After reading Doug Johnson's "Seven Stupid Mistakes" and "Seven Brilliant Ideas to Use Technology," I agree with the lists completely. To begin with, he begins the list with a famous quote, "Stupid is as Stupid does." He can tolerate most things but there are 7 mistakes that Mr. Johnson despises. The two most important points I found on the list was numbers 2 and 7. The first one discussed how teachers should not use the school's computer for personal business or activities. Throughout today's news, there is always an article discussing teachers getting caught doing something they should not be doing, while at work. The education administration has the authority to search any premise, under suspicion or no suspicion, they might deem necessary. I believe that these teachers are either too naive or ignorant to think about the consequences of using the school computer as a home computer. School computers should only be used for educational purposes. Next, number 7 says that it is "stupid to think that technology in school will go away." Technology has just begun to take form in the classrooms throughout the world. I believe that technology is a vital component to achieving success in today's classroom. I am not saying that society will abandon the popular pencil and paper methods, but it will be a requirement to be technologically literate.
In Mr. Johnson's second list, I found numbers 3 and 7 to be the most important. Communication between the parents and teacher is imperative in a child's life. Waiting until the parent-teacher conference will not cut it in today's society. Brilliant teachers are devoted to keeping in touch with the parents through various mediums, like email, phone, class websites, and even weekly newsletters. Secondly, there is much delight in the "discovery, the newness, and fun that technology holds." Nowadays, children are introduced to technology at very early ages. Instead of restricting technology usage, why not embrace it? It is a positive move to incorporate technology in the classroom because it takes learning to a whole new level and makes it fun for the students and the teachers.
Here's a link to Doug Johnson's lists:
Seven Brilliant Things Teachers do with Technology
Seven Stupid Mistakes Teachers Make with Technology
You're right about teachers and parents communicating. I've heard so many conversations from both perspectives--parents and teachers--that prove more communication conveying the positives and negatives of student progress helps build confidence in the teacher and provide needed support for students.
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