Prompt #1

Technology has taken a huge step in the past decade, leaving lasting effects on our educational landscape. Students in today’s schools have grown up with technology. These young minds have always had computers and cell phones and televisions to keep them entertained, and valuable information has always been just a click away. At the end of the day, current and future educators need to understand the simple fact that these students likely know more about the different forms of technology available than their own teachers do. These students WANT to use technology: they do not want to be taught straight from a textbook anymore. The Internet and cell phones are two major pieces of technology that has influenced classrooms worldwide. Instead of discouraging the use of either of these tools, teachers need to work with them. Teachers need to find ways to actively engage their students through the use of things like cellphones. The video Pay Attention suggests several ways cellphones could be used productively in a classroom setting, one being for the purpose of a student poll. Instead of punishing our students for wanting to make use of their cellphones or the ever-evolving Internet, we need to show our students that these pieces of technology can be used productively in the classroom. Educators need to use all of the amazing technology available to them to their benefit. I hope to find creative and innovative ways to use technology in my classroom.