Greetings Educators,

It’s fall once again and as teachers prepare to teach and students prepare to learn I begin again to think about how our Educational Technology Certificate Program can help teachers prepare for using technology in their classrooms.

Reflecting on the purpose of educational technology in Michigan I’m reminded that Michigan has but one single goal: prepare Michigan students to become productive citizens in a global society. Technology has become an integral part of our global society therefore as a teacher you must then consider how your teaching integrates technology to achieve that goal.

However integrating or infusing technology into your classroom and then utilizing it to have an impact on student learning is an extraordinary challenge, particularly given that most of us did not grow up with computers as kids today have. For many teachers learning how to use a computer is like learning to speak a foreign language while most kids seem to already know how to speak that language.

We have an assignment in CEP 810: Teaching for Understanding with Computers that addresses this issue and asks teachers to reflect on the ideas raised. Consider that today’s kids are “native speakers” when it comes to computers. They’ve grown up using computers, video games, email, the Internet, and instant messaging whereas we have to learn their language – it’s foreign to most of us. The assignment explores how kids are “digital natives” and most adults are “digital immigrants.” According to an article written by Marc Prensky entitled “Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants” (2001), “…today’s students think and process information fundamentally differently than their predecessors.” For this reason we must consider how that affects our teaching. Are you prepared with the skills necessary to teach today’s children using computer technology?  And if not, how do you plan to acquire those skills?

Keep in mind when considering the various options available to you regarding technology training that the main goal is preparing students to become productive citizens in a global society. That goal will require you to know how computer technology can enhance learning and lead to greater academic achievement. Choose a program that will take you beyond “just speaking the language” and will provide you with the knowledge and skills to infuse it seamlessly into your classroom.

If you would like to read Marc Prensky’s article you can find it online at: http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf
Best Regards,

Joseph Codde
Professor and Director
Educational Technology Certificate Program

Contact us at: 517-432-9259
http://edutech.msu.edu

Greetings Educators,

As director of the Educational Technology Certificate Program for almost 10 years I’ve seen the manner in which teachers use computer technology in the classroom change significantly. Yet many of the problems related to technology integration in the classroom remain the same.

Ten years ago teachers in many of our classes first asked, “How do I turn this thing on?” and many were worried about pushing a button that would erase all the programs and data. Consequently, the focus of many technology programs was on “how to” use the technology that is how to use the various software programs. And our program was no different. We emphasized technology skills with a secondary focus on instructional strategies.

As computers in the classroom have evolved so has our program. Today we put a far stronger emphasis on the pedagogical aspects of technology – how computers are tools for teaching and learning. We explore various instructional strategies that facilitate technology use and improve student outcomes.

But, as I look at the big picture regarding technology use I’m wondering why many teachers are still resistant. Why don’t they take advantage of this extraordinary tool? Most professional development technology-related programs focus on two strands; technology and pedagogy. That’s what teachers are most interested in and that’s what most programs cover. But two strands are not enough. Perhaps a missing piece is “change.”

The literature and research on technology use demonstrates that the core concepts of effective technology integration must include technology, pedagogy, AND change. The concept of change includes not only a willingness to try something different, but a willingness to seriously measure the effects of such change, and to move ahead on the basis of that evaluation. If administrators and policy makers fail to address change which includes these two major ingredients, there is little hope that their district will integrate technology on a large scale. It will more likely be where technology use is isolated and occasional.

Several years ago we recognized that for technology integration to be widespread it must focus on “change with a difference.” If computers are used only for automating current tasks it will most likely be “change” but “change without a difference.”

Understanding the process of change is critical. We are all resistant to change in some way. We know how to do what we do, in this case teach, and we know what works for us. Changing how we teach by incorporating technology can be threatening and time-consuming – we don’t know for sure how it’s going to work and we already have too much to do. We all fear failing. For some, beginning to use computer technology in the classroom is a leap of faith. We already know how to use it for common tasks (writing letters, e-mail, taking attendance, etc.) but many are not confident about teaching with computers. So as teachers go through our program they learn new instructional and pedagogical strategies and they learn new ways that technology can enhance and support the learning process. Then they take those skills back to their classrooms, their schools, and their districts. By building learning communities with their peers they will begin initiating the process of change that does make a difference.

