In a rapidly changing world where we are becoming a more tech-dependent society, it is imperative that we teach students how to utilize technology in social media in order to succeed in the world. By teaching students with traditional techniques, we aren’t properly equipping them for further education, nor the workforce. Technology and social media isn’t something to avoid, but rather something to embrace and utilize in order to enable students to effectively communicate and educate themselves further. Classrooms need to be formed in a way that utilizes the teacher and technology, instead of just either or. By creating a blended learning classroom environment with both traditional teaching styles and technology, students will be able to create a personalized learning schedules, prepare students for a technology savvy environment after schooling, and allow students to enhance their communication and self-identification skills.

There is no question that integrating technology into the classroom isn’t an easy, nor cheap initiative. In an article published in Education Weekly, Benjamin Herold states that we currently spend $3 billion annually on technology. Many people question whether or not it’s worth it for us to spend so much money on technology for young students. Many schools have tried to put some on the burden on families of students by requiring them to bring their own tablets or laptops to school. Unfortunately, there are many families who simply can’t afford that. When questioning whether it’s “worth it” to invest in putting technology in the public schools, it’s crucial to realize that if we don’t equip our students with the education and skill with technology that they will need for jobs later on, that’s just money that will be lost by having an uneducated work force. 

Every student learns at different paces and in different ways. One of the biggest advantages of blending tech into the classroom is that it allows for Differentiated learning. This means that, “Students with varied styles of learning find new ways to assimilate information and demonstrate learning.” There’s a famous saying that says, “You can’t judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree.” Every student learns in different ways as well as has different skills. This being said, technology will provide students with different outlets to demonstrate what they’ve learned as well as explore new skills they never knew they had. Technology can provide students new platforms to prove that they are learning and know new material. When I was in elementary school, I always studied and knew the material of a test, but when the test papers were passed out and it was time to begin, I would get such bad test anxiety that I would never do well on the test even though I knew everything on it. 

There is “great opportunity for teachers to expand their students’ horizons by drawing on the vast resources of the Internet to supplement classroom lectures and discussions.” (Turnbridge) Not only will technology allow students to learn more efficiently, but it will also allow teachers to teach in new ways that intrigue students while making it more varied than simple notes. A teacher could show notes on a subject and then find a video on YouTube to make it come to life for his/her students. One of the newly popular platforms for teachers to engage their students in the classroom, is Kahoot. This website allows teachers to make a quiz online, put the quiz on the screen, and then have students connect on their tablets or laptops to join the “game”. It also has a competitive game sense that really makes students want to learn and get it right. These different platforms get students not only engaged, but actually excited and motivated about what they are learning.

Another advantage to using technology in the classroom is its ability to assist the students with their In today’s job market, there is no job you will come across that you won’t need to use a computer or another form of technology or social media. Whether you’re a farmer trying to connect with buys, working for a marketing company designing marketing campaigns, or working with computer mechanics, technology will be a part of that. 

Technology is not something that’s going away, so we must embrace it and adapt to it. If we ignore it and don’t teach students how to us it during their developmental years, they will be ill prepared in their futures. If we can create a classroom style that can effectively use human teachers and technology, we will be able to send out students with the knowledge they need to succeed. The flexibility and wider field of outlets and information that we receive from tech learning will enhance the education as well as make it more adjustable and enjoyable in each student’s learning experience.