EDLD+5364+Week+4


 * __Week 4 Reflection:__**

This week I really enjoyed the assigned readings in particular the McRel technology initiative: The development of a technology intervention program final report. Some of the issues and finding in the study I could relate to as a inner city educator. My qoute from this weeks discussion came from this report as well.

"Cuban (1999) reported that working conditions and the day to day demands that teachers face, including the high stakes testing, increase demands, for accountability, and the need to maintain order in the classroom, make it difficult for teachers to focus on implementing new technologies...other factors influencing teachers' success include their attitudes and modes of learning, their resistance or openness to change and their levels of knowledge and experience with technology."

I couldn't have said it any better myself, this quote hits the nail on the head as it regards to technology and teachers. Everyone can agree that technology is a great thing, however when it is introduce at times it is not under the best circumstances. So much is going on as times; we are not properly trained on new technologies sent our way. Thus, causing stress and even a dislike of technology because it is taking us out of our routine we have come accustom to doing. Our work loads can become so tiring at times, that in order to take full grasp of new technologies, it requires additional hours outside of the classroom. Not everyone has the desire to do the outside hours to master certain skills. I believe it boils down to the administration when it comes to technology as well. How are they willing to support their staff? However, they do need the support of the staff as well. It is important that teachers are willing to meet them half way, because at the end of the day it is about the students who can really benefit from new technologies.

Collaborating with my group members has been very successful too. I really like putting together our learning activities. Right now I work outside the classroom in education. I am a teacher just not in the traditional setting. This week, has made me miss the "tradtional" setting, because I am learning some new and interesting things I would love to share with my students.