Educational Technology: A High School English Teacher and Technology Coordinator Explain their Ideas and Hopes about Technology in our Schools Mark Rice EDU 546-A Spring 2011

Meet the Interviewees Renee Leipold High School English Teacher Marshwood High School Joe Schwartzman High School Technology Coordinator Marshwood High School

What does it mean to be technologically literate? Understand different types of technology They can feel their way around different types of technology without direct instruction. Basic tasks and independence with sources, functions, resources, discrimination of resources As streamlined process for independence. Ability to use technology to be more efficient and more purposeful Inside and outside the classroom Apply to different situations beyond school As students explore post- high school, they have the ability to be independent and interact with new technologies TeacherAdministrator

How has technology influenced your understanding of literacy? Had a paperless classroom with Google apps/documents Taking students to the next level using Google docs… more emphasis on editing and revision. Opens up the process of writing. Opens up the lines of communication Immediate feedback. Makes information more accessible Variety of methods Increase literacy Technology is a great way for students to be independent inside and outside the classroom TeacherAdministrator

What do students need to know about technology before they graduate high school? Need to know how to maneuver different types of technology. The ability to think on their feet when they experience new technologies Need to know how to research and find valid resources. Different types of research, databases for college. How to disseminate information How to access information Efficacy and efficiency College expectations Paperless awareness/skills Access to information Teacher Administrator

What are the major challenges for technology at high schools in our country? High schools are behind. In the state of Maine, high schools have missed the boat a bit. Middle schools are more supported for technology. Teachers might be be willing to modify the way they teach. Teacher-based instead of student-centered. No PowerPoint. Finances are not there. Lack of money and support from the community The technology is out there but we just can’t get it in the building While we incorporate the benefits of technology, we also have to be aware of the distractions and negative aspects of technology for students Teacher Administrator

If you had an unlimited budget and time, what would your ideal school's technology look like? Document camera, Smart boards The professional development to learn how to use technology. Teachers training teachers. Nearly paperless or as close to it as it can be. This does help the writing process and student communication and interaction with each other and teachers. Non-traditional lines of communication A system action plan for use with teachers on board Staff development is huge! Down the road, getting each student a laptop or some other device that is devoted to them, independently Teaching students how to use independent devices Constant training and repetition! Teacher Administrator

Are there pitfalls or important mistakes that a new teacher might make with regards to technology? Using technology just for the sake of using technology is something to watch out for. Think about the purpose behind digital media. Translate into digital media. New teachers don’t know the expectations with regards to technology of future school systems Differentiate platforms, grading systems, data systems (ie, Apple vs. Windows, etc.) Work with other teachers about the use of technology in the district as soon as possible to understand the expectations of the district TeacherAdministrator

Which technologies are specifically useful for high school English teachers? Google docs-favorite Google apps.. All of them Google calendar/sites Websites as models of successful assignments, likes to resources, samples Google docs Making it more efficient for teachers Must write things out because not all things are digital yet: SATs College prep, spell check Professional expectations, publications Teacher Administrator

What do you see as the future of the role of digital technology in schools? Technology will be a focus in the future. Use of smart phones, ebooks, one computer for each student. Tablets and hand-held devices. More efficiency Smart phones, smart technology Hand-held personal devices for all student with free apps Text and media are different Free materials such as smart phones and apps TeacherAdministrator

My Thoughts: The future of technology could be small, smart phone- like devices that are devoted to individual students. These devices could be provided by families and outside organizations so that the schools wouldn’t have to pay for these devices. These hand-held smart phone-like devices could be connected to laptops and other hardware owned by the school. We must continually learn how to use technology in order to stay current and connected.

My Thoughts: Professional development is the key. I would like to work in a district that fosters continual professional development concerning technology. Teachers and students need repetitive training on new and old devices so that experimentation and efficiency can occur. As an English teacher, communication with technology can make the classroom more student-based instead of teacher-centered. Students must still learn creative techniques and critical-thinking skills.

References Leipold, R. (personal communication, March 7, 2011). Schwartzman, J. (personal communication, March 8, 2011).