"Turning on the Lights"

I thought "Turning on the Lights" was particularly interesting because before this article I hadn't read anything about technology in schools.  It makes complete sense that technology should be included in the learning process since it is such a huge part of our culture and is also extremely influential in young students' lives.  Teachers should incorporate technology into lesson plans (not necessarily all lesson plans) to help engage students and provide different avenues for students to best learn.

I agree that it is important to know what students are interested in so teachers can incorporate it into lessons.  Although video and computer games do not thrill me, I should make an effort to know what types of games are popular.  I could use something from a video game in a lesson plan to help my students learn better.  It is also important to know what students are interested in and doing at home so teachers don't come across as naive.

A couple ideas that the article mentioned that I think are excellent ideas to include in a class are: having online pen-pals (which is a lot faster than through the mail) and having students create videos.  I loved writing to pen pals and learning about the other students from across the United States or other countries but did not enjoy having to wait so long in between letters.  This is a great way for students to use technology to interact and learn from other students from different cultures.  Creating videos allows students to express themselves, demonstrates they understand the subject material and they are able to review it with the teacher, all while developing and using their technology skills.

One part of the article that I did not agree with was letting students decide on the technology policies at school.  I think it would be great to get their input, but I think it could get out of hand letting them have too much of a say.  The reason I say this is that students would want it to be acceptable to have cell phones on in the class.  They would say they need to search something on the internet - but the majority of the time would probably actually be spent texting or on Facebook.  I think it is unacceptable for students to be on their cell phones in class.

It is important for technology to be incorporated into the classroom to help prepare students for the future, and to best learn.