Reading Reflection # 1

I found this article to be very true in many ways. Throughout my schooling, my knowledge of technology has for the most part been way above that of many of my teachers. This is one of the things that the article addressed when it stated, "students of almost any age are far ahead of their teachers in computer literacy." I know that in my elementary and high school this was most likely due to the fact that the teachers just had not been introduced to the technology that was available due to the lack of funds or because technology intimidated them! I believe that if teachers at the elementary level especially are comfortable with the computer technology that is now available and they use it to enhance their lessons, students will be much more interested and more likely to become actively involved. I don't believe there is any question about how useful technology truly is in the classroom!
I agree with the statement in the article that said, "I think teachers should be required to go to a technology course." I believe that teachers should constantly use technology to spark student interest by bringing variety to their lessons. If not for this purpose, then for the simple fact that many students across the country are now seeing technology as playing a central role in their lives. This is obvious when almost any where you look students have their own cell phones, ipods, and are constantly on the internet. Many students even have their own laptops and this is occuring at younger and younger ages as time goes on! I predict that in the future we will begin to see younger and younger children carrying laptops from class to class instead of the typical pile of text books.
In conclusion, I believe that all schools should strive to fully integrate technology into all their classed and subject areas. A good way to begin this process of integration is to make use of the technology tips that were included in this article as guidelines for integrating technology into their classes.