Technology permeates nearly all classes and makes

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Technology permeates nearly all classes and makes inroads into gender equity

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here is a growing concern over students’ lack of necessary twenty-first-century skill sets as we look at our position in the global economy. Another growing concern is that there isn’t enough emphasis put on the necessary professional development and teacher training needed to ensure teachers have the right tools to teach students the needed skill sets. Integrated Technology Without bettertrained instructors, Jack Hemenway students are left VP of Systems Sales & Marketing to learn these skills outside the classroom and on their own. Granted, many students already know or have a foundational understanding of those skills and, given the opportunity, could help other students in the classroom to develop those skills. But more professional and appropriate teacher training is needed to ensure that students learn how to effectively use the tools they have so openly embraced. Students of today are very different from those of 10 or 20 years ago. They are no longer satisfied with sitting on the sidelines and listening. They want to participate in the learning process. Students need to be engaged in the learning process, developing the skill sets necessary to compete for highly skilled jobs in the global world. Students may not openly ask the question “Why do I need to know this?” in class, but most are thinking it, and educators have to answer before students will “buy in” to the process of learning. In general, most teachers understand this as part of the process to motivate, engage, excite, and provide the leadership that students desire. Technological tools are starting to appear in larger numbers in the classroom, and that has a huge positive impact on both the teaching and learning aspects that occur in the classroom today. With the proliferation of computers,

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The Pitsco Network

With the proliferation of computers, eReaders, whiteboards, projectors, and interactive assessment technologies – along with more and more appropriate hands-on materials – students are starting to engage more in the appropriate learning process that helps answer the “why” question. eReaders, whiteboards, projectors, and interactive assessment technologies – along with more and more appropriate hands-on materials – students are starting to engage more in the appropriate learning process that helps answer the “why” question. Recently, at the FETC conference in Orlando, Florida, it was very apparent by the buzz heard in the hall and the offerings of products that technology is the driving force in the education of today’s student. Whether the course is technology education, education technology, math, science, health, robotics, biotechnology, language arts, or a myriad of others, technology is being integrated at a rapid rate. And rightly so, because without these experiences, students will be “left behind.” I have three grown children and, while they have very different careers, all three have college educations, and all three have had to obtain additional training and education just to keep pace with their careers. This is the norm in today’s world and will become more prolific as time goes by. It was stated recently by a well-known technologist, educator, and businessman that jobs that will exist three to five years from now have yet to be created! The world is changing at a very fast rate, and our education process must change to keep up with a global economy. One other issue that has risen as a result of the integration of technology into the classroom is gender equity. Male and female students tend to balance much better when technology is brought into the classroom. Female students are more apt to take more STEM courses because of their adoption of technology. Technology is leveling the playing field when it comes to gender equity in many fields of education, and that is a necessary outcome!