Using Technology in the Classroom

Using technology in the classroom is commonplace now. I love this sculpture. It was in the lobby of the hotel in Seoul when we were there in 2009. I think it speaks well to how the children of the 21 century are different learners than those of the 20th century. They are so tech savvy, that the traditional ways of teaching need to be spiced up to get their attention.

I enjoy using technology in my classroom and the kids seem to be finding it engaging. Even simple things like projecting a worksheet on the board interests them. The same worksheet handed out to them at their desks would not get their attention. Little do they know that they are still doing the same task.

Classrooms look so different nowadays. It is not uncommon to find computers, ipads, ipods, document cameras, video cameras, smartboards,  interactive whiteboards, projectors, cameras and other pieces of technology in many schools. Websites are now a common source of reference and paper worksheets are often replaced by interactive worksheets projected on the board.

As children are exposed to more and more multimedia before they even enter school, it is becoming more evident that we need to tap into this learning style that has been created and direct it in a positive way. Technology is not supposed to replace our teaching, it is supposed to enhance it and help engage learning.