Technology in the Classrooms

Classrooms have changed dramatically in the past ten years. Technology is at the main front of everything we are suppose to do. Textbooks companies are encouraging the purchase of Ipads to download their textbook.  It is a great idea but for a school with 80- 90% free lunch the idea of an Ipad as the only textbook and having students take them is not realistic, especially in the lower grades. I know technology is very important and I am all for using it but what is too much use?  Students still need basic skills that require paper and pencil.  Common Core standards require students to write and explain answers, not just give an answer. They have to explain how they found the answer using numbers, words, pictures, and equations.  They do not get to use technology on this test. So if you are using technology and only technology how will these students succeed on the common core test. 21st century student will need to be tested in a 21st century way.  Standardized tests will no longer allow calculators to be used. Students are going to have to figure out problems the old fashion way.  There needs to be a balance between technology and paper and pencil. How much is too much or too little technology? We all need to be on the same page, classrooms, schools and testing, so our students can succeed as a 21st century students.