Technology Takeover

Technology Takeover

Technology: The Main Frame of Education's Future

According to this picture, technology in schools is motivating the
students to learn and want to learn, which is
definitely something we want as future teachers.
http://www.parentinginformer.com/technology-at-school-into-the-primary-grade-classroom.html

Why should technology exist in schools?

This question seems to cause a lot of controversy in today's society. There are going to always be people

who think technology should not be allowed in school because it will cause the students to rely on the technology too much. I hate to say this but I feel that this has already happened in today's education world. Technology is a HUGE part of life. With this being said, technology should exist in schools in my opinion. Kids as young as 2 years old know how to use a computer or play games on an iPad. Why take that away from that child? In my opinion, starting them out at that young of an age could give them an advantage. Sure they could do other things as a 2 year old but they obviously are interested in the iPad games or they wouldn't be doing it. If educational games are put on the iPad, then they already are getting engaged in the learning done there and it will make it that much easier for when they go to school.

                  

What is the purpose of technology in schools?

   Obviously the purpose of technology in schools is to engage the children and give the students different ways of learning material. Writing papers, doing worksheets, group work, etc. can get old after awhile. Also, doing all of those things doesn't interest some students. By using technology in school, students are given the opportunity to use creativity and open up a whole new world of excitement for them. The amount of technology advantages is unlimited. From blogs to prezis to iPad apps and so on, a technology takeover is occurring. This picture below provides insight of what are some of the things you can do with the technology out there.

http://www.bibb.k12.ga.us/Page/18899

These are only a few of the things students can use/do in the classroom. What I love about this picture is that it shows not only what the students can do but also shows what the teacher can do. That shows that a classroom where only students are using technology is not what is needed but a classroom where teachers and students both are using technology is what is really going to work. With that being said, a technology takeover is occurring but that does not mean it should take over the whole classroom. In an elementary school, coloring and centers without technology are still needed so the kinesthetic learners can learn the best way that they can. In a middle and high school, group work is still needed so the children are able to interact with each other. They don't need to be behind a computer all day but instead interacting with their classmates as well. With all this being said, it means that technology should be integrated into the classrooms and used to the best of its ability. It doesn't mean that teachers should put a video in for the whole class period or give an assignment on the iPad/computer that last the whole class period either. It means that teachers should teach in front of the class and use technology as well so they are integrating everything together.

http://homesecuritysystems1.info/technology-in-the-classroom/

What are my experiences with technology in school?

   I went to a magnet school for my elementary school and there we would try to incorporate technology almost every day in our lesson. I can remember that each day we would use an overhead projector to learn with and the teachers tried to get the students engaged and involved with that. Twice a week we would go to the computer lab where we would play educational games but also have a typing game that we would play so we could work on faster and better typing (I always thought that game wouldn't really help me in the long run but boy has it ever). 

In middle school was when things got really good. In my first middle school class ever, there was a smart board and I can remember thinking that was the coolest thing ever. The thought of going up to the smart board and writing on it was just so epic to me and all other other kids in my classroom. In middle school we also got to rent laptops and other things from the library so that was pretty awesome as well. We would rent the laptops a lot for my science class which I thought was strange because I thought it would have been for my English class but it wasn't. My English teacher was "old-school" as some of us would call it about using pencil and paper, which I really didn't mind. 

High school was where technology really set in for me. I remember we could bring our laptops and use our cell phones in class for work that needed to get done. The cell phones and laptops became somewhat of a distraction but the teachers knew when to say it was time to be done because they could sense things getting out of hand. We had everything from smart boards to laptops to cameras to iPads to recorders to overhead projectors. The list goes on and on. This is also how college is. The library at NC State provides you with the option to use everything you could think of when it comes to technology. As life goes on, the list will probably get longer and longer.

 I would say for the most part my technology experience was positive. My teachers were really good about integrating the technology just enough. They knew when enough was enough and knew where to draw the line with all of it. They all made sure we still used pencil and paper on an day to day basis. I really liked how some of my teachers found unique ways to use the technology which I found really interesting. I like when things were mixed up and it wasn't just repetitive. Overall, technology in my education has been really well. I definitely agree with technology in schools but after all of my experiences, I will know when enough is enough and will know when it is time to bring out the good ole pencil and paper. :)

http://www.weareteachers.com/blogs/post/2013/05/29/how-much-is-too-much-classroom-technology-