Why Integrate Technology into the Classroom?

Today's classrooms are not like the classrooms of  twenty, ten, or even five years ago.  Technology is moving a speed that we have never seen before.  New devices, applications, programs, and tools are being invented by the minute. Classrooms today have the chance to take advantage of these innovations, to increase student learning and engagement.  The world is literally at the fingertips of every student with access to the internet.  The classroom has become a globalized place of learning where barriers have been torn down and replaced with opportunities.  

One of the most simple, cost effective, and easy ways to introduce technology into the classroom is through the various Google applications.  Applications such as Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Spreadsheets, are all simple, free tools that can be accessed by any device that has internet capabilities.  Through these applications, the classroom can instantly become a place of collaboration and creativity.  Another free and easy to use web 2.0 tool we learned about in this class is Blogger.  I really enjoyed becoming familiar with the program and learned how to create my own personalized blog page.  The simplicity and functionality of the site make it a great tool that can be used within any classroom.  I enjoyed creating a digital story using animoto, and believe that this could be a great resource for students who are visual or musical learners.  Another tool that I got a real laugh out of was lunapic, because I was able to "Obamarize" myself!

Today's teachers are tasked with the responsibility of keeping up with the ever-changing technology.  Although we continue to get older, our students always stay the same age.  These students will certainly be up to date with the latest and greatest technology, so it is important that we are as well.  In order to do so, teachers should stay connected and involved in their professional learning communities.  These are great places to stay up to date with the technological advances in the classroom.  Teachers must continue to be great learners in order to be great educators.