My Opinion

I think technology is very important both inside and outside of the classroom. It connects people and makes life easier in many different ways. Inside the classroom, technology is important because it can add to lessons. For example, some students learn better visually so they might do better researching information online or looking at pictures.

 Technology can also inspire students. Students will enjoy doing something different than the "norm". Treasure hunts and WebQuests can excite students! They might not even realize they are learning. In IT 7360, I have learned many ways to incorporate technology into the classroom from text messaging to online posters at Glogster! Students will appreciate that teachers are willing to make lessons fun and engaging. They will probably brag to their friends and parents about how "cool" their teacher is!


Parents will also appreciate the use of technology in the classroom. Websites and blogs are great ways to interact with parents. Websites make it possible for parents to know about activities going on inside of school and inside the classroom. Teachers can post class calendars, forms and documents, study guides, assignments, announcements, etc on their websites.


However, technology should not be used as a crutch. If a lesson is great without technology, a teacher should not add it just to add it. Students will get tired of this. Then lessons with technology will not seem fun to them. That will become the new “norm” and how can anyone top that? In addition, teachers should be prepared for technology to mess up! I had a professor spend all summer making lesson plans, activities, and online tests because she thought the class was going to be in a computer lab. It turned out that the class was in the most ancient classroom on campus! It only had a projector! All of the time she spent over the summer was wasted. She had to print out all her PowerPoint slides onto clear projector sheets and make her tests into paper tests.


Technology is a great thing! There are so many ways to have fun and be creative in the classroom!