Tabatha Martini 50053592 [email protected] ETEC 424.01W Fall 2011 November 19,2011 Abstract Number 2 CITATION: StephanieDiamond Hicks . Technology in Today's Classroom: Are You a Tech-Savvy Teacher?. The Clearing House, Volume 84, Number 5 (January 2011), pp. 188-191,

SUMMARY: This article covers the aspect of technology in the classroom. According to the article, technology has changed so much in the last years that it is now an essential part of the classroom. Students of many capabilities use technology to further their education. However, teachers are more hesitant to incorporate the many forms of technology into the classroom because they themselves are not trained or as qualified to use the technology as their students are. Many teachers do not have the support they need to further their own education in technology, and therefore shy away from the subject in general.

The results of the paper showed that it is important for teachers to get past their hesitation to technology because today’s students need the interaction that technology provides. Children learn to use technology from a very young age and can become bored in the classroom. A study was conducted that measured a student’s attention when reading a book, or engaging a website

online. The student was much more engaged with the website as opposed to the book. Students are also mutli-tasking and are able to learn while doing many different things.

PERSONAL REACTION: I think that this article was a great summary as to what technology can do in the classroom, as well as the many challenges that teachers may face when trying to incorporate it. Teachers who have the support and know how can save time in the classroom, as well as engage the students and make learning more meaningful. With the proper support, teachers can learn to use grade books online, as well as lesson plans. Technology does not have to benefit only the student and some of the teacher programs are proof of that.

Overall, the learning environments in today’s schools, as well as the teachers themselves are changing. It is imperative that this change continues to meet the needs of such technical savvy students. Everyone in the school setting will benefit from the technology integration, even if that integration is very small. Students who have never had great learning opportunities such as special needs students will benefit more than ever before. The educational world is changing for the better!