Integration of Technology is Key

Many people hear that technology is so important for the classroom and that students need to be exposed to something that they are familiar with. Students are familiar with technology, but aren't completely sure how technology works. This is where the teacher's ability to integrate technology in the classroom in such a manner that the student can learn to easily use the tools is key. Students are familiar with facebook, cell phones, and the internet, but many students have no idea how to program, how silicon chips work, or how IP protocol sends information. Some would argue that this information isn't that important, but it brings up an important fact. Students know how to use technology, but don't know how it is created. How can we create an innovative society if students can't expand upon what they know. So teachers must be familiar with how these tools work and explain to students how to use the tools and how they actually work.