Tech+Integration

I watched a video on how high schools are creating multiple pathways for students. In Elk Grove, California their school district operates with 17 different academic programs that range from agricultural programs to sport careers. These high schools are not skimping on academics but there is a different structure involved when teaching students in this new age. Students are provided with training and instructions in a specific career or industry that they choose to be involved in. These high schools are connecting students to future colleges and even careers. Students are being prepared for the outside world, and what it means to be an adult. Not only are they learning their basic curriculum, but careers are ingrained into their lessons. I believe this video to be a great stepping-stone in learning what we need to do for our future students, our future society. It seems we have picked up with the times, not only are students learning about history, english, and science, but they are also learning how to approach a career when they are completed with high school.

Technology is crucial today, especially for our youth and younger generations. Technology has helped us learn how our world works and how we operate. Students should be exposed to all the resources around them. Integrating technology into classrooms is more than just teaching computer and typing skills; it is about enhancing the whole, entire learning process. Learning through projects that are equipped with technology help students to be challenged alongside giving them a taste of what the real world and a real office setting would be like. With technology students are able to see topics at a different and wider angle through search engines rather than an old encyclopedia! Technology has to be integrated successfully, as a tool students can use to further their education. I would make sure first that students are able to use the equipment efficiently and appropriately. Once that is accomplished I would use Ipads and computers on numerous assignments. I think it would be a fun activity for students to have class emails and a website just like Blackboard, where I (the teacher) would have access to everything. Not all, but some assignments would be done completely online, so students get the feel for how an online class would work, and become comfortable with email, the Internet, presentation software, digital videos, web pages, and even video conferencing.