Device lesson

5th graders are studying weather and are reading weather gauges. They are analyzing data and making weather predictions. One of the things they are doing is calculating wind speed. They are using their personal devices as a timer while they count the number of spins on an anemometer for a period of one minute. They are also calculating a class average of wind speed on the same device.

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I agree that technology is going to take us to places we can hardly imagine. I also agree there are great teachers who don't use technology. But to say they are not teaching if students are graduating not knowing how to use technology is ridiculous. Every kid around us is using and  understands it to a greater or equal degree than adults. The focus should be on how to use it properly and appropriately. The real question is the device teaching anything or is it a convenience?

What does it mean to be a 21st century teacher?

A 21st century teacher needs to have an in depth knowledge of the subject they are teaching. Research has shown that teachers who are considered specialists in particular areas convey it to students to a greater degree than those who do not. Yet in the elementary setting there seems to be a push toward self contained classrooms where the teacher is expected to be an expert in all subject areas. This is rarely the case. We end up with "Jack of All Trades" teachers instead of specialists.