Journal 10: “Collaboration Makes the Ed Teach World Go Round” (NETS 5)

Knezek, G. (2011). Collaboration makes the ed tech world go round. Learning and Leading, 38(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-march-april-2011.aspx

The authors of this article discuss the collaboration that goes on among members of the international ed tech community. The collaboration happens in three main areas, which are standards, conferences and research. The authors state that it is common these days for more developed countries to adopt technological standards for educators. In the United States there are the National Education Technology Standards for Teachers. These are standards that every teacher must exemplify in their classrooms. Conferences play a major role in bringing leaders in technology for education from around the world to share their ideas, research and practices in the field. People who attend these conferences come from around the globe and are sometimes put into “working groups” depending on their level of education to focus in on the needs of their specific grade levels. The article also discusses the impact of collaborative research. Important research has been done to determine the level of impact technology has had on today’s classrooms and the importance of continued support for pushing technology in education. The collaborative research presented gives valuable information about every aspect of technology use in education including teacher competence, gender bias, and statistics of technology access for schools. The article discusses the importance of collaboration and how it is a driving force in technology for education today.

           

Question 1: What specifically has the collaborative research shown?

            The article states that research has shown teacher competence and confidence in technology use is growing, which is directly related to the use and support of IT programs provided by school districts. Research has also shown that attitudes and knowledge of technology among students are gender related, especially at the postprimary level. The article states another aspect of research shows a rapid increase in the percentage of schools around the world with computer access. This collaborative research can give statistics of not only schools in the United States, but also schools around the world who are incorporating technology into the classroom.

Question 2: What does the article mean by collaborative?

           

            The article states that when it comes to technology in education it is highly more beneficial for researchers and leaders to come together and share ideas on ways in which technology can be used and incorporated. The massive spread of technology in education is made possible, not only by one person, but by thousands of people coming together and promoting the benefits and positive aspects of using technology in the classroom. Technology has made it convenient and quick to collaborate over the Internet, but by coming together at these conferences for technology in education, people can really get excited about their cause. Without collaboration, technology would not be as effective in education today.