Discussion 5

I like how Ertmer points out that most of the beliefs teachers hold about technology have been based off of previous experiences and beliefs about teaching (p.30). I think this passage connects to our discussions over the past few weeks regarding the need for professional development focusing on technology integration. You cannot teach what you do not know, so it makes sense that teachers would base their ideas of technology integration off of previous teaching experiences. I am not surprised that a teacher who uses teacher-centered practices in the classroom would integrate technology by having his or her students complete drill practices. Professional development could train such a teacher to design student-centered activities that would promote higher order thinking skills. While it is difficult to change one's beliefs, it is not impossible (p. 32) and should be attempted. The article also discusses self-efficacy and the need to boost teacher confidence in the use of technology. Exposure to technology and hands-on practice during ongoing workshops could aid in making teachers feel more comfortable with using it in their classrooms. The NCES discovered that 80% of the teachers they polled are interested in receiving training on how to integrate technology into the curriculum(p. 25), suggesting that many teachers already have a positive outlook towards technology in the classroom and that ongoing professional development could be quite successful.