Week 2 Reading

#2

            Computers were first introduced into schools, in the 1990’s, at the time most families just started integrating personal computers into their homes for private use.  Therefore, PCs were somewhat unfamiliar to both adults and children, a slightly even playing ground.  When computers were brought into schools they were placed in computer labs, rows of computers nestled on tables.  Each class had their 45-minute special where the designated computer teacher would teach students about programs such as Mavis Beacon, and Microsoft Word and Excel. 

            However, as technology progressed and more research was done it showed that computers and related technologies are more effective when integrated into subject content and placed in the classroom.  Teachers can use technology to access information about the subject they are teaching at the peak moment the children are interested in the subject.  This not only further explains the subject, but also demonstrates to the class how to navigate technology to get information.  Integrating technology in this way enhances the learning experience, making it more interesting, and caters to visuals learners.

            Once the decision of integrating technology into the classroom curriculum has been made there are steps teachers have to take in order to insure its success.  First and foremost, the teacher must know how to use the technology.  This is obvious, but is extremely impacting.  When students see teachers navigate through different medias easily, it is not only teaches student how to use the technology, but also not being afraid of it and seeing its benefits.  Another step to take as a teacher is ensuring that technology is ready and easy to use.  This could mean rearranging the classroom for easy access to computers, or making sure the computers or other technology are in good condition and running. 

            Teachers also need to do careful planning, ensuring the entire curriculum is applying the use of technology and/or multimedia.  When teachers create a lesson plans, or revise the ones given to them, they must make sure the technology assigned to the lesson will be constructive and a skill they will use in the future.   This planning needs to be done at a district level, at the school level, and the classroom level.  The classroom level planning needs to make sure that all children in the class are getting a chase to use the computers as well.