Reflection of Ed Tech Standards

The Oregon Ed Tech Standards are trying to create a baseline of education and knowledge that all students will have when completing their education through high school. The standards recognize that we are, indeed, living in a digital world, and if you aren't technologically literate, you will be left behind. The Millennial Generation is the generation that is currently in primary education, that expects technology to be a part of their everyday life; they expect to see technology in school, play, and eventually careers. They cannot imaging a world without a cell phone, laptop or wireless internet. Due to this societal expectation, schools need to provide all students with an opportunity to gain skills and knowledge in technology, regardless of their socioeconomic status. By doing this, they are helping students gain the skills they will need to be successful in the digital world.

Some techniques I plan to use in my classroom is the use of podcasting to help middle-school students demonstrate their knowledge of mathematical concepts. They will need to successfully collaborate the use of video, audio, and the web in order to create the podcast. I will also be asking students to create slideshows and blogs, as my school district allows. I would like for them to have skills in using a variety of tools, so that they have the opportunity to see where their strengths and weaknesses are, and develop skills that will prove to be useful in their careers.

Technology is ever-changing and advancing, and it will be exciting to see what is available in the next few years, and how school districts have incorporated the use of these tools.