Wordle

The Truth About PowerPoint

Technology Integration in Schools

            Today’s student is a student in a very technological society. Students are growing up surrounded by social media, smart cell phones, and laptops no bigger than a small book. Is it no wonder why students are bored in class by the standard use of chalkboards and overhead projectors? Today’s student is one that is visual, one that wants to see what the lesson is talking about and not just read it. Today’s student is certainly not from the time of our parents. Today’s student could be today’s teacher when it comes to the latest technology. This is why it is imperative for teachers to integrate the use of technology into their normal classroom routine.

            It is often been a battle to keep student's attention is class throughout the entire 40 to 100 minute class periods. Does that surprise anyone? That bored student can pull out their cell phone, download a movie, and be watching the latest episode of Glee before the teacher can even finish writing a thought down on the chalkboard.  Wouldn’t you have done that if you could of gone back to when you were in their seats? In order for teachers to keep a student focused, today’s teachers need to employ numerous techniques to “teach” today’s youth. We have shifted away from the days where a student simply sits in class and copies notes word for word from the chalkboard. Today’s student looks for a PowerPoint presentation with video, sound bites, and images.

            Unfortunately, many teachers are afraid to use some of the newer, and sometimes older, technology for fear of it not working or failing on them. Teachers in today’s world need to be able to incorporate even the simplest of technology in classrooms across the globe so that those students are not only learning about the subject at hand but that of the technology that is being used so that they can one day use that technology in their future careers.

            With the numerous diverse learners in today's classrooms, this technology is imperative. You have to have a way to provide more support to those students who need it while not being in the classroom or allow students who are easy learners to be able to dive deeper into the subject.  This can be accomplished through either a powerpoint posted online or comprehension exams that a student can take at home from their own computer.

            The technology available for today’s teachers use is endless compared to that of 20 years ago. Teachers collectively need to be cognizant of the fact that their students are some of the most technological that there have ever been and that they themselves (teachers) need to be able to keep up with the times. Integration of technology into today’s classrooms is no longer an option; it is a necessity! If the students are learning about it, then we as teachers must follow suit!