Philosophy of Integrating Technology

There seems to be no arguments that state opposition to the fact that we are currently living in a digital world. Therefore, in all honesty, I do not understand the concept of excluding technology from education. That is not to say that I believe that only technological lessons should be taught. I still find great value in subject matter that involves no technology at all. I simply believe in the compromising of these seemingly opposing sides.

There are clear benefits to the technological advancement of education. For example, today's students live and breathe all that computers have to offer outside of school so bringing those tools into the classroom will only help to enhance and broaden their knowledge. Using tools such as computers and Internet will allow teachers to expand their lessons to areas which were inconceivable in an age of purely textbooks. It also offers students the opportunity to understand that their "inherit" knowledge and ease of use with such tools can open doors of learning rather than just gaming or facebooking. Integrating technology into lessons allows children to see themselves pursuing a future with the knowledge they gain in a classroom rather than always asking themselves "when will I ever have to use this in real life?".

There are also negatives to integrating technology into the classroom, including teachers relying on it and therefore, teaching children to do so as well. As much as technology can give, it can also take away. For every class that students work independently on their computers, they lose an opportunity to work on their communication and problem solving skills in a group, for instance. If students are taught to always rely on technology, they are faced with the concept of never truly understanding the reasoning behind the action.

That becomes the challenge, I believe. The balance between old and new. I feel that technology should most definitely be integrated into today's education, but in a way that enhances the learning experience. It should be used to broaden a students world, not replace the reality they live in.