Technology in the Classroom

After reading the articles I still feel technology should be a necessity in the classrooms despite some students limited access outside of school. I am not talking about anything drastic where work assigned can only be done on computers or with the use of technology. All students need to learn how to use technology. If we refuse to use it in classrooms because some students can't practice outside of class then we are hurting so many more students.

We are doing a disservice to students to not allow technology use. Everything today is run by technology pretty much and today's students need to understand that. Not just the students who have the use of technology outside of class. All the students need to understand technology and how it can help them.

To increase access for the underprivileged students I would have after school hours for use of computers. I would have an open door policy so I can help any students that get confused or aren't as fast learners. I would even try to fight for the use of lap tops or something that can be checked out through the library or something where the students could take it with them for a few days so all students have a chance to get used to today's technology. Also I would try to limit the amount of out of class work that requires the use of technology if need be.

Games

I do believe video games should be used in schools. It is something that grabs kids attention and can help improve learning. With that being said I feel it should only be used to compliment other teaching. It should in no way replace things we already do in the classroom.

What video games provide and what classrooms seem to lack a lot of the time is the challenge. Gee mentions a lot about what makes a good video game and how there is a challenge, customizable, creates your own story, and many other things. In my opinion it is that challenge that games provide that classrooms lack. For me the challenge is what keeps me coming back to the game. If school had a fun challenge I would keep coming back until I conquered it. Otherwise I am just bored.

I probably will try to incorporate video games into my classroom but if I am not going to the learning principle I would focus on the critical thinking and get students to explore different activities. I would focus on the challenge of each activity and set goals that are reachable in the physical education classroom but aren't too easy to get to. That way students will feel some sort of accomplishment when they acheive the goals.