Prompt #3

The technology today was just making an appearance right around the time I was born. Since I did not have things like computers, cell phones, or the Internet in my house probably until the age of five, I would be considered a digital immigrant. However, my future students will all be digital natives because they have grown up with all of these amazing new sources of technology right at their fingertips. The video Teens Tied to the Screen stated that teenagers spend an average of seven and a half hours a day using some form of technology, whether it be a computer or their own cellphone. It is no secret that today’s students are wired in and connected. As a teacher, I am going to do my best to incorporate my student’s love of technology into my classroom. Instead of discouraging the use of technology, like some of my past teachers did, I want to promote it. One idea I have of utilizing technology in my classroom is the use of a popular social networking site. Students like to use the website Twitter to communicate with their friends and other social groups. I want to create a Twitter account for my class. My students can choose to “follow” me and can follow each other on the website. I will post things that are going on in the class, and students can ask questions to me publicly. Chances are, if one student has a question about something several others will have the same question. Having an online area for students to ask questions is a great way to promote involvement outside of the classroom. Many times, students are shy and do not feel comfortable approaching the teacher or asking a question in front of the entire class. The use of Twitter may allow for students to better feel connected to their teacher and classmates. I realize that I may not be teaching students who are old enough to be using the Internet alone. In that case, I will still utilize a Twitter account for parents to follow and see, and possibly even show their children from time to time. Today’s students have a ton of knowledge on current technology, and it is important for teachers to allow their students to make use of this vast amount of knowledge and experience in technology. Chances are, they could probably teach their teachers quite a bit!