We live in a digital world. On a physical globe constrained to limited space and unbreakable time, our digital world continues to grow larger and faster. As the cutting edge becomes dull within weeks, days or minutes while new generations of technology continually emerge, so is each generation of human beings at a technological disadvantage to the ones that follow them. Educators will continue to have to push the envelope just to keep up with their students, let alone teach them effectively. The International Society for Technology in Education has developed standards intended to guide us in this endeavor.
The standards written for students have great strengths. The goal outlined by the standards is not to simply teach students how to use technology, but to know how to make the best use of technology. By following these standards, we can foster in students a deep understanding of how to use technology to become fully participating citizens of this digital world. Students will be able to communicate and collaborate with others both near and far as well as perform effective research, think critically, and express themselves artistically.
I believe that it will be increasingly important for teachers to implement the standards written for them. These standards require teachers to not just teach technology to their students but to use it to its full potential. Teachers will be unable to help their students meet their standards if they do not immerse themselves in the use of educational technology. Teachers must continue to explore new ways of implementing technology and media in their instruction and, I believe, will need to make serious effort to remain ahead (or even close behind) the curve.
The standards written for administrators may arguably be the most important. If teachers are not provided with the resources and equipment necessary, they will be unable to make any real difference with technology. I believe that it will be primarily the job of the administrators to push for the adoption of new technologies. Most of the technologies being used in our schools were not developed for schools specifically. I believe that we will need to think outside of the box and push for support to develop technologies that the us of today cannot yet imagine.
