#3

This is my article.

Technology is taking over our world, there's no question about that. Virtually every task previously left to pen and paper can now be accomplished by machine. So it may seem that the answer is obvious; integrate as much technology into our classrooms as humanly possible so we can take every precaution in preparing this generation for the real world. But this theory raises some questions for me.

How soon is too soon to inundate our youngsters with all of this technological knowledge? Many of them will come to school already knowing how to do quite a bit on a computer, but there will definitely be gaps among the masses. And for those who are friendlier with technology for five hours a night at home, do we really want to sit them down on a computer for another couple hours at school? What of the basic skills that I learned in school, like writing in cursive and long division--will these things be pushed by the wayside in favor of technology? Perhaps it would be better to leave these kinds of things for middle school and above, so as not to distract younger students.

If we are to use technology for the purpose of teaching, who will teach us? If a student has a question, who will thy turn to for answers? With all of the lesson planning we are required to do, not to mention keeping up with the curriculum, when are we supposed to find the time to learn how to use the million different types of technology available to us? For older teachers who are stubborn and refuse to learn these "new tricks", are they putting their students at a disadvantage? The educational opportunities we offer should be consistent for all students.

Of course there are definite advantages to integrating technology in the classroom. Chalkboards are on their way out, and white boards can get messy--so it may be beneficial to employ a Powerpoint. This can also serve as a plus to students with visual impairments. The Internet can be a valuable resource to both students and educators, if they know where to look. It is a place full of information on every subject imaginable--how great would it be to have the means to write a research paper right at each child's finger tips?

Aside from these uses, and the occasional educational dvd, I don't see an elementary classroom as much of a place for technology to live, however. I think teacher's at this level need to challenge themselves to get more creative and find ways to reach their students without the use of technology.