Journal #7

“Technology and Teacher Retention,” by Robert Kadel.

This article talks about whether or not teachers are more likely to seek and stay at a school or district if they have a greater amount of technological resources. The article states that the research is still undecided. It states that teachers want to work in districts with more technological resources and once they are there, they stay there. But it also asks that if districts that have technological resources, but no support for teachers to use them would they be just as likely to stay with that district? It seems that the questions is not whether or not they have the technology, but rather the way the districts use those resources and support or train teachers in using those resources. The article also states that a teacher’s attitude about technology is a key factor.

What is my attitude towards technology? To me technology, especially in this day and age, is a must. Students who do not have the access to technology are at a real disadvantage. Most schools are having students do research on the internet and type papers on the computer. We are using computers, digital cameras, cell phones more and more as time goes on. When I was a kid I did not even know anyone personally that owned a computer and now, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t. It is unfortunate to me that there are schools that do not have the funds to provide enough computers for their students use. Like I said, this is putting these students in an awful disadvantage for their future.

Would I be willing to work at a school that did not offer computers for student use or training for teachers? I would. I would do my best to try and find ways to get computers to my students because I feel that they are an essential part of today’s education, but I would definitely work at an underprivileged school. Also, if a school district did not offer adequate training in my opinion, I would seek the training elsewhere to bring to my students.