. . Reading assignment # 1 . .
Schools, teachers behind in technology use

This article is about the increased use of technology is schools. It states how more and more students rely on the internet for school-related programs and help. However, the schools systems are reluctance to modernize their methods of teaching despite all the students' claims. Students feel that computers would greatly benefit them in the classroom. However, many teachers lack sufficient knowledge about computers and therefore feel uncomfortable teaching children about/with them.

Computer courses were not required for pre-service teachers in the past so it’s understandable why they would not want to use them now. They have become comfortable in their teaching style and might be afraid of change. No wonder teachers feel uncomfortable with computers when their students know more about them and are more technologically advanced than they are. They, the teachers, are supposed to be viewed as the keepers of knowledge, not a computer.

However, computers would greatly benefit both students and teachers. Teachers need to realize that computers could act as a second teacher in the classroom. They could benefit each individual student by acting as a one-on-one tutor. Students have the ability to learn and advance at their own pace. Computers would be the perfect addition to any classroom. Children love using computers and learning about technology. It’s a great way for children to become engaged in what they are learning about, especially when it appears as a game to them. Computers also benefit teachers. There are copious high-quality resources on the internet for teachers to take advantage of. They could have new and engaging lesson ideas in seconds!

School systems use the excuse that they are lacking in funding. It clearly states in the article that even the government report rejects that idea. School systems should not put a price on education. They are holding their students back by not educating them in computer use. Just about every job now requires basic computer knowledge. Students need to be educated in the computer field. If school systems refuse to embrace technology they are allowing a child’s quality of education to suffer.

As a future teacher I plan on taking full advantage of technology in the classroom. I want to take as many technology classes as possible and learn to use computers and the internet as a beneficial teaching tool. Teaching ideas and lesson plans are endless with the help if the internet! It’s a wonderful tool that all students and teachers should take full advantage of!




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