Am I a ‘Techie Teacher’?

I’m a young teacher with a passion for ICT and modest technical skills; and I’m starting to question how my ideas are influencing my classroom teaching practice. 

 

2296270551_b8fa49a0e4

cc licensed ( BY ) flickr photo by austinevan: http://flickr.com/photos/austinevan/2296270551/



 

I’m a teacher.

ICT and Web 2.0 are part of what I do

  • I see myself as a classroom teacher using ICT to extend my teaching practice beyond my classroom walls.
  • I want to teach my students how to share, learn and communicate with a global audience.
  • And I’m more than happy to share my ideas and expertise with interested colleagues.
  • But, does this make me a ‘techie teacher’?


I’m not a ‘natural’ with ICT

  • I enjoy using technology, but I’m not a ‘digital native’ … I’m primarily self-taught.
  • I’m a learner too, drawing upon the collective wisdom and experience of the teachers and ‘techies’ in my PLN.
  • I’m taking significant professional risks, often stepping out into uncharted territory; and
  • I’m learning from my mistakes.


What I do is not “amazing”

  • ICT, Web 2.0, and global projects aren’t the exclusive realm of young, tech-savvy teachers.
  • Effective ICT integration is something that any teacher can do with the appropriate collegial support, mentoring, and training.
  • I’m learning how to encourage and support other teachers’ forays into ICT & global projects, and I believe this can only improve our students’ learning and engagement.  

 

I’m starting to define myself as a teacher, as a learner, as an inquirer.

And, I’m not alone …

10 responses

  1. Good post I like it . I had the same thoughts in the 1990s when I was a teacher in my mid 30s wondering how to use technology.Congrats.MArtin

  2. Thanks Martin. I'm not sure where my ideas will take me in the future, but I believe it is important for me to put them 'out there' & see what comes of them. It is most reassuring to know that I'm on the right track.

  3. The more time I spend online the more I've realised it's not about the tech, it is about learning. There's so much to be done so many people and ideas to connect to. It's totally blown my mind.

  4. Having been born in 1964, I am definitely NOT a digital native, but I push myself to learn and explore everyday. I don't want to be THAT teacher who won't use technology due to lack of understanding and effort.

  5. Hi Stephanie & @frugalteacher. I use technology as part of the teaching and learning process. I don't want to be identified as THE "techie teacher" because using technology is something anyone can do, WITH the appropriate support, training, and commitment to further learning. I hope that, as I grow and develop as a teacher, I can encourage, support, and hopefully inspire other teachers to have a go with ICT. I really must agree, it's not about the technology – it's about the learning – for both the teacher, and the students.

  6. I think what helps to define a true teacher is the wanting to experiment & learn. Over my almost 40 years I have changed & continue to change. Learning is the key & the means should fit the needs of the learner whatever that may be.

  7. Thanks for leaving a comment JoAnn! I think you raise an important point – that the "means should fit the needs of the learner". In this modern world, I believe ICT is one of the keys to engaging our students, and providing a medium for their learning. I'm still working out the details of how this translates into my practice, but the results of my early experimentation look promising.

  8. Michael, What I love most about this is that you are willing to learn from your mistakes. I also am not a digital native, but I have a passion for technology. I will 'play around' or 'explore' and make many mistakes along the way. Surprisingly, I do learn at the same time. I think our students appreciate when we are honest and admit that we are trying something new. As teachers, we don't hold all the answers, but taking a risk and trying something new is good role modeling. It does help when you have a terrific PLN that you can go to and ask questions!Thanks for sharing!

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