Tech+Integration

The video I chose from [|http://www.edutopia.org] was “Learning World Affairs through Digital Media.” I like this video because it shows a lot of different qualities that technology brings to the table. For example, the students in New York that are a part of Global Kids were creating virtual environments through second life to raise awareness of global issues. This allowed for the students to express themselves in a creative, modern way. Rather than just creating posters or dioramas like traditional classroom practices, the students made virtual environments that could be visited by students around the world which in turn spread their message even further than previously possible. I also liked what Barry Joseph had to say about students using technology. He said that by having the virtual environment reach across the globe, it made students feel like leaders. The technology in the classroom presents students with innovation, leadership skills, self-esteem, motivation and intrigue. I learned that with these components, students have more of a drive to do well. In my opinion, the integration of technology in today’s classrooms is very important because as we learned in our class from the “did you know? 2011” videos, society depends on technology for a lot of different things. A student should graduate high school with knowledge of basic technology skills. Colleges, businesses and corporations will expect that of them. I think it is a teacher’s responsibility to prepare them for that. I will incorporate technology in my classroom by assigning fun and exciting projects, not just via PowerPoint presentations but through commercials, radio ads, video announcements etc. The students will learn to work with these programs and they will be learning the material to be presented upon, as well as those technology skills. It will provide them each with the opportunity to be a leader and express themselves creatively. I am thankful that I had such great technology during my years in high school. We had video announcements each week, we made commercials in groups for our marketing class we also recorded interviews and made short films to present for our senior capstone project. I know the importance of technology and the long term benefits it provides students with.
 * __ TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION ESSAY __- February 6, 2012**