Professional
When are we going to realize that we must embrace new technologies when they arrive? America, as well as many other advanced societies, is in the midst of an educational crisis. Federal officials are implementing new initiatives regularly attempting to turn around the nosedive in test scores. Teachers are under increased pressure to work more efficiently and teach more information in less time to more students.
Perhaps the problem lies in the delivery method that has been a staple in the profession for hundreds of years. Some innovative thinkers around the globe have recently scrutinized the paper and pencil approach. What they are discovering is that many of today’s youth are more proficient with new technologies than they are with the traditional methods used in schools. Students today have been raised immersed in technology that leaves the traditional method of acquiring knowledge looking antiquated.
Fifty percent of the world’s population is under 25 years old and they are being taught using methods that have far outlived their usefulness. Teaching is one of the few industries that have not shown profound transformation since the inception of computers and related technologies. It would seem obvious that a business that its sole purpose is to deliver information to people is one of the last to consider using information technology specialists to streamline delivery of information.
With the demand for Highly Qualified Teachers in today’s schools why is it not feasible to have specialists deliver lectures via pod casts? Expecting teachers to be a representative for all knowledge gained to a child today is not reasonable to them, or me for that matter. Many times, by simply integrating technology into a lesson it increases the level of attention benefiting the class.
