Journal #2

Groff, J, & Haas, J (2008). Web 2.0: Today's Technology, Tomorrow's Learning. Learning & Leading with Technology , Retrieved September 16, 2008, from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3620082009/SeptemberOctoberNo2/36212g.pdf.

This article is about the usage of all types of technology in the classroom. The authors encourage teachers to “think outside of the box” and incorporate the latest technology in to their lesson plans. Students are continuing to rely more and more on technology and the authors believe that by including technology they can relate to the students will benefit. I have a lot of problems with these ideas and this article. First of all, the authors need to realize how many schools in this country not only do not have computers, but don’t have any supplies at all. Instead of purchasing up to date computers and software to entice our already over stimulated students, we should be making sure that all schools and all students have the proper resources to learn. I know that technology, like computers and the internet, are crucial tools in today’s society. I also rely on these tools for not only entertainment, but for many aspects of my life. However, the classroom is not the place for video games! Children spend more hours playing video games throughout their life than they do anything else and the classroom can not be a place for these brain cell damaging activities. Of course these games are stimulating for the students and keep them interested, they are addicting! As a teacher, I plan on keeping up to date with new technology and I of course plan on incorporating technology in to my classroom, but I refuse to use video games or social networking sites as tools in my classroom.

Question 1: How will teachers be able to continue to keep students interested in the subject matter without using video games?
Answer 1: Teachers need to be able to keep students interested in the subject matter or else the students will not retain any of the information. Teachers can make learning fun and relatable to students without the use of video games. Teachers can encourage reading educational books that are of interest to each student. Teachers can also incorporate games and activities that will keep students active and away from a computer screen. The teacher can also encourage supplemental activities the students can do at home that may be completed using an educational computer game.

Question 2: What types of technology are appropriate in the classroom?
Answer 2: Technology is a crucial tool in any classroom. Among the appropriate forms of technology are computer and internet usage. All students should feel comfortable using different aspects of a computer as well as feel confident navigating the internet. These are real-life tools that every student will need. The students should also be exposed to different types of technology that continue to be introduced in to our society.