Chapter 1

1. Do you agree with the Stages of Progression made by a teacher implementing technology (see page 4) and depending on the teacher’s philosophy (traditional or contemporary) that progress is limited unless their understanding grows as well?

I agree with the Stages of Progression made by a teacher implementing technology. I also agree that the progress is limited unless teachers' understanding grows. If a teacher still keeps the traditional way of teaching, he only acts as a knowledge transmitter and may be only at the entry or utilization stage. In his mind, he may not be able to think that ICT can enhance teaching and learning. If teachers focus on how students learn to learn instead of how much they can learn, the teachers may see that quality ICT tools can really help develop students' high order thinking and generic skills, and the students will be better prepared for the information age.


2. Where would you rate yourself using Figure 2: Stages of progression made by a teacher implementing technology (page 4) and what might you do to move to the next step?

I would rate myself in the adoption stage. As the integration of ICT into education is encouraging in Hong Kong, I (as an editor in a textbook publisher) need to take the role of a forerunner in the production of curriculum resources related to ICT, in order to meet the need of teachers from now on.

In order to move to the next stage and better equip myself for this change, I need to unlearn the traditional way of doing things, but at the same time, I need to learn from others the innovative ways of preparing quality digital resources. The resources to be provided not only can help my company survive commercially, but also should be closer and closer to schools' needs so that both teachers and students can benefit.


3. Do we need to help our fellow teachers move to the next step of using technology and how might we take a leadership role in this process? Reflect on your situation for science and mathematics or other teaching area that you and your colleagues are currently in to answer this question.

From a publisher's view, teachers need to help their fellow teachers to move to the next step. All the teachers are in fact facing the same challenge. To get through this challenge, a community of practice among teachers in schools should be encouraged. The teachers can follow and learn from one another. They should have an open mind to share and provide mutual support.

In my workplace, although team work is always emphasized and different colleagues may have different roles and skills, we still need to learn from one another in order to upgrade ourselves and take the challenge in the ever-changing commercial world. The challenge that teachers are facing now is in fact the same challenge in my workplace. My colleagues and I need to keep abreast of the trend of ICT in education so that my company can be competent to face this challenge as well.