Learning made fun

Although technology does have faults, the bad is far out-weighed by the good. What would society do without computers? How much MORE money would we be spending on making lessons for our classrooms more interesting?

Technology has a way of making learning interesting for the classroom in a manner that is financially friendly. Yes, I know that SMART Boards, computers and anything else techie requires big bucks, but just think; I can teach my class about different countries, concepts, sciences and so much more and still remain in the classroom. Students can interact with learning material. They can view videos, play games and even Skype with people who have lived all over the world. If it was not for technology, the only way to actually experience certain cultures, different science techniques and everything else would be to hop on a plane and go experience it for real. Don't get me wrong, I mean, this would be an excellent experience and teach our students in wonderful ways, but it's a little pricey...

As a kid, I used to wish that my classroom was only made up of 8 students and we would hop on a school bus and experience things first hand...again, it's a little pricey, and in this case, also not very possible. How sad.

However, we can purchase a SMART Board or other classroom technology and get the best of both worlds. Students can interact with their learning and experiencing new things "first hand." They might not be able to hop on a plane, but they can experience different cultures through video or online interview. Students may not be able to enter the classroom of Miss Frizzle, but they can learn about science through entering her classroom through a DVD.

Just think. Without technology, all of these subjects would be taught orally or with books. These are great ways to teach sometimes, but at other times, kids need the visual. They need the hands-on experience. And, whether we like it or not, it's how today's kids are growing up. They've learned to depend on technology. They've learned to be entertained. Had they grown up with kids 500 years ago, they would not need all of this technology to learn. 

Think about adults today. We've grown to value literature, to value creativity. Well what if we were forced to learn orally (like they did in the stone age) and only orally. No books, no pictures, no activities, just listening (I know I'd be sleeping). We've become accustomed to print and pictures. Our kids have become accustomed to graphics, entertainment, experience and technology. If we take that away, many of them would be bored and sleeping too. 

So what's the best financial option...a magic bus and plane tickets or a technological classroom with a creative teacher?