Revamping Professional Development for Technology Integration and Fluency

Plair, S. K. (2008). Revamping Professional Development for Technology Integration and Fluency. Clearing House, 82(2), 70-74.

This The article states that many identified barriers continue to prevail in technology integration and fluency, but not for lack of teachers' trying but because of the overwhelming nature of technology. The author of this article introduces the idea of having a knowledge broker or technology coach who becomes the go between for teachers between the constantly changing technological innovations. The author also states the importance of these brokers to provide a different level of professional development to support teachers of all ability levels. In reflection, I love how this author stated that veteran teachers are not to blame. So often, we cast fault to them for the inability to integration technology but we do this without supporting them or allowing them the opportunity to make it an authentic learning experience. The author state that teachers crave a constant support person, in close proximity and available to fill in the gaps that arise with the rapid changes associated with technology. I believe that this is true with teacher of all ages, it goes back to the statement of "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember". Teachers crave that immediate feedback, that opportunity to explore a new idea with an expert in the room. The final key point I enjoyed from this article is that allowing teachers to fumble along implementing technology experiences haphazardly is no longer productive or effective. Teachers need training and support! One last quote from the text that I find to be of importance is as follows, "Waiting for new teachers to enter the system as  solution is risky. Many of today's preservice teachers are the product of technologically illiterate teachers." I believe this is an excellent point! We must provide training and support regardless of the age or experience of the teacher and knowledge brokers or tech coaches are a great resources to start with. 

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Blood, sweat, and TEARS: 50 Years of Technology Implemation Obstacles

Leggett, W. P., & Persichitte, K. A. (1998). Blood, sweat, and TEARS: 50 years of technology implementation obstacles. TechTrends, 43(3), 33-36.

According to the article, teachers have faced significant obstacles in their attempts to implement and integrate technology in their classroom. The article goes on to state that these obstacles have remained unchanged for the last 50 years. In the mid-1990, the following barriers were identified in integrating technology: Time, Expertise, Access, Resources, and Support. The article provides a table of implementation factors, obstacles to technology implementation in the classroom, and possible solutions.

While this article was wrote in 1998, the content of the article is very relevant. The obstacles provided are still current. Teachers still face obstacle with lack of time, lack of personal and professional technology skills, lack of fiscal resources, and lack of technical support. The article provides possible solutions to each obstacle as well. A quote I found interesting from that article is as follows, "Additionally, we believe that enthusiastic teachers who possess the critical factors of time, expertise, and access will provide the catalyst for innovation and change in the classroom." Teachers often meet unrealistic expectations with limited resources due to their enthusiasm and drive.  

Wearable: Has the Age of Smartwatches Finally Arrived?

Rawassizadeh, R., Price, B. A., & Petre, M. (2015). Wearables: Has the age of smartwatches finally arrived?. Communications of the ACM, 58(1), 45-47.

In summary, his article discusses the market and demands of Smartwatches as well as the constraints and advantages. The article states that idea of Smartwatches is not new, it has been around since the middle of the 20th century. The idea of Smartwatches started in science fiction and then in the 1970s we saw the first LED and LCD watches. At this time, technology was too expensive and not powerful enough to provide the needed functionality so the idea failed. The article goes on to discuss the market for Smartwatches, that while they won't replace Smartphones they will coexist just as the tablet has not replaced the laptop. Two major constraints for Smartwatches mentioned in the article are screen size and battery life. Developers are still working to improve this areas including exploration into curved screens that would curve around the wrist. The article also gave two major advantages for Smartwatches. Smartwatches are body mounted, therefore users can free up their hands. Another benefit of being body mounted is that the device is located in the same consistent location for sensors to measure physical activity. Constant skin contact is another advantage listed, with constant contact your Smartwatch can better read your physical activities and location.

In reflection, the advances in technology are truly amazing. An idea that began in science fiction has now become a reality. I personally own an Apple Smartwatch, I have previously owned a Fitbit as well. As the article mentions, these devices do persuade users to live a more healthy lifestyle. The devices allow users to set goals, challenge peers, and track their every movement, heart rate, and workouts. Something I found to be interesting was that most Smartwatches have the capability to record your private information such as sensitive medical information and your weaknesses. As discussed in class today, it's a little scary to think about what developers are doing with this sensitive information and who it's being shared with.