The Importance of Computer Education in School

Using technology in the classroom provides a myriad of educational opportunities

Living in the peak of the technology age, it's only natural that teachers start thinking about integrating technology into the classroom. With Podcasts, Blogs, WebQuests and many other forms of technology at your fingertips, the possibilities are endless. In the January 2006 issue of "Education Leadership," Carolyn Pool stated, "The digital revolution is as near as a cell phone and as far away as the spacecraft Voyager. Students are the beneficiaries of both the knowledge explosion and the communications bonanza."

Benefits

According to KidsSource Online, "Research has shown that 3- and 4-year-old children who use computers with supporting activities that reinforce the major objectives of the programs have significantly greater developmental gains when compared to children without computer experiences in similar classrooms-gains in intelligence, nonverbal skills, structural knowledge, long-term memory, manual dexterity, verbal skills, problem solving, abstraction, and conceptual skills."

Rethinking Education

Although the task may seem daunting, it is crucial that schools begin to really delve into their use of technology in the classroom. The benefits are endless and schools are forced to face the fact that if they don't get on the technology bandwagon, they're going to fall behind. This does not mean that schools need to strive for a 1:1 ratio for students and computers, but schools do need to consider their technology programs and where they can begin and continue to broaden educational opportunities through the use of technology. By introducing SmartBoards, Elmos, Podcasts and WebQuests, teachers are obligated to open doors to new and innovative possibilities for exciting adventures in learning.

A Challenge

According to USA Today, "Until school boards and administrators begin to budget adequately for technology equipment and ongoing staff development, educators will be losing the battle. Most schools, including colleges and universities, do not have budget models yet that take into account equipment depreciation and the need for equipment and software upgrades that have become routine in most business environments. School boards should be seeking the aid of local corporate leaders to help their administrators learn the ropes of budgeting for technology needs."

First Step

The first step in the process of technology integration is for teachers to education themselves about the possibilities available. Children spend countless hours attached to some form of technology, and until teachers have the same understanding of technology available and how they can use it to open new and exciting educational doors for students, they are missing valuable opportunities to reach their students.

Get Involved

Don't be afraid to get educated and get involved. Begin by looking into your district's viewpoint on technology and education and funding available to teachers for technology advancement. Check into workshops and seminars available to educate teachers about new and exciting forms of technology for the classroom. Many times your school district will have professional development funds to send teachers to workshops. Check on the manufacturer's websites. Most of the time manufacturers will have tutorials available that you can watch to help with learning to use tools like SmartBoards, Airliners, Elmos and information-sharing tools like wikis, podcasts and blogs. The most important thing is to get excited and jump in. The possibilities are endless.

References

• Education Leadership: Learning in the Digital Age
• KidsSource Online: Computers and Young Children
• USA Today:The Future of technology in teaching - teachers need to learn more about teaching computer skills