Wk 6: Response to outside blog

http://shoemap.edublogs.org/

I read the "Return to Sender" blog and the article it referenced to. The reality is that technology is beginning to play a larger role in education and school districts have to be willing to take the risk of getting the technology to the school in the hands of teachers. However, I wanted to add on that by saying, if technology is added then the teachers need support to learn and integrate the tech into in the classroom. Therefore, before bringing in the latest gadget to the district, administrators must be sure that teachers are comfortable using the current gadget and is prepared to learn and integrate a new gadget. For example, the second generation of the iPad just came out, schools would need to make sure if the teachers in the district are comfortable using the first generation iPad. I have heard of many districts where the technology staff is being decreased, but the need of technology support is increasing. So, if the teachers want to integrate technology, but may need the support to become comfortable at using the device who is going to be there to help? How are our students suppose to excel in a digital environment when the teachers may not be properly prepared to integrate technology?