Technology Taken to the Classroom

It is obvious that I have a passion for technology. I have learned to enjoy the anticipation of what the next big thing will be. How will it change my life? How will it change my classroom? How will it change the world as we have come to know it?

Reflecting on my upbringing I remember key moments in my technological history, such as my family's first personal computer (and the countless games of solitaire I played on it), my first scientific calculator, graphing calculator, dial up internet access, cell phones, high speed wireless networks, and so on. The list goes on and on. The list is also ever changing. These are just some of the changes that have taken place during my short life time. I am challenged to think about what kinds of changes can be expected in the technological realm for today's students. I truly believe that only time will tell.

As a teacher we are challenged to determine the best uses and practices of today's educational technology. I have found many wonderful and engaging uses, such as interactive review games through use of a smart board, streaming media to supplement lessons, a classroom webpage to keep parents and students updated, as well as virtual field trips through video conferencing sessions. I am curious as to what other teachers in today's classrooms have found to be useful, practical, and effective uses of technology in their classrooms.