NETS-A

It is difficult to say which NETS-A is the most important. I believe as an administrator trying to create a productive environment for 21st century learners, we must encompass all of the standards. To say one is more important than the other is difficult. If I had to choose one standard that prevails over the others, in my opinion it would be Standard 2: Digital Age Learning Culture. I believe if you provide the technology for the teachers and the students, and model the technology, it will hopefully be used for instruction. This standard also focuses on purchasing and providing the equipment and technology for your school and providing continuous improvements of digital-age learning. As an administrator it is imperative that you are seeking continual improvements within your school.

Digital "Natives" already exist in our schools today. As I am walking through the halls after school hours, I see 2nd and 3rd graders with cell phones out texting their friends. We have also in the last week had a breach in our internet filter. The students are smarter than the teachers and they know how to maneuver through the internet carefully. If not for another student explaining what happened, the teachers would have never known. As educators we have to be two steps ahead of our students. As an administrator, I believe it is my responsibility to prepare my teachers for these kids coming into our schools today. We must change our instructional strategies. The “old school” way will not work anymore. Teachers have to ready and willing to teach kids through methods that are not traditional. As an administrator, we must stay abreast of new technology coming out and it needs to be in our schools. Staff development on technology is also a must. There are teachers in the school I teach at, who are afraid of technology. We must allow teachers the time to become comfortable and encourage them to utilize tools that will benefit our students beyond belief. I am lucky enough to house a smartboard in my room, and the students love to work with it. I can teach through the smartboard and the students will understand the concept better because it is interactive. It’s a hands-on teaching method that allows the students to get out of their seats and get excited about school and learning. My students beg me every day to play a math game with them utilizing the smartboard. I can use it as a reward, and they are still learning! Luckily, I believe I am a Digital Native. However, I am fortunate in the fact that I have younger relatives to teach me what the new things are.