Preface & Chapter 1

-How does this reading impact your thinking about technology's role in teaching and learning?

After reading the Preface and chapter one, I have been instilled with the belief that technology is a major component of teaching and learning. The importance and benefit of integrating technology into our curriculum and exposing children to it is great. It is critical for future educators to actively integrate technology into the classroom as much as possible so that both the children and teachers are at a full advantage. If this is not done the school systems will in be at a huge disadvantage and ultimately behind. Technology, in a broader sense, is a tool children can use to continue learning outside of the classroom as well as inside the classroom. I also learned that it is more typical for a student to have greater access to technology outside of school rather than within it. In our modern day society this needs to be acted upon. Especially to keep our tradition of attending schools every weekday. Because technology isn’t as great in schools as it is outside, many parents and students are resorting to things such as home schooling and online classes.

-What will you do differently as a future teacher as a direct result of this new thinking?

As a future teacher I will do all that I can to fight for proper technology in my classroom as well as my school. My new thinking has opened my eyes to not only the advantages technology can provide in teaching and learning but also the need we have for it in schools versus outside. Schools need to be a convenience factor for students. For example they shouldn’t have to wait to go home to do research. Computers and Internet should be available at hand during school hours for each child. I will see to it, as a teacher, that at the very least my classroom is equipped with the most appropriate technology that it available to me and my students so that we may have the greatest advantage for teaching and learning.