ISTE Standards Reflection

My initial reaction to the ISTE National Education Technology Standards for Teachers was an overwhelming one.  I initially felt it was a lot to put on an already very full teacher's plate.  Although it sounds great, where would teacher's find the additional time to "participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology..." or "evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis..." or "design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments."  I know many teacher that are already burnt out from increasing class sizes, increasing diversity to include special needs and ELL students, and working through into their weekends.

However, on further thought, I realized that although it may seem like a lot of work to satisfy all the ISTE standards in the beginning, there are great potential benefits in the long run.  Once teachers become proficient in the technology, they can use it to help them tackle the larger class sizes and student diversity.  Many items on the ISTE standards are things teachers should be doing anyways, such as engaging students, promoting student reflection, and customizing and personalizing activities to meet students' diverse learning styles.  Technology is just another platform in which teachers can use to enhance their teaching.  If a teacher is able and willing to take some time, effort and commitment to learn the technology in the beginning, it can provide another platform for them as well as improve their organization and efficiency.

The ISTE standards ideally apply to all teachers at all levels, but on varying levels.  I see some of them applying less to lower grade students versus upper grade students.  Also, realistically, I think the ISTE standards will be more challenging for some teachers versus others.  Some people are just more technologically savvy than others.  It will also be more challenging for teachers who do not have as easy of an access to the technology as others.  However, I do think the ISTE standards apply to most teachers at most levels in varying degrees.

We need to accept that technology is here and is here to stay.  Therefore instead of ignoring or fighting it, we need to work with it and educate ourselves with it.  If teachers do not learn to embrace technology, the gap between teachers and students will increase because technology is a part of most students' life.  If students are not able to use technology in school, they will figure out a way to use it elsewhere.  The job of a teacher is to teach.  In our modern world of technology, "Model Digital-Age Work and Learning" and "Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility" is part of teaching in the 21st century.  Although it is challenging and difficult for many current teachers to learn a new skill (on top of an already very demanding job), it is important to somehow find the time and effort to do it or at least try to do it.  It is a challenge that teachers should take on and not run away from.  It is a part of professional growth and development.  No one ever said teaching is an easy job!

As a final thought, although I believe technology can be a great tool, I would also caution on the overuse or over reliance of it.  There is rarely just one way or one right answer to something.  Therefore, I believe in a variety of tools and methods.