Tech+Integration


 * Technology in the classroom**

As I am struggling to set up my wikispace and figure out exactly what a podcast is, children are using the technology of today and mastering it. The video __Harness Your Student's Digital Smarts__ hit a cord with me because of where I live. Georgetown Colorado is not the end of the world, but we can tend to be very isolated. Westwood school, in rural Camilla Georgia reminds me of our community. Yet, through technology, the students at Westwood are working with people worldwide expanding their community to the world. They are loving what they are doing, since they are using current technology, and are learning and getting empowered in the process. I have always been afraid of technology because of the dangers that face our children from using it. What I have learned from this video is that technology should be embraced as a teaching tool. To protect our children from dangers we just need to show them how to use the technology properly, teach them of potential dangers, and show them precautions they can take to keep themselves safe.

We are bombarded by technology daily. Our world has changed. As educators we need to stay current and change with the times as well, which means bringing as much new technology into the classroom as possible and using it with the students. Technology is very important to bring into the classroom because of the positive effect that it has on the students. Today’s students yearn for technology. When we incorporate technology into the classroom, odds are it will connect the students more to the lesson plans because the medium being used is exciting and important to them. This, in turn, will facilitate learning and comprehension because we are bringing the lesson plans to their level. If we want our children to be successful and empowered, we need to teach them the technology of today to make them more prepared for the future where technology, and information obtained with it, will constantly change and grow. I want my students to succeed, so as a teacher I plan to try and stay current with new technology, and use it in as many creative ways as I can with every lesson, be it looking up the weather on a weather site or creating a classroom web page. The possibilities really are endless. media type="custom" key="6855755" align="center"