If teachers ( in-service and pre-srevice )are to become effective users of technology, they need practical strategies for dealing with the various types of technology. Many teachers have the ability to use word processing applications, spreadsheets, presentation of software and the Internet brower, but still need help in applying these skills to teaching and learning. However , technology in education is not about teachers who know how to use computers but those who know how to effectively use and apply all the technological tools at there disposal for the learning benefits of all students.
According to Pierson ,2001, technology in the hands of merely adequate or exemplary teachers will not neccesarily result in integraated meaningful use. This can only happen if the teachers veiw technological use as an integral part of the teaching/learning process. As such, the Ministry of Education and educational leaders should look beyond more technological purchases and focus instead on creating a reliable technical enviroinment for technological use and growth. In addition I believe, that if teachers had acess to enough training and education in this area ,then classroom integration would follow.As such, the government need to support and encourage technical in and pre-service continuous teacher training. Then and only then can we say that technology in fully integrated in our education system.
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Roxanne, you have made some valid points regarding technology and teacher education. I totally agree with your perspective. I think that the Ministry of Education has the right idea but they are implementing their initiatives in the wrong manner. The relevant authorities need to understand that advances in technology have brought about some radical changes in education. In this age of information, there has been some major transformations in the way students communicate and construct knowledge. Therefore, access to technology is not enough, teachers need to be educated on ways to integrate these tools into their instructional practices. In this way we will be able to meet the needs of our students.
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