The Times They Are a-Changin'

In these videos, we are given many facts about students both in K-12 and college-aged. While the majority of the facts presented are shocking and a bit depressing, they're not completely along the lines of, "Holy crap no way!" Like the guy in the first video, I have often bought books that cost hundreds of dollars only to have them sit on my shelves. I have also brought my computer to a lecture hall only to read ESPN and check email and Facebook. Along with all the other statistics brought up in this video, while saddening, don't exactly pertain to my future as a secondary school math teacher. These are all about college students and that goes beyond my future jurisdiction. The second video on the other hand is much more thought provoking. It tells us facts about how much technology students use when they're not in school: playing video games for three and a half hours a week, watching tv for sixteen and a half hours a week, and five and half hours a week on the computer. Yet in the classroom, their teachers don't use different technology, let along understand how to use it.

So obviously I should, and will, use technology in my classroom. By doing so, I will be able to connect better with my students, and as a result will allow my students to learn better. Also, using technology will keep my students engaged and excited to be in class everyday. What is unfortunate is that the majority of teachers don't or won't do this simply because they do not know how to do so. Teachers need to be their own agent of change. They need to be aware of how things are changing and adapt to that for the betterment of their students. By doing so, teachers will meet their students' expectations and allow them to learn better.