Educators are entering a world of 21st century learners and need to be prepared to tech these students whose brains are wired for technology. As a result there are various technologies that I believe a essential to know. Here's my list:
1) Word processors- how to create documents, modify, save and print them
2) Spreadsheets- how to input data, use formulas, sort and view data
3) Web browsers- how to open the internet, navigate to an address and save sites to favorites
4) Search engines- how to search effectively for a topic with filters and sort by result type
5) E-mail services- how to send e-mails to mass audiences, CC, BCC, attach documents
6) Blogs- know how to create one, post to one/comment and control privacy
7) Youtube- knowing the features of youtube and other video sites, how to search for videos and privacy features
8) Powerpoint/Flipcharts- how to create lessons/presentations and use them effectively in the clasroom
9) Google Maps/Mapquest- how to find maps, search locations and use the different types of maps to engage students
10) Photo taking/editting software- how to take photos and edit them
There tons of other more specific sites and technologies that teachers should know how to use, but these cover the basics!
You are so right about spreadsheets....i only know the basics on Excel. Knowing how to use Excel can make your life much easier when it comes to working with data. I also like the idea you had about knowing how to use video sharing sites like YouTube. I try and use at least one YouTube video in every class.
ReplyDeleteNice work.
Kory,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you that we're teaching a generation of kids who are wired for technology. I like how you are explicit about the basic tools that need to be mastered. I think teachers can look at this list and not be overwhelmed about all the new gadgets and gizmos, but see that these are our new tools of trade.
- Rebecca
Kory,
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of your suggestions for teachers. I think it is interesting to look at all of our blogs for this post and see that in some cases we come up with the same ideas and in some cases we come up with things that are completely different from each other.
I hadn't, for example, even considered spreadsheets, word processing documents, or those types of things for teachers to know as a basic tech skill.
I think another one that teachers should know how to utilize along those lines is a database program. A lot of times, the databases can manipulate the information in ways that the spreadsheet can't through the use of filters, a programming language called SQL, or basic tools like Access or Filemaker.
Good stuff, Kory! Sparked some ideas for me.