Discussion 2-5

Today, educators have increasing pressures and obligations to prepare students for the ever-changing 21st century. The jobs of yesterday simple do not exist. Students must be prepared to navigate this new technological world that exists today as it will continue to change due to advancements in technology.  Educators are now teaching in the 21st Century and have an obligation to prepare America’s young people for a changing job market when entering the workforce.
Over the past generation, the United States (the world) has witnessed a paradigm shift in our economic base. The manufacturing jobs that existed for generations are now largely being outsourced overseas and are replaced with computer numerical control (CNC) machines. Stagnation in income among the middle class may be due to slow response to changes in technology. This is the economic environment that students are entering today.
As I look at the “50 ways to integrate technology Technology” Integration in the individual school has to start with the technology intergrator through building relation ships. Once the integrator has developed relationships with teachers through collaboration and observation that is when he or she may find what technology would fit that particular classroom. So when I’m asked “what are best strategies for motivating teachers? I would say through getting to know teachers and their classrooms and introducing technology that fits that particular setting.




References:





Prensky, M. (2001). Digital native, digital immigrants, Part 2: Do they really think differently?  On the Horizon. MCB University Press, Vol. 9 No. 6, December 2001. Retrieved fromhttp://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part2.pdf



Wolfram, C. (2010, July 1). Conrad Wolfram: Teaching kids real math with computers | Video on TED.com. TED: Ideas worth spreading. Retrieved October 2, 2013, from http://www.ted.com/talks/conrad_wolfram_teaching_kids_real_math_with_computers.html