Integrating Technology in the Classroom

As teachers tap into the power of technology, they will see a whole new technique to teaching and keeping students motivated. In our textbook, Roblyer and Doering refer to computers as an extension of ourselves, such as a musical instrument. This concept stems from the concept that technology is not just a tool to teach what we already know, it supports a students quest for learning. Software for today's classrooms has changed as well. It is designed to support students exploration of information so they may generate their own knowledge. Teachers can use new, innovative software in the classroom, and as an outside connection. The goal is not for students to separate school from their home life. The goal is to have a continuation of what they have learned in the classroom in practice and in application. A good way to do this is to provide a website that students may access from home, where they can chat about homework, look at teacher provided websites, and even play games that engage the students in some higher level thinking. Today' s students may spend as much time on the computer over the weekend as they do in an entire school day. They are already there, why not take advantage of it?

In the video "Schools Use of Games for Learning and Assessment" they showed simulations of situations that students can practice on their own without risk. Eliminating risk in the classroom allows students to make mistakes and learn from them. It also allows them to explore and take chances, and that is how learning happens. It provides differentiation in that students are learning at their own pace. Games and simulations have been shown to have great success with underachieving boys that have been labeled ADHD.

In the video "Digital Youth Portrait:Sam" Sam's mother commented on the skills that technology has given to her daughter. Teamwork, problem-solving, competitiveness, strategizing, creativity, trial and error, and exploration are all skills that we, as teachers, are trying to get students to engage in. One video commented that technology will transform public education. That the best teacher will be on each student's desk. What are the pitfalls? For one, job security.