Technology and Education

Technology, if used in the right way, can be a very important and beneficial part of any education. There is no denying that technology has a major impact on our society, and without it, it would be nearly impossible to communicate or function as a society. Because of this, it is necessary for students to learn about technology. This is good, since it gives them assignments and projects that will make them learn the materials, but also to gain new skills. With any type of learning, though, it can also have problems. Some students really won't understand how creating a website works or have no interest in sitting at a computer for hours at a time trying to get something to work. What we hope for by having them use technology is that they will enjoy the project more, as it would cater to most kids in their generation I think, and also that they can at least gain a small understanding and appreciation for what they can do with technology.

One of the potential problems is that the teacher must also be up on technology in order to teach it. They must be sure that they understand what they are doing and "be in the know" so that their students' understanding does not surpass their own. Also, when a lot of kids think of technology and exciting stuff they want to do, it probably is not going to be creating power points and looking at encyclopedias online. They will want to play video games, see bright flashy colors and get distracted by games and other things online. This isn't necessarily true in all cases, but I know that's what my high school was like at least. It is important to try and keep them on task, but also make the internet useful and exciting. Have them do projects that will stretch their creativity, and find internet sites that are interesting and can captivate their attention for more than five minutes.

The good new is that with every passing generation, the understanding and appreciation of technology grows. It creates a society where if you fall behind, you can feel like a complete idiot. Kids are interested in technology, and it seems to come very easily to most of them. I know my mom can't work her cell phone but it came to me almost naturally. On a much larger scale, this ease of understanding makes learning about technology easier and more accessible for kids. It's what they like to do, and if it is what keeps them interested in education, then it cannot be a bad thing.

The Gap Between Social-Economic Classes

Although there is a great variety of different social and economic classes within a school, I think it is essential that teachers strive their best to help each child learn to their best potential. It has been stated that kids that come from a place with more resources have the advantage, and I believe that that is true. It is easier for them to fund school functions, extra activities, special trips, tutoring and even college. Although they have these advantages, it does not necessarily mean that they have an automatic ticket to succeed in life or in schools. For those students who come from poorer backgrounds, it will be more difficult, but I do not believe that this has to be a death sentence for their success at school. It is the job of the teacher to encourage these students and to help them find ways to effectively use any resources they have and to reach their potential. One of the qualities needed to teach anything is creativity, and it is necessary for teachers to use this creativity to assist in any way that they can. This could be spending extra time with the students that need it, or helping them to find financial backing for any trips or endeavors they wish to take. I think the most important thing for any teacher is that they help all students to strive to do their best. Regardless of economic or social status, if a child does not have the will or desire to do well, they won't. It is not the job of the teacher to change a family's situation, but they can do their best to overcome any boundaries or limitations that might restrict a students learning.

Why do we teach?

We teach because we understand the importance of carrying on our histories and traditions, and also because we want to help people reach their potential. By helping others learn the life skills they need to, we as teachers are able to help spark change in this world. You may be the one to inspire someone to be a better person, or aim for higher goals, or to just help them to learn the social skills they need to survive in this world. We teach because we find it to be important and love to help others to thrive.

There can be a huge difference between "work" and "learning." Work can be done anytime and it can be mandated: homework assignments, book reports, group projects are all a part of this. The difference between work and learning is that learning cannot necessarily be forced. Of course by going to school you are going to learn something from a book, but learning goes beyond the textbooks and internet and can be found in many ways. Students learn to get along with each other by being together, and the interactions they have with their teacher and other classmates will teach them so many values and life lessons that cannot be taught through traditional "work."

A good teacher has to understand that principle. They must be willing to compromise and adjust to their students. That does not necessarily mean lowering their standards, but you have to be accommodating to different learning styles and situations that might occur, however unexpectedly. Good teaching involves being knowledgeable, commanding, approachable and caring towards their students and co-workers (and parents!). Their excitement and passion must be evident to those around them, otherwise their students will not be excited to learn, either. Good teaching cannot necessarily be taught, but hopefully through experience it will come more naturally through understanding of the students and what the job entails.