Technology is constantly changing. It's hard for a teacher to stay in touch with what is current in the world of technology. However, the difficulty of staying abreast of the the times should not be used as an excuse to completely forgo technology all together. It can be a useful tool no matter what content area you teach.
In the recent year, I've heard more and more about different districts trying to get Ipads into the hands of students and teachers. I think this is a great idea because it's an easy way for a teacher and his or her class to access content on the internet that can quantify lessons with everyday life. If you are covering a particular theme in English, why not have your students try to look up a news story with a conflict similar to the one a particular character in a story is facing? This allows the students to role-play and can help them make the connections between the story and their own lives.
Another general reason that technology is good for the classroom is the responsibility it places on students. Young people find it easy to manipulate new technology. If they are made responsible for their individual Ipad's safekeeping, along with being designated to troubleshoot any problems that come up during the year, not only will they show more responsibility in taking care of their classroom tool, but they will learn and acquire new skills in aiding each other with any technological problems they might face throughout the school year.
This article discussed giving students more of a chance to take responsibility in the classroom in regards to technology. In my opinion, giving a student responsibility is a great way to earn his or her respect.
http://thejournal.com/articles/2011/08/25/when-students-run-the-help-desk.aspx
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