Why it is important to have technology in the classroom

                       There are a lot of ways that it is important to have technology in the classroom. Many adults use technology tools and programs as an integral part of both their personal and professional lives. They get their news, share ideas, and connect and collaborate with friends and co-workers using devices and apps every day. Our children are also using technology in both their personal and educational lives. They need to learn how to properly and responsibly communicate via text, audio, video, and digital image creation because of the careers of today and of the future demand it. The same is true for college. are enrolled in at least one online course and K-12 schools must prepare their students to be successful in that hybrid virtual/in-person environment. A very high percentage of today’s jobs require technology skills and that’s only going to increase.

                            Children are also using technology for fun and to socialize with their friends and they need to learn how those same tools are just as useful in academics. They may be experts at using apps, accessing websites, and navigating streaming services in their personal lives. They should be just as skilled at navigating those platforms and the broader internet for the information they need to be successful students and become well-informed and productive adults. 

                     Allow children to freely explore touch screens loaded with a wide variety of developmentally appropriate interactive media experiences that are well designed and enhance feelings of success. Provide opportunities for children to begin to explore and feel comfortable using “traditional” mouse and keyboard computers to use Websites or look up answers with a search engine. Capture photos of block buildings or artwork that children have created; videotape dramatic play to replay for children. Celebrate children’s accomplishments with digital media displayed on a digital projector or on a classroom Website. Incorporate assistive technologies as appropriate for children with special needs and/or developmental delays. Record children’s stories about their drawings or their play; make digital audio or video files to document their progress. Explore digital storytelling with children. Co-create digital books with photos of the children’s play or work; attach digital audio files with the child as the narrator.