There are lots of reasons both pro and con for using technology in your classroom. Let's have a look at them before we begin to effectively implement technology into your classroom.

What Has Changed in Education?

The tools teachers are using (i.e. Software & Hardware)
The role of the teacher (i.e. Facilitator)
Communication with the community (i.e. Parents)
Linked to the world (i.e. Digital pen pals)
Students skills (i.e. Technical)
Access to information (i.e. Google, Wikipedia)

What Hasn't Changed in Education?

Challenges of being a child
Parent responsibilities
Need for a teacher
Need for structured time
Need for unstructured time
Need for student to feel safe
Need to communicate
Listening is still key

Education has gone through various changes over the centuries. However, none has been greater than the one occurring in this technological age. For the first time the way learning occurs is truly changing. Educators have limitless resources at their finger tips and have access to technology that can help them deliver their lessons effectively and efficiently. Students have vast stores of information at their fingertips and already have technological knowledge to access this information even before entering the classroom. Students are not overwhelmed or intimidate by technology and many times are more.

Ten Reasons to Use Technology in Today's Classroom

Instant access to enormous amounts of information
Fast and efficient
Superb feedback
Today's students speak "tech"
Engages the learner
Prepares them for a "tech" based world
Outside experts are available
A window to the world
It is fun to use
Teacher learns continuously

Ten reasons Not to Use Technology in Today's Classroom

Too expensive
Confusing and complex
No support systems
No support personnel
Time consuming
Not an effective teaching method
Takes away from teacher student relationship
Teacher not trained to use it
Students will be distracted
Teacher becomes automated

It is too expensive, too complicated; it is not an effective method of teaching... These are just some of excuses governments, schools board and teachers give for not utilizing the power of technology more frequently in the classroom. However, if educators and administrators make a commitment to integrate the technology that is making businesses and our personal lives more efficient into our flailing education systems...the success of our students will be staggering and the future possibilities for the education will be limitless.

Lucas Kent is an experienced educator and author of 6 Steps to Success in Teaching with Technology which in now available on Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com and many other online bookstores.

His website http://MrKent.Net - Teaching with Technology Made Simple is designed to help schools and educators implement technology effectively into their educational practices.

Feel free to visit the site and/or subscribe to our fantastic monthly newsletter at http://www.mrkent.net