Technology is a facet of our society that has become imperative to know and understand.  It influences our lives with everything from entertainment to research.  Technology and some knowledge of how to work with technology has become mandatory, especially for students and teachers today.

There are many advantages to technology.  It is an amazing resource for both students and teachers.  Students have the ability to do research without ever leaving the comforts of their homes.  With more resources easily accessible, the students will be able to have a wider variety of information and examples to defend their ideas.  It is also a more efficient way of finding research in a world where bigger and faster is better.  This might encourage students to do more research because it is not as challenging to find information.  As teachers, we can encourage technology by giving students class time to use the Internet for research and continuing to use the Internet for projects and papers both inside and outside of the classroom.

Technology can also be incorporated through the use of programs such as Blackboard.  On this, students can have weekly assignments to write to each other and become accustomed to technology being an aspect of the education.  Not only does this encourage students to talk outside of the class, but it also prepares many students for programs such as Blackboard that will appear in college classes.  Additionally, Blackboard enables teachers to post information on the web.  Through this, parents and students are given benefits such as the ability to view grades and find the daily homework if they miss a day.

Technology advantage for teachers.  One of the positive aspects of technology that is the Internet provides access to things such as lesson plans, answers to questions, and the ability to link and talk to other educators.  This allows for more diverse lesson plans and new and creative ideas.   Technology is also able to connect the classrooms of two schools in two locations.  The students would then be able to see perspectives and classroom styles completely different from their own.  Instead of pen pals, the students can become computer pals.  Students would then be practicing both their computer skills and their writing abilities.

Although technology has many advantages, there are also negative aspects.  One problem is that not all students are going to have an easy access to computers and the Internet.  This might lead to unequal levels of technological knowledge.  There are ways to diminish these effects such as not mandating papers to be written on a computer. However, it is a problem that is going to exist.  Another dilemma that comes from the advances in technology is the dependence upon it.  Students are constantly on the computers, not spending as much time outside or with people.  The Internet also leads to students not learning how to use libraries properly.

Technology is a wonderful addition to our society.  While it is important not to become overly dependent on technology, it is an amazing advantage to us because we can communicate and gain knowledge easier and faster.
 

Home