Digital Blog Post #A- Chapter 1

Digital Badge #A - Chapter1

We live in the era of technology. Many people know how to use it and its advancement has changed our world, but more in general, our student's world. The iGeneration (youngsters aged 8-18) uses the Internet, computers, and other devices in their everyday lives.  It's no shock that these students spend about one-thirds of their day on the Internet. As I was researching the importance of integrating technology in the classroom, I found an article called Impact of Technology in Elementary Classrooms. The article had a list of statistics that proves that technology makes an impact. My favorite statistic is that over 70% of iTunes apps are designed for elementary and pre-school students (Everyday Family.) As a future educator, it is important that I stay updated on new technologies to create more efficient and engaging ways for my students to learn. 

In a teacher's world, this technology demand may be overwhelming.  I will be using technologies including a Technology-Based Library which holds a large number of curriculum resources, a Technology-Based Textbook; also known as Net Text that serves as a guide for teachers with previously made lesson plans, a Technology-Based Learning Environment which is an "online classroom" where students can view posts, notes, and discussions from their own source, a Technology-Based Teaching Tool; a device that makes it possible for teachers to lengthen time spent with his/her students such as dividing the class in to two, and lastly a Technology-Based Office; an electronic office used for organizing work such as Microsoft word, emails, and grade keeping. Using these technologies are critical to a student's learning educational succession. 

Lastly, we need to focus on working with our students using 21st century skills. For our students to be more successful in this advancing technology world, we must use these skills to teach our students to be more complex and creative thinkers. Using 21st century skills means using computers, the Internet and social media will help my students be more critical thinkers and problem solvers. A big and important 21st century skill is Web 2.0 tools. These tools include blogs, wiki, and social networking. 

In conclusion, we know the extreme importance of bringing the technology world into the classroom. This will transform a student's world immensely.  Many statistics prove that almost everyone uses some form of technology every day. With the fast advancement of technology, i need to stay educated and creative to create the best environment for my classroom. 

Photo credit to Wayan Vota on Flickr

References

Bhaskar, K., Santosh. "Impact of Technology in Elementary Classrooms." EdTechReview. Web. 2015. 5 September, 2015.

Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.