Technology in the Classroom

I read an article entitled “Integrating Technology Into a Reading Program.” This article was very informative. The author stressed the need for the students to engage and interact with the technology. The author went on to explain how he used technology in his classroom, even going so far as to provide the names of the software programs he used. He mentioned three different programs, each focused on literacy and reading. The programs provided students with a list of books to read and then games that quizzed them on the material they’d read as a way to reinforce the information. These programs helped with comprehension and retention.

The author made a good point when he mentioned that integrating technology did not mean that the teacher simply used the computer to keep track of grades. Integrating technology required the students to use the technology for themselves. This particular teacher allowed his students to use AlphaSmart Tools, four desktop computers, color printers, and a digital camera. Allowing students to not only witness the use of technology, but actually experience it is a key component to integrating technology into the classroom. It turns learning into a kinesthetic experience, which will be a great help to kids whose main learning style is kinesthetic.