I
believe that in this generation it is very important to integrate technology
into the classroom. There are all types of learners, but in the 21st generation
more students are using the "up to date" technology and will be more
interested in learning through many different technological ways!
As
Lynne Schrum and Barbara Levin said in Leading 21st Century Schools,
"today's students, all digital natives who understand and use technology
with ease, actually think differently and therefore need to be taught differently"
(Schrum & Levin, p. 29). This statement is so true. Student's today need to
be taught use technology that they're interested in. Although many students
spend too much time in front of a television or computer screens, most will be
more invested in learning through iPads, iPods, Podcasts, Webinars and so much more!
The last graduate class I took, I created and researched about iPads in the classroom. My research hypothesis was: there will be statistically significant difference between kindergartners learning the alphabet with an iPad than those learning the alphabet without an iPad. Although, I was not able to conduct my study, I believe that students of any grade level would be more engaged in learning something, from colors, to recognizing and formulating letters, to World History, to Physics and Chemistry. Using technology that is up-to-date with students is so important to bring into the classroom.
Do you think technology is the way to go? Hopefully after this blog, I have swayed your ways :)
-Marissa
Schrum
L., Levin B.B (2009). Leading 21st century schools: harnessing technology for engagement and achievement
