Using the Technology of today in the Classroom

Technology is something that is continually changing from year to year. Cell phones, Computers, and iPods are something that has become a daily routine for many Americans. In the article, “Using the technology of today in the classroom”, it talks about the important power of digital games and social networking and how teachers can leverage them. “What is good learning? That may be a subjective question. But it’s likely that many educators would give answers that fall in the same ballpark such as students collaborating and discussing ideas, possible solutions, project-based learning, designed around real world contexts, connecting with other students around the world on topics of study, immersing students in a learning experience that allows them to grapple with a problem, gaining higher-order thinking skills from pursuing the solution” (Klopfer). What many educators don’t realize is that students are accomplishing many of these tasks outside of school on a daily basis. Students spend countless hours daily using technology. Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter to name a few, are many of the social networking sites students visit on a daily basis. “At first glance these sites may seem like a waste of time, and brain cells. But these genres of technology deserve a deeper look at what’s going on. This article intrigued me because of this very observation.

I never gave much thought as to rather the use of technology through video games and social sites outside of school had an influence on students success in the classroom. Through social sites and video games students are changing the way they operate, communicate, and interact with others. “The emergence of social networking technologies and the evolution of digital games have helped shape the new ways in which people are communicating, collaborating, operating, and forming social constructs. In fact, recent research is showing us that these technologies are shaping the way we think, work, and live. This is especially true of our youngest generations those arriving at classrooms doors, soon to be leaving them and entering the workforce and society-at-large” (Klopfer). The youngest generation of students are far more technology savy then those of earlier generations. Working with students using computers and smart boards, it is clear that they having a understanding of the operation of these devices.

I recently purchased an Ipod touch. I was having trouble putting music onto it through Itunes, my nephew who is only 12 immediately came over and showed me how to use the Ipod. It amazed me how quickly he was able to help me with my problems. This shows me how easy the use of technology has become to the younger generation. This also shows me how important and dependent technology will soon become.