Today school is officially back in session, and I am ready to hit the ground running with some technology integration. During the break my life was officially changed forever with the introduction of an iPad to my household. At first, I felt like a sellout gushing over the device that I feel is a complete luxury item nowhere near the "need" column. On top of that, I would be happy to see Android devices that are much more reasonably priced prevail over the Apple Empire's "it" product. Okay, I might be getting a tad dramatic here, and I have experienced and appreciated Apple products before (my video iPod is still a device used daily) - but the iPad is something that truly tests your integrity as a technology user. Since it is such a costly item that is still fairly new - I didn't have a problem talking about what an expensive toy it is, because that is primarily how I see the device - a toy. And after using one for just about a week - I still feel as if it is a toy, but it is one of the most fun, well-designed toys I have ever had. It also makes me redefine my use of the word toy, because it integrates a web and multimedia experience in such a way that it makes things that seem tedious on my desktop PC fun and easy to do. This ease of use is something that Apple does so well, that I can't deny its effect on me as a consumer and as an educator. Being able to take a complicated device that will be used differently depending on the user, and creating an experience that is simple and natural despite the amount of knowledge that goes into every detail is amazing. Sounds a little like teaching, right? Well, it's something to think about.
Okay, now that I got that out of my system, I feel renewed and excited about the role technology has with our students. Along with the resources and links I provide, I welcome any opportunity to interact and work with your classroom to help foster a classroom that takes advantage of the technology that you have at our disposal. I know that there are sometimes barriers that prevent you from being able to achieve with technology what you would like to, and these can be a large range of things from devices working properly, student misuse/behavior, license restrictions, not enough training, web filter, etc. But looking at your goals, I would like to work with you and take steps to get your classroom to where you would like it to be. Please don't hesitate to ask for some assistance with incorporating technology into your instruction. The only question that is stupid is the one that isn't asked.
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