ISTE+Technology+Facilitation+and+Leadership+Standard+3+Reflection

ISTE’s Technology Facilitator Standard III is designed to help technology facilitators and leaders assist teachers / educators in planning learning experiences for students. My grasp and understanding of this standard can best be reflected on by communicating the knowledge I gained, how that knowledge was used in the field, and how I believe the standard will impact future learning. “Data suggests that today’ students not only desire but need engaging, media rich learning experiences to maximize their learning potential” (William & Reddish 2009). Being an advocate for technology integration in education, this data is not surprising. What was surprising to learn was the large gap between school and beyond school technology. The ironic realization in my mind was the millions of dollars schools are spending to be connected (WiFi drops, fiber optic connecting, etc…) and the large amount of students who feel disconnected when they enter school. Additionally, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills 2006 Report discusses the paradox of technology playing such a large role in modern life and the lack of technology skills that are being taught in our schools. Technology must be properly integrated into the curriculum by aligning the standards to core subjects taught. Taking this knowledge and doing something with it, making a change, or even getting the subject noticed can be quite frustrating. Thankfully there are highly credible institutions that have developed student technology standards that I can use in future teaching and professional development. Texas’ technology TEKS and The National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NET*S) are two good examples. Tying all these needs and available resources together to effective professional development is the key that will greatly affect future learning in our schools. However, “even with better curriculum resources and documentation, educators will need ongoing professional learning opportunities providing instruction in best practices in implementing student technology standards” (William & Reddish 2009). Understanding the concerns, knowing the standards that need to be integrated, and providing resources for effective training sounds like a good plan in the successful education of our students. I truly hope I will have the opportunity to develop more technology integrated curriculum for the future of American K-12 education.  Partnership for 21st Century Skills website. Information retrieved October 17, 2010 from []  Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). Technology and leadership standards: what every K-12 leader should know and be able to do. Eugene, OR
 * Reflections on Technology Facilitator Standard III: Teaching Learning, and the Curriculum **