WhyTechnology Should be Integrated into the Classroom

Blog Assignment: Why should technology be integrated into social studies classrooms? How has the learning from our first session influenced your answer? Please support your views with content from the readings.


Even growing up somewhat in the digital age, I know I am still not as computer saavy as those in the generations below me. We didn't get cell phones or lap tops or all of these hand held games as early as kids do now, and it makes a difference.
At the end of the first class, I felt extremely overwhelmed with all of the different mediums we were introduced to at once, not to mention working with a mac for the first time in my life. Regardless of my comfort level with technology, however, (which isn't too bad), it is undeniable and inevitable the exponentially increasing impact technology has in our society. We are taught as future teachers to try to reach students through the idea of prior knowledge, and making education relevant to their lives. With this in mind, it would almost be silly not to add the one thing they probably spend most of their time with-technology. This fact is only going to become more true as time passes. And as I get older, if I don't stay in touch with technology, I will be somewhat alienated from my future students.
The book talked about critical thinking and technology in the first chapter. I do believe that technology can be a powerful tool in helping students to learn social studies, whether its through primary document analysis or feeling more comfortable with expressing themselves, and the latter is a particular point of interest for me. While I have never had many problems with speaking in front of others, I know a lot of people with great ideas flowing through their heads do. This is just one way the internet can be useful. As a social studies teacher, we want our students to think for themselves, form their own opinions, etc. Setting up an online community has the possibilities of learning more about our students and what they think, because it takes pressure off of them that they may feel in face-to-face discussion, or whatever their issue may be, and helps them to escape their own little bubble once in a while and privileges us with their ideas and thoughts, and may in turn motivate them to do better.
The chapters were relatively easy to read (except the concept of RSS is still a little iffy for me), and I know that learning as much as I can about how the internet and technology in general works is an important tool for my job as a teacher. I look forward to learning more about it, because I feel like it is one more thing that will better equip me for my future career, and to help me better connect with my students.