The Socially Networked Classroom (Chapter 2)

One of the first sentences in chapter two states, "And some teachers work in schools that have lots of technology but choose not to use that technology, whether because they are too busy to learn something new or are just fearful."

In my opinion, there is a lot wrong with this true statement. IT IS A TEACHER'S JOB to help their students grow and learn. There is no excuse for teachers not "having enough time" to learn how to use computers and blogs. I do not think teachers are expected to be tech-geniuses, but they should always know the basics in order to help their students succeed.

I know many older teachers who did not want to bother with technology. Many professors at the college level claim they do not know how to use Vista/Blackboard. Is there really an excuse for this? (Come on, at a university?)

I feel very strongly about teachers needing to do everything in their power to engage their students. Paper and pencil just won't do it anymore. Throw away the "busy work" worksheets and allow students to learn and practice using technology.

Before taking Multi-Modal Literacies, I had never blogged before. Thanks to Dr. Kist I am now better prepared to become a teacher. I realize the importance of technology in every classroom (especially English--which I will be teaching.)