Why Technology?

With today's technology and future advancements there is no reason why every classroom should not have at least one computer in it. The computers should not be just for teacher use but also for the students. The primary purpose of using technology in schools is to enhance learning. There is ample evidence that technology can make learning more student centered, it can encourage cooperative learning, and increase teacher/student interaction. All these things are needed for a good learning environment.

Teachers in many schools have access to computers, whether for grading purposes or for the making of hardcopy materials. The classroom teacher should be able to use a variety of software and hardware programs to help their teaching. Spreadsheet programs and databases can be used to compile student data for grades and or for parent information. PowerPoint programs can be used by teachers to create presentations of classroom materials and projects that can be used at Open House or parent nights. Word processing programs can be used for hardcopy sheets for students. Teachers can organize their lecture notes in PowerPoint presentations and save it on the Web for student access later.

Having access to computers in the classroom and in labs will give the students much needed keyboarding practice and research skills. Students will need those skills in their future jobs. Anytime a student is using a computer they are refining their skills. The school computers can be used offline for students word processing skills by using programs to write reports and organize notes. With PowerPoint 2000, teachers and students can make learning more dynamic by creating presentations of classroom materials and projects.

If the school has access to the World Wide Web the students can work online to enhance their research skills. The Internet offers an unlimited source of information. When a student is researching a topic they are able to explore at their own pace and to the extent they need.

The future is in technology and we must present as much as we can to our students so that they can compete with others students in the global world.

 

Educational Autobiography / Digital Camera ProjectFamily School / Why Technology? / Top 25 Websites

Westwind Elementary School / Pendergast Elementary School District

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