My Technology Past, Present, and Future

I remember one day in fourth grade our teacher brought us to the computer lab and sat us each down in front of a computer. We were then told to bring up a program called “All the Right Type”. This program was supposed to teach all of us how to type proficiently on a computer. This was also the first time that I had ever needed to come up with a password. After that day we continued to practice typing in the computer lab as well as integrating the internet and other computer programs into our education. I still sometimes rather research with physical copies of information, like books, but the internet became a very resourceful tool, especially as I got older. I was taught how to write a well formed essay using Microsoft Word rather than a notebook. In middle school a couple of math teachers started using smart boards instead of white boards. Smart board projectors replaced overhead projectors, which lead to even more integration of technology into the classroom as you could directly connect a computer to what was being shown on the screen in front of the classroom.

When I become a teacher, hopefully of a grade somewhere between second and fifth, I will integrate some technology into my classroom. I still believe it is important for students to have to work on their hand writing legibility for not everything can be typed, but with that I also believe it is important for students to know how to use a computer as a sometimes quicker and easier writing tool. Using the internet as a resource is also a very good tool for students, but with that I will have to teach the idea of plagiarism and how to use what is on the internet to add to an idea rather than just copy and pasting. Computer programs are also very useful to not only help teach a student how to get a point across, but also to keep a student’s attention. They can help give a visual model of what you’re talking about; allowing a better grasp on the subject and games can keep a child interest while still forcing them to practice concepts and ideas.

One of the things I anticipate to be most difficult about using technology in the classroom is that technology is always changing. What I am learning to use today, may not be relevant tomorrow. Though this ever changing aspect is one thing that makes technology so valuable, it can be hindering if you do not know how to use it. Technology also often is not cheap. Manufacturers are always improving and putting out new products that may make old products out of date. For public schools, which are greatly impacted by the economy, it may be impossible to get certain technology or enough of that said technology. For instance, a school may have a set of laptops for teachers to use, but then teachers have to work around what days they are able to sign up to use those computers. 

Print Page in IE