Article Critique

By Sandy Nightingale

Authentic Approaches to Encourage

Technology-Using Teachers

By Nancy Luke, Joi L. Moore, and Salley B Sawyer

This article stated that in order for students to be prepared to learn with technology, teachers need to be prepared to teach with technology. It discussed the fact that the learner’s ability to transfer knowledge is hindered when something is not learned in context. Because of this, there are pilot programs that allow pre-service teachers to observe technology-using teachers and to use technology in their student teaching experiences. The importance of using technology as a means of self-expression, has been discovered, increasing the value of the tool. Exposing people to technology and making them aware of how technology can help to create positive attitudes towards technology use. The article also discussed the importance of having teachers involved in the design and development of software to meet their needs. This creates a sense of ownership. When teachers begin to think of themselves as technology-using teachers, they can begin to develop an internal sense of the necessity of technology in a successful learning environment.

I agree with the authors’ ideas for creating authentic approaches to encourage technology-using teachers. It would be very beneficial for pre-service teachers to have the opportunity to observe classrooms where technology is being used effectively. I also believe that providing activities focused on making technology relevant to the learner is very important. From my own experience as a technology learner, I have gained the most from working on projects that relate directly to my job as a classroom teacher. Knowing that I was actually going to use the project in my classroom encouraged me to do my best and take pride in the fact that I created it.

Reading this article has not really changed my attitudes, but it made me realize that I am beginning to think of myself as more of a technology-using teacher. Technology is fitting more naturally into my daily routine now, but I want to keep in mind what has helped me to reach this point – the constant immersion into technology that was relevant to my needs. Hopefully that will help me to design projects that are relevant to the needs of my students.