Journal # 8, McCrea, B., T.H.E. JOURNAL, 6/18/09, Helping Educators Bridge the Technology Gap

In "Helping Educators Bridge the Technology Gap", McCrea, B., (2009), the author validates the concerns I have expressed in many of the assignments in this class by citing a technology education integrator as an example of what is actually happening in the school districts we will enter. Finally I see the problems that I envision I will encounter being addressed in an article. While touting the Teachers First, as a 10,000-strong collection of lessons, units and Web resources as an example of the technology which is available the author recognizes that the task his herculean and without such expediters in the district of your employment then most teachers are behind the times. In 2006 the organization producing this website added a new section "TeachersFirst Edge" which was designed to take advantage of and adopt Web 2.o applications.

What I found reassuring is the statement in the article, "Shively said she sees technology continuing to play a key role in education over the coming years, but voiced her concern over teachers' ability to "keep up" with the fast-moving innovations that are coming at them from different directions." p. 1. So it is not only me that feels this way. Teachers in the mainstream feel the same way and so do the education administration personnel charged with keeping up with the technologies and informing the teachers of their districts such as Ms. Shively reviewed in this article. Again this article is over-filled with websites representing additional resources for me.

One example used to keep kids "in the zone" is a summer program which is called "Summer Sparklers" as an addition to their website this year. The organization maintaining the system employs editors to review many website candidates before they are adopted into their program. I would like to see more of these edited sites. Because there is so much material out in the mainstream Internet one needs professional reviewing the resources and providing guidance. This type of organizational compilation of resources definitely looks more appealing than some of the other website resource centers I have viewed which contain all uploaded material submitted by any contributor. To know that an experienced person has reviewed the lesson plan or unit of instruction and considered it valid authenticates the material for me. As a new teacher this type of guide must be employed. Novice should not be given total control of the resources used to teach.

Question 1: When looking at employment opportunities will I inquire as to the availability of someone in the district similar to the person reviewed in this article? Absolutely, in addition to work environment, pay, and personalities, resource managers and guidance personnel are essential elements to make me the best teacher I can be.

Question 2: Is T.H.E. JOURNAL a source, which I will visit in the future? I like the organization of the website and the categories which are identified on the home page. With the daily addition of material timeliness of the information is guaranteed.

Reference: McCrea, B., T.H.E. JOURNAL, 6/18/09, pulled 6/29/09,

http://thejournal.com/Articles/2009/06/18/Helping-Educators-Bridge-the-Technology-Gap.aspx?Page=1