PDP - Lesson's Learned

I have learned a great deal, just while in this class, about the importance of integrating technology. The assigned articles and videos just seemed to drive home the idea that the students we teach today learn completely differently than we learned yesterday. As I read the article titled "Millennials" and watched the video "Did You Know" the need for us future teachers to integrate technology became much more clear. I can clearly see that integrating technology is no longer an option if we truly want to teach today's kids - it really has become a necessity. The article, "Millenials" clearly illustrated that students are seeking to be taught in a way that they understand - through the use of technology. As I reflected on how today's student's are being taught, and thought about how students in today's classroom's must feel where technology is not integrated, it reminded me of how it would feel to us if we had to go back to churning our own butter. We know there is a more effective way and yet we are forced to turn a blind eye to the technology that would make our lives so much easier, and just get through using the old way. In my future classroom, I don't want my students to feel like they just have to "get through" using the old way. I want their learning experience to be worthwhile and exciting.

Also, I was surprising to see the number data presented in the video, "Did You Know?". The most startling statistic for me was that 70% of 4 year olds in the U.S. have used a computer. I know this to be true in my home. I have a 3 year old daughter who has been "playing" on the computer since she was about 18 months. It was eye opening to see that this is happening in households all over the United States and it helped me to realize that integrating technology is NOT just for the upper grades. If we are to teach effective and engage the students in higher order thinking and prepare them for the future that lies ahead, we need to begin now.