Is technology really needed in the classroom?

In regards to the particular article that states that there are several different issues that need to be addressed first before technology should or even helpful in classrooms.  I personally, believe that it is inevitable, whether one believes technology should or should not be present is irrelavent in todays day in age.  It is not a matter or should or should not but a matter of which technology should be placed in the classroom and which one would be the most helpful, the most flexible and the most relevant to improving a childs education.

There is an article that states that technology is not absolutely necessary but some technology that children will need to know in the future to make them more employable.  Why cant we just combine the 2 thoughts and utilize the technology and the not so technology, instead, of discussing whos idea or thought is more relevant.

According to the video posted televised from TED, that children learn well with technology no matter the level of technology.  Children need to be exposed to the future of where the world is currently and is moving towards.  In order for children to be employable they have to be familiar with the technology that is constantly being used day in and day out.

Technology vs No technology in classrooms

After reading the provided resources including the videos I notice one common theme and that is that the author believes that their education is the most effective way to go.  I noticed two opposing views regarding implementing technology in the classroom which the author believes is the only way to go to educate students and the other opposing view that states that we can revamp and improve education with the times and that technology is an irrelevant factor.

I believe that education has come to a time where educators and those involved in education will have to take a side.  We have approached an era where education can change forever due to the immense leap toward technology.  Some will continue to believe and oppose the technology era, holding on to their traditional views.  While others believe that education needs a sprucing up.  

I personally believe that teaching needs to roll with the times.  Everything in the world is changing and if the center of a childs life, meaning the education that is provided for them, does not keep up with the world that is waiting for them, than school becomes irrelavant. 

The purpose of school is to teach and prepare children for the future.  And if teachers and educators are close minded, fearful, lazy, etc. transition will be difficult.  Transition and change are always difficult to overcome, but ultimately our feelings or beliefs dont matter, when the ultimate goal is to give each and every child the best education that will create a productive individual with the tools to be successful

Flipped Classroom Model

I believe that the flipped classroom model, is an excellent way to become more interactive.  Most students go home and work on their homework and seem to forget what they learned in school.  This way their homework assignments can be done in class where the teacher is utilized to the maximum.
In many instances, parents are not familiar or unavaliable to help their children with their homework.  So, the flipped classroom overall seems ideal.

Also, having a homework assignment that entails the lecture gives students a heads up of what the class subject will be about the following day.

Assuming that all children have access to a computer each and everyday, is a major concern because than they will not be able to access the lecture.  This would defeat the purpose of the whole entire learning model.

I believe that if all ducks are aligned in order, the flipped classroom would be an ideal use of classroom time, as well as, after school homework time.

Storytelling goes digital

Now in our age verbal storytelling is starting to comeback,however, in a whole different way.  Now, not like before, we have technology to help us get our point across in a new way.  Now we are able to record our voices while simultaneiously exhibiting pictures and videos, to add to appeal to not only our auditory senses, but our visual senses, as well.

Apparently, from the articles I read, as well as, digital storytelling examples I have seen, it is stated that the age of storytelling is back.  The myths and folklore once told back in the day to educate children, has come back for the same purpose, to educate, as well as, embellish, just a little.

One could use digital storytelling for the sole purpose of entertainment, or to teach something.  It is said in the articles that I have read that storytelling is a great way to learn something.  In the examples given students have taken an educational subject such as engineering, back it up with all the necessary historical information, while connecting it personally to their past exeperiences, just like any good personal experience story.  The story has the ability to provoke learning as well as an emotional tie to the story.  This in general helps the learner, retain the story, as well as, the educational tone connected to the story.

I find it brilliant to bring a historical art form , such as storytelling back and pairing it directly with educational instruction.  This is the new way to learn and personally I am on board.

ipads in special education......a must.  Though the research is limited in whether ipads are effective or not in special education classes with special education students; it is time for a change.  Little has been done in special education classes to aid students to be successful.

Special education classes house several different students with several different needs.  Basically, those who learn differently or are labeled "abnormal" students, who dont fit in the norm are put into special education classes.  This poses a huge problem that is not being addressed.  How is one teacher and an aide able to accomodate children who are of all different spectrums of learning, needs, behaviors, etc.

Bringing the ipad in will allow teachers to individualize the learning to each specific child.  Though there may not be programs available currently for each childs special needs, this will initiate the need for more and diverse programs.  If the special education world creates a demand for such programs, eventually supply will be met.

In regards to the video provided where special education students were utilizing the ipad programs it exhibits a more positive approach rather than a negative initiation to better serve the special education population.

It is time for a new age of learning and i believe that the ipad is the solution.  Better to try something than nothing.  It is time for a new age of learning, special education students have sat in the dark ages for too long.

No one who is diagnosed with Autism, especially, individuals who are low functioning and are of the lower spectrum, should be without the ipad that offers these amazing programs that allow them to socialize with the world, as well as, express themselves as if they were speaking themselves.

Individuals with Autism have been trapped in their own mind for far too long, without an appropriate outlet to be verbal.  Due to the disease, lower functioning autistic individuals are mostly non verbal and lack the ability for human touch and emotional attachment.  However, due to the programs that ipad offers they are able to express their emotions, needs, talents, thoughts and hobbies, just like a child not diagnosed with autism.

I have worked with autistic children in the past.  Several years ago, I was a one on one aide for approximately two, almost three school years at Nelson Ridge, in New Lenox.  I started with the him in fourth grade.  He was extremely low functioning, meaning he rarely made eye contact, did not like physical contact with strangers, classmates, teachers; he was non verbal and mostly squeaked or screamed when expressing himself.  Also, like all autistic children he obsessed about a particular subject, which was his collection of pokemon cards.

What I am trying to get to is the fact that, those were the days of little or no resources available for individuals with autism.  One can almost say that the minimal resources that were available were primitive to the core.

Technology has finally gained leaps and bounds, in regards, to autism. Finally, individuals with autism are able to be exhibit their amazing selves.  This opens several windows and doors for the autistic community.  I have always believed that individuals with autism, if they were only able to express themselves will contribute so much to society.