Vision 2020 (Assignment 1, Part 3)

The most relevant information that I learned from review of the Vision 2020 information was the need for technological advances in schools and what the desired outcomes will be. As the world becomes smaller through the use of technology, there will be greater competition in all aspects of life. It is important that the students that we are currently teaching are ready to step into the real world and have the skills they need to be successful. It reminds me of a test that was given to me when I first started my training as a teacher. My professor gave us a test developed by educators in Kansas in the late 1800’s. The test was to determine the proficiency levels of 8th grade students. The test contained questions about the weight of the average bail of hay, and the amount of gun powder that was to be used in a specific type of shotgun shell. All of this information is completely irrelevant to the learners of today, but was of key importance during its day and time. This article reminded me that the world is changing, and as educators, we have to prepare students to be successful in a world that is constantly becoming more reliant on technology.
Technology is becoming more advanced everyday. I remember seeing my first Apple IIe computer 25 years ago when I was in first grade. I saw my first cell phone when I was in 8th grade, and I did not use the internet until I enter college. Now my nephew who is in kindergarten is more computer literate than my father. The world is changing, and technology is the language of the future. For current students to be able to be active citizens of the future, they must learn to be proficient users of technology.
As a campus leader, I must make sure that I am producing “world-worthy” students, and the only way to do this is to make sure they are being taught the ways of the world. Technology is obviously the new way of the world. For students to learn how to be active citizens of this world, they must have teachers who can guide them in their navigation of this world. For teachers to be able to guide these students they must have training, experiences and a chance to become experts with technology themselves. As a principal, I have the opportunity to provide teacher with the staff development, training, and support they will need as they embark on their journey of learning how to incorporate technology into their classroom.