Technology in Education

My feelings on this topic have certainly evolved quite a bit over the past few years. In the past, I was markedly "anti-technology." I owned a computer for the sole purpose of typing papers for school. I did not have Internet hookup in my dorm room. I did not e-mail, instant message, or web surf. When visiting the homes of my more techno-savvy friends, my eyes would begin to glaze over at the mere mention of hard drives or gigabytes. Part of my resistance stemmed from the fact that I felt that these new forms of media were detracting from more traditional formats, such as books and letters (I mean tangible, handwritten on paper and mailed with a stamp kind of letters.) My (paranoid) mind would begin to concoct images of a future akin to the one described in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, and it was more than I could stand. I held fast to my opinion that technology was something to be feared for many years. Then, two years ago, I had the privilege of working alongside a very gifted teacher who made it her mission to change my view on technology, especially as it is used in the classroom.

This teacher, Mrs. W., taught both English and Social Studies in a sixth grade classroom. Her classroom, and her lessons, were rich in technology. I watched as over the course of a year she had her students doing everything from creating concept maps on palm pilots to navigating through web quests to designing their own PowerPoints. Her students appeared more engaged than they otherwise may have been. They were able to explore and expand on the lesson content in ways not previously thought of. They gained a better understanding of the different ways in which technology could be used. And after all of this, Mrs. W. simply looked at me and asked, "Have I changed your mind at all?"

She had. But there was still so much I had to learn. Remember, I am a person who spent her entire life avoiding all things digital. If I was now going to delve into this foreign world of IT with the hopes of one day using it in my own classroom, I knew I would have my work cut out for me. Over the past year, I have spent more time playing with technology, and have grown a bit more comfortable. I designed my first PowerPoint on reading fluency, and I also designed a web quest on sea turtles that I used in a first grade learning support classroom. The kids loved it, and they really learned so much more than they had from previous classes on the topic. In putting together these different projects, and in watching the children work through them, I realized that I had been fully converted. Mrs. W. would be proud.

So what are my feelings on technology in education? I think that technology, if used correctly, is something that can enrich and support students' learning, not detract from it. First of all, there is something about technology that is very motivating to students. In my experience, children appear more enthusiastic and attentive when working on the computer. I also think that using technology in the classroom can provide students with unique educational experiences, such as taking a virtual field trip or designing a blog or e-zine. Finally, I think that part of preparing our students for the future means preparing them to navigate effectively in a world that is permeated by digital media.

I also think that we as educators have a responsibility to use technology wisely. While I recognize that technology can help to enhance student learning, I also believe that it is by no means a substitute for quality instruction. Using technology in the classroom is something that requires both time and energy. If we as educators are to invest this time and energy, I believe we need to ensure that what we are doing truly will enhance our students' overall learning experience in a way that other forms of media cannot.

That having been said, I look forward to learning more about the various ways to use technology in the classroom, and to applying that knowledge.