Technology in the classroom

In 3rd grade my teacher won a grant that got palm pilots in our classroom. While now palm pilots seem a bit extinct in the tech world, they were exciting to use as a third grader. We read the news on them, wrote ourselves notes, and played games. This and the AlphaSmart keyboard (remember those?) were my first taste of technology beyond computers in the classroom. As time as gone on we see touch screen computers, iPads, and new variations of the classic blackboard in classrooms. Technology in the classroom is often in the form of electronics that enhance the classroom experience. It’s important to integrate technology into our classrooms, as there’s so much it can do and it’s not going anywhere.

Technology is, and will continue to be, a part of our lives. It’s important to utilize the tools we have access to in beneficial ways. Things like the Smartboard and the Elmo are replacing the chalkboard which makes some people cringe (technology! Taking over our world!), but considering the improvements they make in the classroom, it’s no wonder they are being integrated. The ability to show a computer screen on the wall, to write on the wall and easily erase, to write in many colors… these are just a few of the features of these products. We are able to access so many different mediums with a smart board, which can engage children in different ways. We all know this important because not every student learns in the same way. I do believe there is a time and place for technology (no need for electronics on the playground), but we can’t ignore that it has been beneficial to many learners, to the environment, and to organization. We can engage learners in new ways and new technology extends to help ELL students and special education classrooms in ways we couldn’t before.