Teaching, Learning and Technology

My first year of teaching was 23 years ago.  The kind of "technology" I had was a 35mm camera, and overhead projector, a typewriter (if I could borrow one) and a mimeograph copy machine (you know the one that produced the papers with the purple writing on them.).  My head was spinning in so many directions,but never towards technology or computers or internet (that wasn't even a part of our vocabulary.)  Now, 23 years later, I don't know what I would do without technology.  When I log into my computer, each morning, I am thankful that I can "communicate" through emails.  Of course, when the internet is not working or part of the campus was struck by lightning, etc. I almost have withdrawals.  Well, how, as educators, do we teach to our students so they can learn the proper way to use technology?  Luckily, the state of Texas has helped me in this way putting together some TEKS to include technology in my daily teaching of my curriculum.  The Teaching & Learning area is all about the teacher as a facilitator, mentor and co-learner.  The goal is to have enough computers, ipads, kindles and so on, for students to have them at their demand.   The thought of having enough of these items for each student to use daily, is very exciting.  Students, in the phase of Teaching & Learning, will have the innovation to provide a product, of their choice, about the topic that has been the subject of the week.  On my campus alone, I have seen such a growth in this area.  Just 3 or 4 years ago, it was like pulling teeth to get some educators into the computer lab.  These educators didn't want to lose precious time in the classroom.  What they didn't realize is that using technology is the "common" way that students do learn.  More and more educators are doing some of the most incredible things with their students, of all grade levels.  Kindergarten students, who struggle, with blending sounds are able to access programs that help them practice the sounds.  6th grade students, who struggle with actually physically writing their thoughts, etc. are able to use technology and type these things.  High school students, who are taking classes in photography, are able to go out and use campus digital cameras, soft ware and produce pictures that look like a professional took them and produced them.  I know of one senior who has started her own business with photography, because of her high school class and experience.  When I talk with family and friends, I hear about the great things going on in their geographical area, with technology as well.  Some of the biggest trends that I have seen and heard about are the campuses that have laptops for each student, even on the elementary level.  If I am not mistaken, I bet almost every campus, in the United States, would like to have a computer, laptop, ipad, kindle fire, nook, etc. for each student on their campus.  Unfortunately money keeps us from producing these items.  Universities, many times, use technology items as incentives to choose their campus to continue their education.  I so believe that these are trends that are not going away.  The more that I teach with technology and the more that I learn about technology I want to give more to my students to make sure that they have all the tools they need to be successful.  Technology is not going away, there is going to be more and more.  When I read about different school districts and when I see news clips or movies/tv shows, about schools, I many times see students using laptops, smart phones, ipods, digital dictionaries and more in their actual classroom.  On my campus, we get upset with our students when we see a cell phone.  Why?  Because we don't think they are old enough to have one and with some of them, that is true.  Well, once again, technology isn't going away so that means that cell phones are not going away.  So, if we can't beat them, shouldn't we join them?  Wouldn't it be a great idea to help children/students learn how to use their cell phone properly?  I think so.  Isnt' that a part of teaching and learning?  Yes, it is.  Learning how to use technology appropriatly.  Well, can I think of any improvements?  I believe that I can, I believe that we need to put more money into technology for each  classroom on every grade level.  Each classroom should have a smart board and more than one or two computers.  I would even love to see each classroom carrying 6-12 ipads, ipods, kindles and/or nooks for their students to use.  How can we make this happen?   Well, we need money, but it doesn't grow on trees.  Maybe when we can get the government to realize that one day, these students will be our leaders, so they need to put money into education, instead of taking it away, we will have the technology that we need.  I feel as though I have been on a soap box, and I guess I have, but we need to be ready to move with the times instead of living in the past.