Success with the Net Generation

Technology is a powerful tool which can be used to enhance a student's education. I agree with the Educause Chapter 8 in that technology shouldn't replace "traditional" learning. I think that lectures, discussions, small group activities, and hands-on labs still have their benefits in our educational system. However, I really liked some of the ideas for incorporating technology.

Two weeks ago, I found a web site that produced animations of chemical reactions. One of the section in Chapter 8 discussed using animations to clarify a process. I can see where this would definitely help visual learners absorb information, and I plan on keeping the website bookmark that I found!

I also really liked the idea of using website tools to replace some of the homework that students are given. Sometimes simply changing the mode of delivery can help motivate kids to complete their assignments!

I liked this chapter as it gave many good uses for technology in the classroom, yet acknowledged some of the limitations for its use. I think that, as in everything in life, using the proper tools at the proper time can make the difference between a "good" experience and a "WOW" experience. I hope that the use of these tools will allow me, as a secondary teacher, to better reach my teenage students.

To be a successful teacher to the Net Generation, I will have to keep technology in mind when planning my lessons and activities. I will try to incorporate some of the ideas presented in this chapter, along with other ideas I'm picking up from our class discussions, to keep my students interested in learning "more." I don't think it will be the easiest thing, as I am going to have to balance all my different teaching methods and make sure they correspond to my curriculum. However, I am optimistic that the work involved will lead to many positive results!