Technology in Education

I feel that technology is, and should be, an important learning tool in today’s schools. Kids are exposed to so much technology from the time they are born that it is second nature to them. I think that kids are more comfortable using a computer than a text book and that they are better able to relax and learn from sources they are comfortable with. I think that technology can be appropriately integrated into most things done at school. Technology can be a huge asset for science; kids can use the internet to research plants, animals, planets, or even technology. Websites like Google Earth would be great for geography.. I would be careful using technology in spelling. A tool that has automatic spell check may not help a lot. I would also make sure to keep some paper and pencil math. I think that physically writing and doing math helps a person’s brain to develop necessary problem solving skills.

I would definitely label myself a digital immigrant. I usually need to be explicitly told how to do new technological things. A native can, and usually prefers, to figure things out on their own. My students are almost guaranteed to be natives. Most people I know that are in elementary right now know how to use a lot more technology than me and know how to use it better. I am definitely feeling intimidated by the coming task of keeping digital native students engaged and learning through technology.