The role of technology in the classroom can be a very
powerful tool. It can play music that helps sooth and develop a classroom
environment, allow access to resources from around the world, help communicate
to others, and can create interactive and personal lessons. These tools can be
used to help develop the students into strong individuals who can later on use
the technologies they learned from early on to develop and strengthen our
world.
As a future elementary educator I believe technology in the
classroom is not just a tool but a necessity. I think that as these students
are growing up in the digital era, that the classroom itself must reflect these
technologies. I believe computers are a must for students, to not only gain
hand-eye coordination but so that they can get a glimpse at technology that
they will be using later in their education. Also, an Ipod containing books,
music, and educational applications will be used by the students to heighten
their technology experience. Also I believe that a Smartboard, would be an
amazing technology source in the classroom as well. A Smartboard is an
interactive white board that uses a projector screen to display its information.
This is a great technology resource because on it interactive, touch screen
games can be played (word play, Elkonian boxes, etc.) but also movies and
interactive study programs. All of these technologies also allow me to model
proper digital responsibility. This can be done by showing the students how to
use technology safely and accurately through classroom activities and setting
up guidelines that are easy to follow and posted within the classroom. With just these few technological resources a
student will be able to learn by visual, auditory and kinesthetic cues. But in the end, how will these resources
shape our students in the future if they are such great tools?
With the guidelines/netiquette, covered and posted, technology
in the classroom will allow students to start from the basics. Being that most
students will not know how to use a computer in early elementary, the basic
skills will be developed in class and will allow students to grow in their
knowledge. With the education of netiquette being covered so early, children
will know not to bully, post negative pictures/posts or pass personal
information to strangers, thus making our students responsible digital citizens
with responsibility and great leadership abilities. Technology is a great
resource in the classroom and can have amazing effects on a child’s learning,
development and in the end great personal growth through new tools and
resources.