21st Century Teachers

I think it is important to have some form of technology used in the classroom to educate students. The use of technology teaches students that the phone in their hand is a learning tool rather than just something to play games, tweet, or post pictures with. When students are able to use technology for learning and find more uses for it, they use it more outside of school for learning purposes.

Teaching with technology can be hard, especially if you don't understand how to use it properly. Being a 21st teacher, you have to know more about the iPads/computers/or whatever you use, more than the students. This can be hard, as a teenager, I sometimes don't even know what I'm doing. Some days, you'll just have to learn as you go.

Using technology, students are able to learn in all their different learning styles. If students are visual learners, they can watch videos on whatever topic they need. Audio learners can listen to podcasts over a topic. There are apps that teachers can create games for interactive learners. All different learners are able to use technology for their advantage!

As a student who is being forced to use technology for school, some days I like it and some days I strongly dislike it. When I am able to actually use for what I need to and can accomplish my task stress-free, then I love it. When I am not able to turn in assignments because the iPad doesn't want to work with me, then I hate it. I think the way we have the students use the iPad and all the restrictions the school puts on them is frustrating and stressful for the students, especially when they are not able to do their work.

Overall, besides all the kinks, I think technology in the classroom is extremely useful. It shouldn't be overused to when students hate it though. The links below talk about technology in the classroom and what it takes to be a 21st century teacher.

http://www.edutopia.org/discussion/15-characteristics-21st-century-teacher
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/technology-in-the-classroom/
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/technology-in-the-classroom