affects each and every one of us, whether we like it or not. As a future
educator, I need to become responsible in keeping up with technology and
applying it with my students. It is important for the teachers to become
efficient when using technology so they are able to help students. Technology in
classrooms, as shown in the video below, is helping many students in Austin,
Texas. Not only are the students and teachers going paperless and therefore
becoming more environmentally friendly, they are learning much more. It is important for teachers to apply technology in the classroom because it seems to keep the students much more involved and included. Test scores have also improved in that school district and it is because the use of technology in the classroom. Classrooms have come a long way from just chalkboards and chalk. Many classrooms do not even have those anymore, and that is why it is important for teachers to familiarize themselves with Smartboards, computers, programs, Podcasts, and even videos to keep the students entertained and involved during lessons. Students are growing up around technology now more than ever and are quite frequently exposed to many forms of it-- like cell phones, laptops, video ngames, and MP3 players. Teacher's need to respect what students are used to and try and apply different forms of technology in the classroom for them. For example, in the STEM school in Akron, technology plays a huge part. I observed students reading on electronic books called Nooks, and even a few read on their Ipod Touches. The teachers at this school respect the student's desire to use technology, and the enthusiasm these students had for reading was truly amazing. The students were only told to read half of a chapter book, but many read it all because it was so cool doing it on their Nooks.
Technology has come a long way from a hundred years ago. From no televisions to 3D televisions
and from typing on a typewriter to using a laptop, students are now able to be more creative and teachers are able to encourage that. Technology will be ever changing, and teachers need to realize that what they learn today can differ in a matter of years. It is important to keep up with the times and let our students do their best. Without the use of technology in the classroom, it would only hold the teachers and the students back.
The post that I can relate this to was on March 18th, 2011 titled, "NEOTech Conference 2011."
I liked this particular quote: "Whew! We made it. Garth and I just finished our first Keynote presentation at
the NEOtech conference in Akron. We were able to (hopefully) inspire the
attendees to integrate technology and create an even better learning experience
for their students."
As mentioned earlier, I believe that tecnhology in the classroom will create a better learning experience for students. Many programs are free, as shown on their blog, and can really keep students engaged in doing different activities in the classroom.
These websites are show the importance of technology in the classroom :
1. Effects of Technology on Classroom and Students
2. Creating Postitive Relationships with Technology in the Classroom
3. Using Technology in the Early Child Classroom