"Template- Based Teacher Web Pages"

I read the article "Template Based Teacher Web Pages". It was about a project in Brewster Central School District that was stated to increase computer literacy. This was done by allowing teachers in the school district to create websites for their classrooms through the use of templates. It was encouraging to read about the change that this project brought to many of the teachers and helping them to feel comfortable with the integration of technology in their classroom. The project also helped to shine light on the issues that teachers faced in regards to technology and helped to come up with solutions to approach those.
  One of the issues addressed in the article was that teachers saw this project as a burden and something they did not have time for. The article states, "This feedback demonstrated to me that the initial message and purpose of the project translated quite differently when it fi ltered down to this teacher’s level. Unfortunately, this teacher considered it another burden and expectation. It was clear that we needed to demonstrate how Web pages could fi t in to existing programs and be relevant to teachers." I think it is important to remember that we as educators need to see technology as relevant and work it into the existing programs. I agree with the article that unless we are able to do this technology will be seen as a burden and something that we don't have time to use in our classrooms.
The end of the article summarizes their goals for the district in the coming year. It states, "This year, the district started the next phase of the technology professional development program, using technology to enhance existing curriculum. Teachers are receptive to and comfortable with these concepts, because most of them now have the requisite skills and insight to work in this medium with their students. The instructional benefits cannot be understated. The Websites have become a springboard for many technology activities, containing rich collections of lessons, links,and other materials that will enhance instruction in Brewster for many years to come." In this section two things stood out to me. First, that teachers were receptive and comfortable with taking technology to the next level. This was a direct result of the training and guidance they received in setting up their website. The second thing is that the website has become the spring board for enhancing students educational experience.
    I believe that this article touches on all the NETS standards. However, one in particular stands out to me. The is standard 5 which states, " Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership- Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources." I think that by learning how to create a website for your classroom you as a teacher are improving your students quality of education as well as participating in lifelong learning. Many of the teachers from Brewster where able to take their websites and demonstrate how they could effectivly use those resources to their students, and parents advantage.