A technology rich classroom has many benefits. Kids relate more to computers, iPods, and video. Technology also captures their attention better than a "boring" lecture. With technology, students get to see the results of their work, which can inspire them advance further.
Integrating technology in the classroom is more than just typing up a book report, or watching a movie. Thanks to technology, students have a greater opportunity to expand their creativity. With editing programs like Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, and Audition, students can take that poster depicting the journey of Christopher Columbus to the next level. Instead of drawing a map on a big piece of poster board, students can now use Photoshop to create an image, then they can record a voiceover describing the event, and put the two together to create a short animation or slideshow.
Kids want to learn more about technology because it is something that has a real world application. This is good news to teachers and parents! Technology in the classroom also provides a great amount of communication and teamwork. Students can work together to create websites and movies. They can also compose emails to one another, which will build upon their communication and language arts skills.
Some students may find they have a talent for web design, or sound and video editing. Who knows, maybe that technology filled classroom will produce the next Spielberg or Steve Jobs!
Technology is becoming more advanced every day. Today's kids are growing up with high speed Internet, computers, cell phones and other electronics. Today's teachers and parents, however, did not have this technology at such an early age. Many of us remember getting our first family computer, and finally having Internet access was a big deal. Our children have never experienced a time before computers.
This poses a challenge to us as educators and parents. Children need to be well exposed to technology in order to succeed in the workforce as adults. The only way to properly educate our children in new innovations is to educate ourselves. We cannot be fearful of technology. In fact, it may turn out that we like these "new fangled" iPhones and tablets.
Another challenge parents and educators are having to face is the price of technology. A laptop is much more expensive than a notebook and pencil. Not all children have the luxury of having a home computer, and many schools do not have the budget to provide a high tech media center. Children from low income homes or schools should not be denied a quality education. If each classroom had access to even just one computer with a projector, the students would still be exposed to technology. With the use of a projector, the teacher could even give computer demonstrations so the students could see a step-by-step process.
While all of this new technology can seem overwhelming, it can really be helpful. A good understanding of technology will instill a greater mutual respect between children and adults. So many times, I have seen adults tell kids they are lazy for doing their research on a computer. I have also seen children who think adults are dumb for not knowing how to use a computer. If both sides had a working knowledge of various forms of technology, they would be able to better communicate with each other, and have a greater respect for one another. With computers and Internet, students have more resources for learning. It takes just as much work to find a credible webpage as it does to browse through books in the library. Fear of technology is detrimental not only to us, but most importantly to the children we are raising.
