Journal 5: "Research Windows: Collaboration Makes the Ed Tech World Go Round" NETS-T 1,3,5

Niederhauser, D, & Knezek, G. (2011). Research windows: collaboration makes the ed tech world go round. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Research_Windows_Collaboration_Makes_the_Ed_Tech_World_Go_Round.aspx

Summary:
This article discusses how worldwide collaboration has allowed ed tech to expand to new possibilities.  Due to advances in transportation, telecommunication, and global web connectivity, International collaboration is now a prominent tool for educational growth world wide.  Through these tools educators are able to connect with one another, and schedule conferences around the world, to meet and collaborate on topics such as, standards, conference and research. Through technological advances, today's tech advocates are able to work together "despite distance and cultural differences" to advance technology opportunities and education for our future.(Niederhauser, & Knezek, 2011)
The way collaboration is used is to establish technological standards for our students, and lead to initiatives such as NETS-T.  This has lead to other nations attempt to collaboratively form a set of International technology standards that would provide all nations with a framework for teaching information and communication technology or ICT, in hopes of supporting innovative teachers.  Collaboration also allows educators world wide to meet through conferences in which they are able to share their ideas, research and practices.  These help establish partnership amongst different nations in their shared goal, of expanding technological opportunities, and lead to collaboration amongst many different organizations.  These collaborations ultimately lead to new research, and new technological advances and possibilities.  This research also allows us to see how technology is being used in the classroom world wide, and teaches us how we can improve, as well as the positive effects it will have on future generations. 

Question 1: How could we take global collaboration to the next step?
I believe one way to use technology to advance global collaboration would be to use tools such as skype, to hold digital conferences, where educators around the world could meet and discuss standards and research with out worrying about the expenses of traveling.  In addition, even tools as basic as google docs, would allow people globally to bounce ideas of each other with regards to research and ideas, in which they could collaboratively work together on research for the future. 

Question 2: How can I ensure that I am teaching my students the most current and age appropriate technological skills?
Through memberships such as ISTE, I will allow myself to read up on current  research, as well as participate in collaboration with other educators through conferences, and networking. In addition talking with my peers and using educational tools such as twitter, will allow me to network with other educators and share ideas, research, and resources, to ensure that I am aware of the nations view on technology.