Using Technology in the Class

Using Technology in the Classroom

Teachers can connect their students with content by using technology. The technology that teachers can use in the classroom is broad. I will attempt to incorporate music, television shows and movies, video games, and computers into my learning activities because doing so will benefit my students.

In her article, “Multigenre, Multiple Intelligences, and Transcendentalism,” Colleen A. Ruggieri describes how she used music to help students identify with transcendental literary works. After her class read several transcendental pieces, Ruggieri played Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” for her class (Ruggieri 61). She and the class discussed how the lyrics in “My Way” depict transcendental elements. Ruggieri asked her class to find other examples of transcendentalism in music that they liked. After they had chosen the music, the students had to write a paragraph describing how the songs fit into the transcendental category. The students brought their music to class the next day, and Ruggieri describes how “the response was terrific” (61). Every teacher wants his or her students to be excited about class, and Ruggieri accomplished excitement by incorporating music into her class. During the class, Ruggieri and the students created a list of the different types of music that the students brought. Ruggieri says that her “students were quick to notice that certain genres” had the most transcendental qualities (63). This observation spurred further conversation about transcendental literature applies to modern life. Using music motivated the students and helped them identify with the literature. I know that I will employ similar tactics when teaching my high school students. I want my students to enjoy and learn from class material and using technology accomplishes this desire.

I will also use the computer and the Internet as a means to connect content material with my students. I think that it is important for students to familiarize themselves with the technology that they will use in their futures. It is almost certain that when students reach adulthood they will need to navigate Web sites and use e-mail as a form of communication. For projects and writing assignments, I will require that students research on the Internet as well as in the library. And I will use e-mailing to do letter-writing assignments. In a lesson titled "Exploring Literature through Letter-Writing Groups" on readwritethink.org, John Paul Walter explains how he uses letters as a means for students to explore literature. Walter uses letter-writing groups throughout the year to help students analyze material. Instead of having students merely respond to literary questions, Walter uses letters to instigate thought and discussion about literary concepts. I will use this idea but the students will correspond via e-mail or Web posts. Students will write about the literature we read and comment on what their peers have to say. Using an electronic format gives assignments variety, allows students to practice their typing skills, and ensures that students know how to send and reply to emails. Walter’s already authentic learning activity becomes even more authentic because of it’s relevance to real life.

Because technology is a powerful force in American culture, I know that I will use it frequently in my classroom. Teachers need as many resources as possible to reach all of their students. Technology is a simple and interesting way to connect to students.

http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=397