The Newsday's editorial (Sunday Newsday, July 25th 2010) suggested that in order for Trinidad and Tobago to function as a knowledge based state, we need to incorporate the creativity that technology affords. Duh?! If we are indeed to keep up it is imperative for us to move into technology running-not walking. And what about us as educators? Does the reading community possess the necessary conditions for creativity to exist?
As educators we must move forward and keep abreast of technology if we are to be not only inclusive, but knowledgeable enough to increase creativity among our students- especially those older adolescents (15-18) who have reading difficulties, but can do other things-one of which is use technology. We must be mindful that we do not limit our students because of our own inadequacies/ fear of technology. While it may be true that some of us are not technologically savvy-we need to be if we are to provide equity for our reading challenged students.
The competent reading specialist must be able to effectively and strategically use technology to diagnose,assess and develop effective reading strategies. How can you be termed a reading specialist if you are not abreast with technology - technology which is student oriented? Are we to be stuck in a vat of teacher centered learning in today's world? Stop whining people! Embrace the technology its not that difficult:)
I am afraid that you are so right. We cannot teach what we do not know. If we are not technology-minded, we would indeed shortchange the students. Overcoming our fears of technology is the first step. The key to overcoming is to practise, practise and practise. Once we are familiar with the technology then our inhibitions would be no more.
ReplyDeleteDare I say it? As teachers we need to make it our duty to keep abreast of what is happening around us. Lets face it,information is there for everyone- perhaps if we engage in reading for different purposes we just might get it. Our pupils are more exposed to the information and technological advancements than we are because they are out there- THEY are indeed reading- just in different modalities!Further, we DO limit our students simply by teaching a subject (or topic) with which we are not comfortable.What teachers must always be mindful of is that the school at which they work is not only a place for students to learn.
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