Being a Teacher Not a Techer

hi! I really don't understand what's wrong with using technology or devices of technology in teaching.On the contrary I think this is a sign of the times and we must adapt to.

Being a Teacher Not a Techer

I agree with you that no one should be criticized for NOT using technology in their classrooms and many teachers do a wonderful job without it. However, to turn your back on some of the greatest educational tools ever created - because a. you refuse to learn about them or b. think your way is the best or only way - is just plain arrogant, especially in the 21st Century. Students are not the same today as they were in Einstein's day, and if we aren't willing to relate to them with their tools, and expect them to learn things "our" way, we are doing them a great disservice. It is very possible that teachers who do not use any technology are thought of as antiquated, especially in today's average high school and college classrooms. Without credibility, it is hard to imagine any teacher as being the "best teacher I ever had". That being said, I don't think that using technology just for the sake of using it is the answer. Teachers need adequate and on-going training and support when it comes to instructional technology. It is important that we are willing to learn things that may seem scary to us. This is what we want our students to do. Isn't it?

Being a Teacher Not a Techer

While a teacher may be able to teach their content effectively without technology, not integrating technology into one's classroom does a disservice to students who live and will one day work in a tech-infused world. A teacher doesn't have to do everything, but every subject has related technology. Today's science labs and mathematicians use digital gadgets and software, book publishers use layout programs and social networking, even artists are using computers! Technology (referring to modern tech such as computers), is not just another tool, is the tool of today's society.

Being a Teacher Not a Techer

"Used whatever opportunities that they had available," I think that is the key. Obviously, technology does not define the teacher, but the teacher should be preparing students for the tech world we live in. Many students will need to have tech skills for job opportunities. Without these skills they won't get the jobs.

Being a Teacher Not a Techer

Cary, you are on the mark. The argument should not be about “teachers” or even “techers” but about their role as “facilitators of learning.” They have a responsibility to be attuned to the most effective tools that promote learning in today’s learners. They also have a responsibility to prepare today’s learners for the workforce they will eventually face, which is indeed tech-infused. This does not mean all lessons must integrate technology, but all lessons should focus on building the critical thinking skills that will allow learners to adapt effectively to the guaranteed change they will continually experience in today’s global economy.

Being a Teacher Not a Techer

Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts. No worries to those who disagree with my thoughts....that is perfectly fine. Push backs are always appreciated. Jennifer

Being a Teacher Not a Techer

Newsflash: It isn't about you, the teacher; it's about your students...and what is best for them. It's about using the tools that will help them learn best, which could be a pencil, crayon or computer. Helping students to learn how to choose the best tool for their learning is why I'm there. I don't get to choose; it's not optional. It's an obligation; anything else is tantamount to professional malpractice. I find it awfully egocentric to think that a one-size-fits-all mentality is perfectly acceptable in the year 2010; as if we teachers have all of the answers tightly bundled up in a nice, neat package; we the possessor of all knowledge? Um, no. And don't get me started on the "it worked for me" argument because guess what? It didn't work for me. It may be tough for some people to hear but we can now connect our students to people who are far smarter, funnier, braver, more creative than I will ever be...and I'm okay with that because it's about the students. Look, I apologize if this sounds like a personal attack. I am just so weary of hearing the continuous blathering about how using technology doesn't make a good teacher; I'm pretty sure most people are smart enough to know that. But as my friend, Sheryl Nussbaum Beach says, "The truth is that technology will never replace teachers, however teachers who know how to use technology effectively to help their students connect and collaborate together online will replace those who do not." Wise, wise words.

Being a Teacher Not a Techer

Newsflash: It isn't about you, the teacher; it's about your students...and what is best for them. It's about using the tools that will help them learn best, which could be a pencil, crayon or computer. Helping students to learn how to choose the best tool for their learning is why I'm there. I don't get to choose; it's not optional. It's an obligation; anything else is tantamount to professional malpractice. I find it awfully egocentric to think that a one-size-fits-all mentality is perfectly acceptable in the year 2010; as if we teachers have all of the answers tightly bundled up in a nice, neat package; we the possessor of all knowledge? Um, no. And don't get me started on the "it worked for me" argument because guess what? It didn't work for me. It may be tough for some people to hear but we can now connect our students to people who are far smarter, funnier, braver, more creative than we will ever be...and that's okay because it's about the students. Look, I apologize if this sounds like a personal attack. I am just so weary of hearing the continuous blathering about how using technology doesn't make a good teacher; I'm pretty sure most people are smart enough to know that. But as my friend, Sheryl Nussbaum Beach says, "The truth is that technology will never replace teachers, however teachers who know how to use technology effectively to help their students connect and collaborate together online will replace those who do not." Wise, wise words.

Being a Teacher Not a Techer

Your words are wonderful and true! Personally, I have an issue with teachers who are "stuck" in the way they taught 20 years ago. Teachers .. no matter what their techy ability is ... should be lifelong learners and be ready to say, "How did you do that?" Teachers who do this model what learning is all about not only to their students but to other teachers as well.

Being a Teacher Not a Techer

#1 that a teacher cares, #2 that a teacher is prepared and knowledgeable, #3 that a teacher can make mistakes and own up to them, #4 that the teacher does not come to work each day just to earn a paycheck, and #5 that the teacher encourages everyone in the classroom to do their best. Let me place is here so that they will have more emphasis to the readers and teachers. I have to really agree with you on this one. Teachers doesn't need to have flashy gadgets but rather the passion for teaching coupled with their vast knowledge that makes the students engage in what they are saying. They are great motivators for the student to do better than what they intend to. I'm am proud to find a lot of these teachers online and I am sure there are many more offline as well.

Being a Teacher Not a Techer

Hi Jennifer, I could not agree more with your words. In times like these when teachers feel insecure because of the advance of technology and the adoption of tech tools for some of their co-workers, they really need to be reassured of their value. Not only that, but they should also be told that they will never be replaced, that if they really care about their students, they will never be replaced. I will certainly share your post with friends of mines to reach out teachers who are feeling threatened or being criticized for not adopting the latest technology for teaching. Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts on this with us.

Being a Teacher Not a Techer

Jennifer: so many good points, I'll be sharing it with our teachers through my monthly edtech update. (Ironic, in that I'll hope non-tech users will take the time to read it...).