Chapter Twelve: Educational Technology/ Overview of a Statewide System

In the video, "State Technical Planning," several different issues are addressed concerning technology in education. In the video, the development of technology and teacher training in the use and teaching of technology is discussed, with particular emphasis on the state of Louisiana. In the video, the importance of teacher training and the use of technology is discussed. Not all teachers are trained in how to use the technology that is available in the classroom. This lack of training is a significant hurdle for technology education because these teachers who do not know how to use the technology are unable to teach with it. Collaboration between K-12 and higher education institutes in teacher training could help in the teaching of technology in the classroom by having a standard and a set of achievable goals for each level that are communicated throughout. Through this type of collaboration, an understanding of what should be taught and used on each level would create an easier transition for the students in developing their own use of technology. It is imperative to obtain legislative, community, and government support toward planning a statewide technology teacher training because it is important for all individuals involved to understand the procedures and what is involved. Through gaining all of this support, the training can be more successful because everyone has an opportunity to voice their opinion about what should be included. Teachers need training in technology, including the use of technology, how to teach the basic functions, and how to use technology to their own advantage in their teaching. Teachers need continuous support in technology training because it is field that is rapidly changing and growing. Technology training is an ongoing process that should be continuously done. A major issue facing teachers is funding for technology and for training. If all schools were given full support, including both financial support and technical support, for technology in the classroom, the classroom environment would look much different. In this perfect world, every child would have full access to a computer, and teachers would be fully capable of instructing students utilizing these tools. Also, every student would be challenged because in this perfect world, the technology would allow for every student's lesson to be individualized based on his or her own learning style, strategy, and ability. I think in this scenario, everyone, students and teachers, would be confidant and competent in their abilities to use the technology that is available.