IN Pine-Richland Fall 2018 | Page 43

are learning requires a complete shift from room layouts and resources needed for students, to continuing teacher education and administrative observations. Each piece of the education puzzle needs to be thoughtfully addressed in order to successfully accommodate a new way of learning. “What technology allows us to do is amplify and expand the repertoire of techniques that effective teachers use to elicit the attention, effort and engagement that are the basis of learning,” Michelle Miller says in Minds Online. “The tools we use can and do change us but when we use these tools mindfully, we can remain in control of those changes, shaping them to benefit our students.” As schools are implementing the infrastructure needed for technology advancements in the classroom, teachers are being tasked with providing their students with a more individualized approach to learning. Professional development for these teachers is critical to ensure that they are not stretched too thin and their budgetary resources are properly allocated. Support from administrators and coaching from peer mentors in how to approach this new way of teaching has proven to increase the likelihood of success in the classroom. In addition, classroom evaluations are being reconfigured, as sitting in the back of a classroom no longer accurately assesses a teacher’s effectiveness in this new learning environment. The World Economic Forum states that 75 percent of educators and students feel there is a gap in their ability to meet the needs of a growing IT-focused workforce. In addition, 90 percent of organizations currently have an IT skills shortage; by 2020, it is estimated that there will be 1.5 million jobs in the digital industry across the globe. These statistics alone make technology integration into schools a necessity. Not only will our young children come out of their education prepared for a role in a booming industry, but our teachers will have the confidence in knowing that they’ve provided their students the best opportunity for success.   ■ NOW OFFERING WM BAGSTER PICKUP CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE TODAY! DUMPSTER SERVICES 25 OFF $ YOU FILL IT WE EMPTY IT Multiple sizes available when you present this ad! Residential - Commercial - Portable Storage Family owned and operated Serving the Greater Pittsburgh area for over 25 Years! 412-683-4565 [email protected] • Fully Licensed and Insured Reservation Deposits Now Being Accepted for 2018 Units!! Welcome to Chestnut Grove 55+ Living At Its Best! TAXES UNDER $3000 per year: County, Township, School OPEN DAILY 12-3 pm • All Brick Starting at $259,900 • 1600 sq ft Living Space • Monthly Maintenance $205/month • Great Relaxing Location near Moraine State Park with Close Conveniences! www.ChestnutGroveLLC.com 724-290-9396 203 Woodhawk Lane • Butler, PA 16001 PINE-RICHLAND ❘ FALL 2018 41