Teaching Life

I just want to wish everyone a happy new year for 2009!  We are almost one decade into the new Millennium.  I recall the 1999 Y2K scare that everyone thought all computers would crash and it would be mass chaos.  Now, here we are going strong with more technology we could have even dreamed of in 1999.

Think of all the technology that is used in the classroom compared to 9-10 years ago. Today classrooms have:

• Smart Boards, which is an interactive whiteboard, which used to be called a chalkboard.
• A classroom home page online that parents and students can access.
• Microsoft Power Point presentations, created by the students or used by teachers.
• Some classrooms have podcasts and virtual learning environments. In the last 5 years or so, some elementary schools are based almost solely on computerized instruction.  (See my other blogs on space in the classroom  and Virtual Classroom )

Now, think of the technology that children bring into the classroom that was not a consideration in 1999. There are cell phones, iPods, PDA’s, iPhone’s, virtual pets, and more. At home, children are using computers more than writing and being “friends” with their teachers on Facebook or mySpace.

Advances in technology are a good thing and bring many positive ideas and creativity to the classroom.  In addition, the technology used in 1999 prevented the Y2K scare everyone was worried about.  There is a fine balance though and each new year brings in more and more challenges to teachers, parents, and everyone else!

The students in Kindergarten today will graduate from high school in 2021!!  Can you imagine what will in classrooms then as these students go on to college?  I do not think we CAN even imagine!

For now, let’s look forward to 2009 and whatever it brings, technology wise or other.  Happy New Year!