Essential Question: Integrating Technology

Integrating technology into lessons is important because, as discussed in class on Jan. 4, teachers need to focus on what the student is learning not on what is being taught. Students in today's world learn through being hands on. They use different forms of technology to communicate such as texting on a cell phone, updating their Twitter or Facebook page and sending e-mails. Creating a hand written letter is something that is rarely seen into today's world. With resources available, like computers and calculators, which are used in everyday life it makes no sense as to why a teacher wouldn't incorporate them into the classroom. Teaching is about engaging the student and helping them to learn through the way they learn best.

The purpose of integrating technology into learning is not only to help the student learn in the way they know best, but also because it ties into everyday life. As discussed in class, it isn't often that we are presented with a long division math problem and don't have access to a calculator. Integrating technology into learning also helps keep the students engaged and can make lessons more fun. For example using Wordle to show students what the focus of their essay really is. By bringing technology into the classroom, it not only engages the student but it prepares them for real world situations with technology after they graduate.