Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Exactly Where I am

I have been teaching for the past 11 years, and I have seen different development, trends and issues come and go.  Currently, I see an incredible push towards using technology in any and all capacities.  As a result, often teachers are misusing the technology or have absolutely no idea how to use the technology and it just sits in a corner.  

Technology is an incredible tool that needs to be made available to ALL educators.  Those who are proficient should be used as a resource and not as the only source of information.  The do all and end all.  However, the schools also need to make sure they are purchasing and training teachers on useful technology tools.  Often I see schools that have bought the newest gadget but no one knows how to use it and it really isn't a helpful tool towards teaching.  Technology should be purchased by the teachers that are using the technology.

So where exactly am I?  I would say that I myself utilize technology as often as possible but I also run into difficulties explaining my use of technology since I am a music teacher.  Technology is often seen as a classroom tool.  I don't agree!  However, I also struggle with using technology and staying focused on music.  Often I find myself wanting to stretch into different fields, teaching areas because everything really does tie into everything, however, I need to stay focused on music.  UGH!!  This can be a tough situation.