects of these power points into my lectures or simply use the whole thing. As a professor once said to me, "education is about stealing the best material you can find in order to help the students learn." In order to better educate the new generation of Americans, educators must be sure to embrace and use these new and emerging technologies.

In today's ever-changing world, children and young adults are more tech savvy than ever before. Dubbed "The Net Generation," it is increasingly important that educators implement new technologies into the classroom as a way to better reach this new type of student.

Furthermore, the use of technology in the classroom can be an essential tool in increasing learning. With computers and other new technologies, it is now possible for more students than ever to succeed. Previously, students sat in their chairs, listened to lecture, wrote notes, and prepared for tests. Now, students can participate in audio, visual, and hands-on learning. This process will allow them to find the learning style that best suits their abilities.

However, there is still a very fine line between technology's ability to supplement learning and its ability to hinder it. One such example that comes to mind is a 12th grade AP U.S. Government class that I observed during my field experience. Every student was given an IPod that contained several government-related apps. Although this can be a useful tool in allowing students to learn the material, this same technology can also hurt the student's ability to learn the necessary information. How can we teach our students by utilizing technology without creating an over-reliance on it? Will those government students ever actually learn the information on those apps? Or will they simply assume that all the information they need is a button click away?

Lastly, and possibly the most important aspect of using technology in the classroom is its impact on creativity. In today's world, more children than ever are graduating from high school and obtaining college degrees. As such, a type of educational inflation has occurred in which a college degree is no longer as meaningful as it once was. By using technology as a way to both learn and hone their creative sides, students will be able to develop skills that allow them to adequately compete in the job market.