Teachers Talk Text 2006

     I read a report from 2006 where teachers talk about technology and how it is benefiting them in the classroom.  This report used information from an in-depth research study about how teachers feel about technology in the classroom.  I found that the statistics and information that was given was very helpful and I think shows a great advancement in the way teachers are viewing technology in such a positive way.  I thought it was interesting that according to this study the top three obstacles for fully implementing computers into the curriculum was access, time, and budget.  This came as a surprise to me because from reading the chapters in our book I assumed that it would be knowledge of how to implement and use the technology in the classroom, but this was not the case.  Even though that particular part of the study did not show the focus to be on training we all know that it does play a role.  Another part of the study showed that 1/5 of teachers did not receive any technology training over the past year.  This does not mean that these teachers cannot or do not use technology effectively in the classroom, but that as we have read in chapters 1 and 6 they are not receiving up to date training.  The more technology training these teachers receive the more likely they are to see the positive impact technology can have on students.  This report and study provided numerous different statistics and charts that could be helpful for technology facilitators and leaders to help improve on how teachers are using and can be using technology in the classroom.  I believe that the author of an article like this is trying to show awareness of important topics that are affecting our schools and students.  There will always be room for improvement in education which research shows us, but I also believe that research can help by pointing to the positive direction in which technology is heading.
     I believe that since this study was done a few years ago there have been some changes in the statistics and facts.  I do however think that our knowledge and use of technology in the classroom can always be improved and I think as teachers and future teachers it is important to always find ways to incorporate technology into the curriculum.  Looking back to when I was in high school and the lack of technology we had, mostly just a computer lab, there are so many other possibilities and opportunities that we have to use them in teaching our students.  I look forward to learning the new ideas and ways they come up with to include technology expanding the ability to learn for both teachers and students.