by K.Williams

Created on: July 02, 2008

Teachers: Technology is Your Friend

Have you ever stared a computer in the face and dreaded its existence? For many individuals in society, this happens every day. It is a reality that a huge percentage of Americans are not technologically-savvy. For this reason, it is vital that the use of and incorporation of technology within the classroom is not ignored. Because today's society is rooted in technology, it is important for teachers to embrace it, become competent, and incorporate it in today's classroom. By doing this, students will not be disadvantaged when they enter the workforce.

What causes a lack of technology usage within today's classrooms? Possible causes for the lack of technology usage within the classroom are the lack of training provided to teachers, deficient teacher motivation to welcome its benefits, and an overall ignorance of its importance. The effects of this oversight can easily be seen in today's job market as well as in today's classroom. Many employers only accept applications online, but how can a student apply online if he has never been exposed to the internet? A large percentage of today's workforce is computer-illiterate. This is alarming, and we as teachers are not equipping our students to become functional in today's technological society if we choose to eliminate within our lessons.

The resolution of this illiteracy can come in a variety of ways. Teachers should be trained on computer programs in order to convey this knowledge to their students, and students should be made aware of the consequences they will face if they are not computer-knowledgeable. Teachers must not shy away from technology as it is not a fad that will leave in a few years. I have found that teachers shy away from subjects that are not comfortable to them. However, is this a bad thing? Would you want a teacher who was not knowledgeable about pronouns to teach your child how to locate pronouns within a sentence? Most parents would say no. The same thing goes for technology within the classroom. However, once teachers are given the tools to succeed when using technology, I can not imagine them withholding from their classrooms.

There are many issues plaguing the teaching profession today such as lack of staff development for teachers, insufficient teacher salaries, unprepared students for the workforce, and a lack of teacher collaboration. However, the lack of utilization of technology in the classroom has an immediate resolution, and teachers should embrace this resolution. Do not be afraid. Technology is your friend.

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