Technology in the Classroom

          Technology in the classroom has transformed in the 10 years that I have been an educator.  From the first day that I stepped into the class until now the difference is astonishing.  I can remember making KTIP lesson plans for the “technology” requirement and including things as low-tech as an overhead projector or using an out of date “student” computer for dial-up internet access research.  Now as you look into my classroom you can see things ranging from IPads to student laptops to a mounted projector feed into by a wireless connection. 

                These changes have impacted the way instruction is given and received.  The opportunities and possibilities are endless and honestly overwhelming.  In my own classroom my “normal” instruction includes the use of the mounted projector for internet content or a simple PowerPoint to guide instruction, I also regularly check out the set of laptops from the library to provide individual or group research opportunities.  If I walk down the hall I can see a wide variety of technology being used in the different content areas.  The math teacher next door using the IPad set the school has for math learning, the science teacher plugged in with educational YouTube videos enhancing her content, the language arts teacher with the laptop set having students type up a personal narrative.  The point is that technology has found its way into every area of learning in some way or another. 

                Are all the uses and changes brought on by technology good in my opinion?  No.  I think sometimes technology can be overused or leaned on to heavily in instruction.  But I do think the good has outweighed the bad and technology has made teaching easier in many regards.  I am also excited to see what is next on the horizon as I highly doubt technology is going to come to a screeching halt anytime soon.