Oregon Technology Standards and Requirements

I believe that the technology standards and requirements addressed in the NETS*S, NETS*T, new Oregon Diploma and new Oregon Education Technology Standards (OETS) aim to ensure that today’s students are technologically literate. To accomplish this goal, teachers much integrate technology throughout the content areas in order to promote responsible and informed digital citizenship. Today, in the 21st century, teachers must prepare students for their futures by providing opportunities for students to create, communicate, research, and demonstrate problem solving skills through technology.

For middle school language arts, I would implement several strategies to promote technological literacy in my classroom. For example, I plan to ask students to create videos in small groups illustrating elements of writing. They could choose to focus on hyperbole, simile/metaphor, colloquilialism, foreshadowing, etc. This video project would relate to the creativity and innovation standard as it requires students to demonstrate creative thinking and problem solving skills to develop innovative products and processes using (digital) technology.

In addition, I might create a blog for students when we are reading a novel as a class. I would ask students to respond to basic comprehension and critical thinking questions in a class forum. Students would be able to comment on each other’s posts and challenge Also, I would leave comments and questions to promote further discussion. This activity would relate directly to the Communication and Collaboration standard asks students to use digital media to communicate and work collaboratively to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.

There are several challenges that come to mind when thinking about integrating technology in the classroom. Many students may not have access to technology at home, and therefore would have difficulty even participating in classroom assignments. Also, there is a wide range of technological proficiency in any given class. Some students are quite adept with technology, while others have little experience. Finally, as a teacher, I would struggle with any technical problems that might arise during class time. I am comfortable with various technologies, but am by no means incredibly adept. I would struggle with handling any problems with technology in an efficient, successful manner.