Interactivity #5

It was my pleasure to interview Mrs. Doe, a 9^th grade social studies teacher in the Montclair School District.  During the interview, Mrs. Smith told me of her familiarity with both the NETS-S and T standards.  Mrs. Smith is quite knowledgeable with the newest technology standards for education and has often integrated them in her classroom.  Mrs. Doe is often referred to as the “go to” person for technology in the classroom.  Her department relies on her to teach how to use the newest technologies in the classroom.  When asked about utilizing the standards in her classroom she responded by saying: “I have used many of the standards in my classroom but not all.  Many of the standards involve too much time and I have not been able to get to them just yet”.  Her honesty concerning her use of the standards reassured me how much she believes in the NETS-S.  She hopes to one day incorporate more the standards in her unit plans but as of now between all the extracurricular activities she runs and the modifications from the NCSS, NJCCCS and CCSS there is not time to fit all the standards from NETS.  The school has heard of NETS-S but it has not enforced the use of the technologies in all the classrooms.  The reason is mostly due to time constraints and improper technology use in the classroom.  Surprisingly most of the teachers in the school have not heard or wanted to use the NETS-S.  When asked why Mrs. Doe responded “most teachers are already overwhelmed trying to implement their individual content area’s standards.  Technology standards just add more work”.  She continued saying: “teachers do promote the use of technology in the classroom, but on their terms.  Its easier for them that way”. 

To be honest I was shocked that the school district heard of NETS-S and T standards.  Most school districts do not seem to care about adding them into the core curriculum.  These standards are seen as burdens and obligations rather than beneficial for the students.  I am not surprised because teachers have a lot on their plate.  Many of them have families, other obligations, after school activities and their own lesson plans to write.   It is very hard for them to keep up with all the rapidly emerging changes in NETS.  As a future educator I would promote the use of NETS in the classroom because it is the future of how our students are going to learn.  Technologies are rapidly being creating and they are altering the way students learn.  We must adapt NETS standards in order to teach our students how to adapt to the new technologies and how to learn using them as resources.  We would be doing a huge disservice to our students if we didn’t implement them in our lesson and unit planning.   

For the Spreadsheet, please click the following link: Woodrow Wilson: Prophet of Peace