Tanya Noel

It is hard to believe that anyone in this day and age would ask the question, but some still wonder why technology is important in the classroom. Whatever happened to the all-important "Three R's"? In truth, these three are still important, but they also have an important role in technology. Not only can these three things be taught through new applications in the classroom, they can be used to enhance the learning experience when you integrate technology in your classroom.

A common belief among your students may be that the computer is there to play games and even interact with their friends. Kids of all ages have social networking pages and identities, email accounts and text messaging knowledge. Some of them may even eclipse you, so be prepared to learn more than you may have thought you originally needed to know.

Research from Harris Interactive did find that 85 percent of 13-to-18 year olds have e-mail contact lists. Another 81 percent of this group also has IM (instance message) buddy lists and 75 percent have social networking or community site profiles. Not only does this mean that it is essential that you integrate technology in your classroom, but that you learn both the positives and dangers associated with such uses. The Internet is a powerful tool and most kids do not have the knowledge or maturity to understand how to avoid its dangers and use it only for good.

The Future of the Education System

Some would argue that if teachers today do not embrace technology, learn how to use it and model it for their students, then these students will grow up to be the future teachers and administrators who won't do it either. The fallacy in this argument is that even if you drop the technology ball, it is impossible for a student to get through the entire education system necessary to begin a teaching career without learning at least the basics associated with technology.

Martin A. Rice Jr., an associate professor of philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown is not a fan of technology. He claims to be fond of the old and suspicious of the new. While this suspicion can be healthy, take a look around you. Where in society Complex  do you see technology not playing a role? How well can you educate your students and prepare them to move forward if you fail to integrate technology in your classroom?

Overcoming Challenges

While it is true that not every educator is a fan of technology - the same can be said in the business world. I've known a CPA for most of my life and in more than 30 years of practice, he still completes all tax documents by hand. He does finally have a computer on his desk in his office, but I am convinced it is just for decoration.

But much of his success is built on relationships and people trusting his opinion. To complete the process, he hands his written work to an assistant that plugs everything into a computer for processing. Even if he didn't readily embrace the technology, he still understands its importance in his field and in his business.

The vast students within your classroom have a variety of destinations in their future. The way the world is moving today, it is highly unlikely that any of them will not need to embrace technology. So, take the necessary steps to integrate technology in your classroom. Your students will one day thank you for it.