After exploring ways of integrating technology into the classroom for ten weeks, I think my philosophy in general hasn't changed. I think it can be a wonderful thing if used correctly and that it has the potential to be a downfall if used incorrectly. Technology is awesome and all of the new and exciting ways we have to connect with people and things all over the world is incredible. However, technology can sometimes be a bit temperamental. Sometimes links don't work, pages have been taken down, sites have been hacked, and sometimes the internet is unavailable for no discernible reason at all.
Another reason for including technology within a classroom that I had previously overlooked is the longing students have to mirror their educational atmosphere with the rest of their lives. This generation has grown up with email and Facebook and YouTube. To completely ignore the fact that this virtual world exists seems ridiculous. By including things this generation is used to seeing like Buzzfeed articles and Vine videos, it bridges the gap between what interests students and the information students need to be learning.
I truly believe that technology can improve a classroom, but it is important to be flexible and have a backup plan. Sometimes a video won't load and instead of letting your classroom descend into chaos while you have a panic attack as you try to get it up and running, have your students dust off the books sitting in the corner and read about what they would have been watching. It might not be quite as exciting, but at least your students are still learning.
Citation:
Delvin, Timothy J., Charles R. Feldhaus, and Kristin M. Bentrem. "The Evolving Classroom: A Study of Traditional and Technology-Based Instruction in a STEM Classroom." JTE v25n1 - The Evolving Classroom: A Study of Traditional and Technology-Based Instruction in a STEM Classroom. JTE, n.d. Web. 14 June 2014. <http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JTE/v25n1/delvin.html>
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