Technology in 2008

While reading about the many types of technology that are available for our students to use, I was impressed with the sheer number of various tools there are now. For our students to be competent in the future, we will need to begin now to allow them to use as many different types as there are available. While looking at the comparisons on our last assignment, it fascinated me that there was virtually something for everyone. While I, myself, am becoming more comfortable with allowing my students to use technology in the classroom, it seems that more and more teachers have already begun. I use, what I call technology (...internet, games, email, blogs, research, etc.) at home more often than I do in the classroom. I assign projects for the students to complete at home with the help of their families. They are given instructions to use the internet to assist them with their research. They must type their projects and use a printer to produce their work. The students learn how to insert pictures. They use Google and other search engines to assist in their research. At the end of the project, they must share their findings with the class. This year, I will suggest that a slideshow or PowerPoint may help them with their presentation. This is a wonderful way for the parents to help the students. In class, I pull up references online and do activities large group with the students, but do not have the resources in the classroom for the students to use these tools at will. I look forward to the day when I can make assignments and allow the students to go to the computer station and browse the internet for help with their projects. Technology must become a top priority in the education of today's students. I am willing to learn but still need the technical support of the system to make this a reality.