Does Technology Change the Way We Teach?

Indisputably, yes. Technology in the classroom today allows for much more content, connection, and communication with students. With web 2.0 technology like YouTube, there is so much more real content to supplement what is being taught in the curriculum. Students can see real world consequences and applications. It allows teachers and students to make bigger connections with all subjects.

As a teacher, technology also allows us to communicate with students on a different level. Through the use of e-mail, blogs, the internet, and social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, we can be in constant contact with our students about something. We must be careful to filter our interactions and not become too comfortable with students in a faceless, and unemotional "cyberworld." It is also very easy to throw something at students and tell them to research it on the Internet, blog about it, or send me an e-mail. As teachers, we must be more cautious about authentic assessments and utilize this massive world of technology for the greater good and not just to make things easier on ourselves.

However, I do think technology allows for so much more advancement for students in special education. There are many wonderful tools for these students. Teachers must keep up with technology in order to help students succeed through the use of these mediums. This requires diligence on our part to stay current and truly continue to be lifelong learners.