Teachers learn tech to help students

On Tuesday, in somewhat of a role reversal, educators sat on the other side of the classroom. The goal was to learn to use technology to become more effective teachers. The Southeast Regional Professional Development Center conducted a free technology conference at the University Center to teach the teachers so they may teach their students using important technology tools.

Not too long ago, no one would have considered that educators would gather in the summer to discuss not the latest teaching pedagogy or how to discipline unruly students, but how to incorporate technology, such as Google and iPad apps, into their classrooms. But with personal Chromebooks, Macs and iPads in tow, teachers, student teachers, administrators and others did just that. While the subject matter is certainly foreign to yesteryear's teachers, it is a way of life for today's youth, thus, must become a way of life in today's schools. More than 20 breakout sessions provided that instruction, following the keynote address by Patti Jones, technology director at the Senath-Hornersville School District in Senath.

Teaching is a noble profession, which needs more gifted people who can connect with children. Who doesn't remember that one teacher who managed to capture our hearts or the one who helped us grasp that concept we thought we'd never wrap our brains around? Increasingly, in our current culture, to truly grab a student and lead him down the road of success, however, much more is required. That's why conferences such as this one are so needed. Advances in technology necessitate that teachers stay current, and since technology is ever-changing, that's an endless process. Anything less than a commitment to staying in-the-know does a disservice to students, particularly as competition nationally and globally ramps up.

Rita Fisher, the center's director, stressed this reality to the Southeast Missourian, stating that "the goal is for all students to have opportunities to use 21st-century tools to expand their learning."

We are pleased that our local educators had the opportunity to attend such a vital conference, which can only have a positive ripple effect.