Chandler, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/31/2011 -- Our children have grown up in a new media society where computers and cell phones are more of a necessity than a luxury. They have incorporated technology into almost everything they do in their lives. Fortunately, many school districts have recognized the importance of technology in children’s lives and included it into new teaching methods. Bringing the digital age into education has become a controversial topic; however, the studies have shown that new technology in the classroom is actually beneficial for many students. Tools such as laptops, smart boards, projectors, computer software and clickers are all beginning to make their way into young student’s everyday classroom experience.

One of the biggest advantages of technology in the classroom is the amount of money schools are saving. Yes, technology can be expensive; however, schools save money by having their students use laptops and computer software to learn and do their work instead of paying for textbooks that go out-of-date in two or three years and wasting countless sheets of paper for homework and worksheets. By using a smart board or a projector in the classrooms teachers are able to stop using dry erase markers or chalk and cleaning solutions for the boards. Parents and students save money because they are no longer required to buy reams of paper or multiple binders and notebooks for class. Instead, all of their homework, course work, tests and projects are worked out on the computer. And during these rough economic times, people are looking to save money wherever they can.

Many times we hear about children who are afraid to speak aloud in class, or freeze up when they are called on by the teacher. Conventional classrooms require children to express their understanding of the material through verbal discussions, pop quizzes and multiple choice tests. Students are often left behind with this method because either a student has testing anxiety or the material is not being presented in a way that corresponds with their learning style. Technology allows educators to teach students in a variety of different styles and as a result, students are able to understand the material in a way that works best for them, whether it is visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. With computers, students have the ability to answer questions and participate in the class by submitting the answer through the computer. Students are then able to see how much of the class agreed with their answer and how many didn’t. The teacher can then lead a discussion in class as to why the students chose the answer they did. By seeing what other children are doing, the student builds confidence, which allows them to not doubt their knowledge.

Many teachers that have been interviewed about this topic agree that working with technology boosts children’s confidence and motivation in the classroom. They believe that it is the result of getting immediate feedback from the computer program, as well as feeling a sense of accomplishment because they are learning and mastering tools that are needed in the real world. Even at a young age, students obtain a basic level of technological skill that most people do not learn until they are in high school and college. When technology is used in the classroom, students have knowledge of e-mail and the internet, a basic level of web design through blogs, learn how to use Google Docs, utilize Microsoft Office software that includes Excel and Word. Students are also introduced to a whole new world of information through technology, which benefits them when doing research for a paper or project. They are able to learn about how to find and use creditable sources and how to give them the correct credit for their work.

Also, integrating technology into K-12 schools will help students prepare for higher education. There a number of times where college lectures will be presented through podcasts, or another form of online communication. Many students will only communicate with their professors through e-mail or web chat, such as Skype. Almost all tests, quizzes and papers are required to be turned in online as well. So, by teaching our children how to master these tasks at a young age, they will be that must more prepared when going into high education.

Some people are concerned that letting technology into the classroom will hurt students’ communication skills; however, studies have shown that the use of computers have bought children closer together. Many times, students will ask a fellow peer for assistance. By letting children interact with one another while using technology, they are learning how to communication and problem solve together. Also, by submitting their work through various programs online, students are able to participate in multiple forms of peer critique. Instead of having just one or two classmates edit their work; students are able to have a number of classmates give their suggestions on how to make their work better. By communicating on these terms, students are not only learning from their teacher, but also learning from each other, which will help a majority of the students stay on the same level.

Another apprehension that people have is the access that student’s have to the web. Schools and school districts across the country have taken several measures to ensure that students are only using their school technology for educational purposes. Many schools have blocked sites such as Youtube, Facebook, Myspace and gaming sites. Sometimes; however, students still find a way to get unto the sites, which is why administrators have direct access to every school laptop and/or computer. They are able to monitor what sites children are using on the school’s laptops and if the child is on something inappropriate, the administrator is able to shut the program down. This is a great way to keep students focused and on track to finishing the task assigned to them.

Overall, technology in the classroom has great potential. Even though some people believe that it is not the right choice, they must realized that we now live in a digital society. The use of technology will continue to expand as time continues, so it is in our best interest to make sure that our children’s education is keeping up with the times. We want our children to be prepared for the real world and that fierce competition that they will face when looking for jobs and in order to do that, they must be technology savvy.