Rich Henderson's Diary
The First 180 Days

Rich's Diary: Computers in the Classroom

Week 14

They're everywhere! In our homes, schools, cars, stores, and offices. You can't go anywhere without seeing them. They can be as big as boxes or as small as your hand. They are usually embraced by children and, occasionally, loathed by adults. We sometimes wonder how we ever got along without them.

They are our computers. Whether we like it or not, computers are here to stay. This past week, I attended a workshop on ways to integrate technology into the classroom. It was an eye-opener, to say the least.

"Lead, follow, or get out of the way." Although this statement may sound harsh to some people, it amply reflects the present-day attitude in the technological industry. In such a fast-paced industry, everything changes, and it does so very quickly. Who can keep up in the constantly changing world of technology? Systems analysts, programmers, Web designers are certainly some of the people who must keep up with the changes. Yet, there is someone else who must also stay on top of the latest technology -- the classroom teacher.

After attending a workshop on the implementation of technology into our classrooms, I realized the extent that technology plays in education. I wasn't oblivious to this beforehand, but the workshop certainly emphasized the ways in which I can foster my students' use of the computer.

From Internet research to report presentations, computers can provide my students with an incredible opportunity to learn about various topics, as well as the technology itself. I need to do a better job in utilizing my two classroom computers, which will soon be connected to the Internet, and our computer lab at school. I need to implement the use of technology into my lessons.

Most of my students are already quite familiar with computers and the Internet; I realize that I also need to continuously expand upon my technological knowledge in order to provide my students with the appropriate guidance. I need to take the lead because if I don't, I know that my class of 10-year-olds will be leading me through the latest technological advances. Call me old-fashioned, but I'd much rather lead then follow.

Prior to the information age, students looked to their teacher as the leading, if not the sole, source of information. Yet, as more and more elementary students use the Web, I can't consider myself the leading provider of information. The fact is that I am not the only game in town. I must adapt and use the vastness of the Internet in ways that will foster my students' intellectual growth. If I don't, my students will suffer, and to me, that is completely unacceptable.

Click here to return to the article

Rich Henderson
Education World®
Copyright © 2000 Education World