Technology Competency in the Classroom

Waynesville R-VI School District's mission statement reads, "Educating individual students for 21st century challenges." As part of educating students, I feel that teachers must take opportunities to incorporate technology in the classroom. While some teachers are comfortable and competent with computers and technology, others are uneasy with utilizing technology in day to day learning. I have often reflected upon more effective methods of teaching the standards, which also incorporate software, online educational games and applications. Developing lesson plans around digital media is somewhat challenging but offers great rewards, especially for the students. How will teachers educate students prepared for 21st challenges when technology is a challenge for themselves, as teachers. When will paper/pencil tasks be replaced with iPad applications? When will textbooks be replaced with ebooks? When will word processing programs replace hand written essays? If/When this shift takes place, will teachers be ready? Should teachers be required to take a technology methods course? In order to prepare students for 21st century challenges, we, as educators, must be prepared for 21st century challenges.