Teacher Technology Skills

University of Pittsburg-Johnstown professor Bernie Poole has an article over on Education World about technology skills and proficiencies that teachers should possess. In a nutshell, these skills include:

Proficiency in Productivity tools--word processing, database, spreadsheets, extracting data, etc.

The ability to troubleshoot common classroom technology problems--Amen!!

Where to go for technical assistance when it's beyond your knowledge and ability.

Know how to find web resources for your subject area.

Know what's available on the web for your subject area.

And lastly, be open to new things!!!! Don't get yourself in the rut of "this is the way we've always done it" concept. Change, move on, explore, adapt!!!

In another article on Education World, author Doug Johnson of Mankato Public Schools in Minnesota does a wonderfully funny but thought-provoking article on a comparison of pencils and iPod use in the classroom. It made me think a little more. He makes some very, very good points. You go, Doug!