We're trying to get our students to go to college...we don't have time for computers in the classroom.My blunt response to this attitude among educators is
how do you expect your young people to apply to college? More and more our institutions...colleges, universities, and employers rely on online application processes. If our young people don't know how to navigate technology and learn how to use it as a tool for research and learning, they may not even be seen by a college.
Despite the ubiquitous testing that exists under No Child Left Behind, our young people will need to support their informational knowledge with a knowledge of the tools that will be expected of them as they progress in the world.
Here's some evidence to support integrating technology in the classroom as part of the process:
Education World.We train our young people to use the basic tools of communication within the classroom: pencil, pen, and paper. Our young people also deserve guidance in using 21st century technology.
Education World offers a slew of suggestions for educators to guide their young people through learning technology without it becoming a classroom break filled with YouTube, MySpace, or Facebook (although I would argue that it's also appropriate for educators to support young people how to navigate this media and provide them with media literacy tools.)
Don't be afraid of the tech.
Embrace the tech.
