Journal Entry #1-The "5 Whys" Technique

ID Project Idea- Majority of the teachers I support in my district have little knowledge of Web 2.0 technologies or how to integrate them into their instruction. Even though our district offers a training that introduces a few Web 2.0 technologies, teachers are not being trained on how to create lessons that utilize these tools.  I would like to create a workshop that shows teachers how to design lessons that integrate Web 2.0 technologies into their instruction in any subject area. The problem my design will address is the absence of training on integrating Web 2.0 technologies in different lessons.

The reason this lack of training on showing teachers how to incorporate Web 2.0 technologies into their instruction/ lesson planning is a problem is because teachers are not utilizing these technologies in their classroom and are sticking to more traditional instructional method which students don’t always find engaging

The reason this is a problem is because this generation of students are digital natives. They are very technologically savvy and Web 2.0 technologies often provide engaging, challenging ways of learning new concepts which appeal to students of this generation.

Another reason this is a problem is there are technology TEKS that are supposed to be taught in every classroom. Teachers have a responsibility to incorporate different technologies in the classroom and allow students to work with them as well.

The “5 Whys” technique was extremely useful in allowing me justify why this project was beneficial and it allowed me to think critically on my feelings toward the training opportunities in my district.  It did change the direction of my project. Originally I was going to address the utilization of one Web 2.0 technology but as I was going through each “why” I found a greater need for the teachers in our district and decided to go in that direction. I really like the clarity this technique brought to my project ideas and I will definitely utilize it again.