Becoming a 21st century teacher is one of the most crucial goals to have this day in age. Children today are living in what is called an "iGeneration". They, from birth, are constantly around technology. Children see smartphones, laptops and tablets on a daily basis. Parents are downloading games and coloring app's so their children could play. Toys have been somewhat replaced with technological advances. Children are experiencing "digital childhoods" and coming into school already technologically more superior than we were at that age. It is so important for teachers, future and existing, to keep up with technology even as it becomes more and more innovative and create a concrete digital identity.
Using technology in the classroom creates a multitude of opportunities for students to learn in different ways. Teachers can use technology to engage students in ways that haven't been used before. It helps promote a student-centered way of learning which benefits the students and is ultimately our goal as teachers.
I agree with your statement, that students are living digital childhood. We must learn to incorporate their technology use into our classroom through structured learning activities. My vision is to create a classroom where students are allowed to walk freely to the classroom computer and research a question ( through protected websites). We have to come to terms with the fact that everything is virtual now a days. Therefore, we must educate our children on internet literacy.
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