So my message is that, for technology to be successfully integrated into classrooms and schools we must consider the core concepts which include technology, pedagogy, and change. If we fail to address “change” we’ll fail to move forward and we’ll fail to use technology in meaningful ways.
Best Regards,

Joseph Codde
Professor and Director
Educational Technology Certificate Program

Contact us at: 517-432-9259
http://edutech.msu.edu

Greetings Educators,

I find it hard to believe but it’s spring again! And, as we approach the final stretch of another school year, I find myself reflecting back on another successful year of offering the Certificate Program to Michigan’s teachers. The Educational Technology Certificate Program will celebrate its 10th year of providing a professional development that aids Michigan teachers in effectively integrating technology into their curriculum.

Over the past ten years there has been a shift in technology professional development from a technology driven perspective to a more holistic view. Today we no longer focus solely on “how to” use computer technology. We now focus on the pedagogical aspects of technology as a tool for learning and how technology should be integrated into all aspects of the curriculum.

We’ve learned that as an educator you are continually evaluating, adjusting, and changing how and what you deliver to the students.  And, as a result we want to insure that the program we deliver meets the needs of today’s teacher.

We are in the process of evaluating our program and you can help. In today’s rapidly changing world we do not want to rely only on our perceptions about what teachers need. Instead, we want teachers to tell us what they need. Please take a few minutes to take the on-line survey and help us improve the quality of our program by better meeting your current and future professional development requirements. We understand that your time is valuable and we thank you in advance for taking the time to help us improve our program.

Go to the survey:  http://express.perseus.com/perseus/surveys/1734848031/6e68e227.htm

Best Regards,

Joseph Codde
Associate Professor and Director
Educational Technology Certificate Program

Contact us at: 517-432-9259
ht tp://edutech.msu.edu

I recently started reading Thomas Friedman’s The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century. I was immediately struck by how connected our world has become. And we are not just connected to the Internet; we’re connected to business, industry, educators, and most importantly – people.

We started the Certificate Program almost 10 years ago by teaching classroom teachers how to use computers. Now we are working with teachers to help them both “use” and “infuse” technology.  As our technology resources and skills advance we are finding that our opportunities to connect with others in this “flat world” are increasing exponentially.  This “flattening of the world” will once again change our program to include issues of globalization and how technology can open up the classroom to global connections. 

Eight years ago my personal technology world consisted of connecting with teachers in Michigan. Three years ago my world expanded to connecting with educators in other states including Nevada where I’ve been working with the Clark County Public Education Foundation and the Clark County School District, the 5th largest school district in the nation. Then 10 months ago my world once again expanded, this time to North Africa after being hired by the U.S. State Department to work with the Algerian Ministry of Education.  For the next two years Michigan State University will be aiding the Ministry in the development of a national technology plan and connecting high schools in Algeria with high schools in the United States. The Ed Tech program has taken the vast changes that have come our way and turned them into opportunities to connect with educators not just in the State of Michigan, or in the U.S. but around the world. 

I encourage you to think about ways that you may challenge yourself and your students to expand your own worlds beyond the classroom and connect with others globally.  Call us today to learn how the Educational Technology Certificate Program can be the first step you take toward meeting that challenge.  Whether you are a teacher, prospective teacher, administrator, alumnus, or simply a person concerned about meeting the educational needs of today’s youth, we invite you to learn more about the program that we’re developing today to better prepare educators and their students for a “flat world”. 

Best Regards,

Joseph Codde
Associate Professor and Director
Educational Technology Certificate Program

Contact us at: 517-432-9259
http://edutech.msu.edu

Educational technology and professional development are key issues for Michigan teachers and educators. As an educator you have access to a variety of professional development programs and choosing the right program can sometimes be difficult. Your choices include in-service workshops, online courses offered by various providers, and graduate courses offered by colleges and universities such as Michigan State. (more…)