Reasons for Technology

1. Using technology involves the student in the learning process. Students using technology become active participants in the learning process instead of passive listeners. Absolutely!
2. Using technology eliminates most discipline problems. When the student is involved in the work, there is little time for trouble. This isn't necessarily true. Discipline problems will not simply disappear just because technology is used. Rather, they will lessen if technology is properly utilized to engage students in their curricular activities in new ways.
3. Using technology allows students to take ownership of the project. When the student is empowered to find his/her own answers, the learning process becomes much more interesting. This is especially true when students have the opportunity to publish their work, especially through blog and wiki formats.
4. Using technology transforms the teacher from authority expert to facilitator.The teacher becomes more of a participant than authority expert when the students use technology to find answers online. This is something with which many experienced teachers struggle. They are no longer the "sage on the stage" -- no longer the only experts. The role has changed from benevolently sharing information to helping students manage and make sens of the information.
5. Using technology is familiar to today's students. Technology use is part of the normal learning process for students; it is in their "comfort zone" and teachers often learn new technology programs along with students. Students may know how to use technology tools, but we are still the ones who will guide them in making sense of these tools in education. At least we should be doing that if we are prepared.
6. Using technology reduces the workload on the teacher. Technology as a tool enhances, and replaces, text, paper and pencil because students can use technology for both reference and presentation. This may or may ot be true. Assessment, when done right, will still take time and energy.
7. Using technology allows for a smooth transition from school to work and school to college . Technology is used everywhere - in math, science, engineering, transportation, manufacturing, and every business application you can think of. From sales transactions and inventory control, to e-commerce, the uses for technology are limitless. True.
8. Using technology allows for the free exchange of information. The widespread use of compatible word processing and graphic software programs allow information to be exchanged easier than ever before. Other tools, especially the wiki, are even more important in facilitating the free exchange of ideas.

Do you agree with these thoughts? Disagree? What do you believe are the benefits of technology in education? Share your thoughts as a comment to this post.