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 * Laura's Vision of Technology **

I view technology as something that's constantly changing. It seems as though just as a new piece of technology is introduced, the next better version is coming out as quickly as the previous came in. I've seen technology change drastically since I was a child, and I can't even imagine what will be available as I grow older.

I am by no means an expert of technology use, but I do have specific views of what technology in a classroom should and should not look like. I feel that technology should enhance the learning process, not take away from it. Students should gain something from using it. There needs to be a specific reason and plan for its use that's directly related to the objectives and goals that you have identified in your lesson. Technology shouldn't be used just to say you use it in your classroom, and should not be used as a time-filler!

Before students use technology in the classroom, they need to know how to operate it! This takes some time and effort, and relates to its overall effectiveness. If students don't know how to manage the technology BEFORE you begin a lesson, then the technology becomes something that's taking away from the learning taking place. Plan your lesson first, and __then__ decide what piece of technology will enhance it.

In order to determine if technology is, in fact, being used effectively, teachers need to actively reflect on how they're using it (who's using it, when is it being used, what am I using it for, why is it appropriate for this lesson, are my students benefiting from it, is it being used in a safe manner, etc.). Teachers also need to keep up with the rapid changes taking place! As I previously mentioned, technology is always changing. Staying current with up-to-date practices will benefit everyone!