Explosion of Technology

Technology advances every day in almost every career field.  Doctors, lawyers, dentists, chiropractors, contractors, business owners, and teachers all use technology in today’s society more than ever before.  Technology takes notice everywhere, especially in our nation’s school systems.  Consider this data collected by Jon Bailey, U.S. Department of Education’s director of educational technology: “In 1994, 3 percent of classrooms in U.S. public schools had access to the Internet; in the fall of 2002, 92 percent had access.”  Furthermore, Bailey adds, “In 2002, 86 percent of public schools reported that they had a Web site or Web page, from 75 percent in 2001.”  Notice the trend?  Technology is not diminishing in schools; instead, an explosion of technology fills our schools.  As a future educator, I feel that technology enhances student learning when the following four components remain intact: correct usage of computers, technological lesson plans that cause critical thinking, adequate teacher training, and standards, or goals set for students to accomplish.

To start, computers at school must be used correctly.  It is no longer enough to just have computers available.  Having computers does not accomplish anything, what is done on computers enhances learning.  For instance, I believe that there is a time and a place for learning and entertainment.  Entertainment provided by computers, such as computer games, listening to music, and online chats,  should happen within the student’s home or after school programs such as at The Boys and Girls Club.  In fact, I spent some time at the Boys and Girls Club, and I have found that entertaining games capture the students’ attention.  However, I also now realize that these games are also educational.  For example, Zoo Tycoon teaches responsibility, Gadgets and Such teaches creativity and basic science laws. Even though there are some educational games available, I still believe that at school these games should not be played.  Therefore, while my students are working on the computers, only educational applications will take place.  For example, I believe that Microsoft Office programs such as Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher are all educational tools that can compliment almost every lesson.  These programs invite creativity to flourish within the student and after learning these applications, lessons will be remembered and have a deeper meaning to students.  In addition, using good, educational software on computers must happen as well.  Janet Schwab, a technology expert at Navarrete Elementary in <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Arizona</st1:place></st1:State>, spoke to my college computer science class and gave a list of appropriate software used in schools.  Among the long list are the following: Inspiration, Time Liner, AR, and Star.  I plan on using the same or similar software with my students because of the benefits they offer.  I believe that time spent on computers should be a learning zone, not a game zone, and by using the time wisely with good computer applications and software this will happen.

Similarly to correctly using the computers, I also know that another vital component is providing students with lesson plans that cause critical thinking to take place. At the beginning of my computer science course, I had the opportunity to create a WebQuest.  WebQuests are wonderful ways to create critical thinking opportunities.  Moreover, not only do they allow critical thinking, but WebQuests are one way to integrate technology into the core curriculum.  To clarify, a WebQuest is a lesson plan done completely on the computer and lends itself in being student led, which allows discovery learning.  WebQuests challenge students and allow them to view computer access in a different light.  I believe that the benefits of WebQuests are unlimited; therefore, this method of teaching will be used in my classroom.  Another way to allow critical thinking using technology is by having students’ complete interactive puzzles.  After speaking to a third grade teacher, I am aware that puzzles are not completed by students anymore because of other enticing computer programs.  However, puzzles are designed for critical thinking processes to flourish.  The answer is not given until the time and effort is invested into the project. There are many puzzle sights on computers that want to be discovered.  I feel that puzzles hold priceless benefits for students and just as I will use WebQuests, I will use puzzles in my lesson plans.

Because of my strong beliefs about presenting critical thinking lesson plans and using computers correctly, I, the teacher, need to have adequate training in regards to technology. I feel that I cannot teach what I do not know; therefore, it is my responsibility to learn about computers and technology within the school system. Even though there will be professional development opportunities when I become a teacher, I feel that being proactive is essential and therefore, I will prepare now to face technological demands.  I have and will continue to take computer courses at the university level so that my basic computer knowledge can grow.  I will also strive for the technology credential offered through Arizona State University.  Not only will I do these two things, but I will continue to attend workshops and guest speakers in regards to technology so that I will stay current on information.  For example, I was able to attend a Techathalon at the Boys and Girls Club where I watched students build computers from the ground up, and where I had the opportunity to listen to Terry Goddard, <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Arizona</st1:place></st1:State>’s Attorney General, speak on Internet safety.  I also attended another Boys and Girls Club in Chandler where I witnessed students learning how to search the Internet for reliable resources, practice typing skills, and I watched the students use a web cam to their advantage.  It is opportunities like these, which will benefit me as a future teacher.  I need to be prepared in order to become a successful teacher.  By being proactive, I can learn and develop computer savvy skills that I can pass on to my students.

The explosion of technology has occurred within the last twenty years and I feel that it will continue in the next twenty years even stronger. Educators all over the world should use this wonderful tool as long as computers are used correctly, lesson plans invite critical thinking, adequate training for teachers is evident, and reasonable standards are set for students.  Students are in classrooms preparing for their future careers, and since most careers use technology, schools need to teach this important subject matter so that they can be equipped for life.  Students are teachers’ number one priority and every opportunity to find success should be granted to them.  Technology is advancing in schools, and teachers need to advance along beside it.

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