Sandholtz Chapter 4

Chapter four begins by discussing the technical issues that occur when using a new technology.  She also discusses how technology easily leads itself into cyberbullying, cheating, and doing illegal things online.  This chapter walks us through the frustrations that occur during the first three phases of technology integration: entry, adoption, and adaptation. When teachers are at the entry level, everything is a mess.  Teachers are unsure how to use all of the equipment, how to integrate it into their curriculum, and how to manage this new technology's interaction with students.  During the adoption stage teachers are aware of the technology and their students' interaction with it, so teachers are able to anticipate issues and begin creating solutions before they get out of hand.  During the adaption stage teachers and students are using the technology to their advantage and using if for specific needs.  The book describes how teachers use the computers to create databases and calculate grades for them.

I definitely went through the first two stages in my classroom.  Having computers in my class was awesome.  They kids loved them and always wanted to use them.  I had a heck of a time managing my students' interactions with them, though. It took a few times using the computers to really get the students using them for research, and not trying to look up other things. It was very important to set up routines on how to get the computer, hold the computer, charge the computer, and put it away.  I initially thought that seniors in high school would know that, but they definitely needed instructions and constant reminders. I think that as technology becomes even more ubiquitous in schools that there will be a constant transition of teachers in each of the stages of implementation. Things as small as downloaded applications will also use this cycle.  I think teachers should be aware though, that they don't need to try to use every type of technology in their classroom.  Use as much as you are comfortable with, and when you are ready--just don't make that an excuse not to use technology.