Technological Implications

Today, I took my students through an advanced search lesson using google.com. It was part one of a two part lesson in which students will create annotated bibliographies tomorrow in class. I have a class of LD students who range anywhere from a 4th to 6th grade reading and writing level. Keep in mind I am teaching 10th grade students. What I have found is that not all of my students have access to computers at home, and many do not see the importance of learning appropriate research skills. I believe in the use of technology because I see the transformation in our world with its uses, its connectivity around the globe, the advancement and variety in career choices, and the need for it in our daily lives. This lesson showed students how to specifically narrow down ideas and searches in order to lesson the number of hits on a page and to find specific information for research purposes. The lesson also required students to assert reasons as to why certain searches based on keywords receive higher or lower numbers of hits. It was difficult for most of my students to follow the directions at first. One, they may have never had to conduct such a type of search; two, they may have limited exposure and knowledge as to what research is and its uses. What I should have done is to survey students on their level of skills and what they are familiar with technologically. This would have given me a better perspective as to where to start.

I know that the HSA will cover research and locating appropriate sources, and that is one reason why I decided to conduct this lesson; However, what has discouraged me the most is that in this day and age of technological advancement, some students are being left behind the technologically. Unfortunately, many of those students are those who are in special education. I find it vital to teach and use the skills necessary for employment in today's society. I still get parent emails full of grammatical mistakes, students who have electronic devices that are not used to their full capacity to encourage learning daily, and a huge gap between those who are well informed and knowledgeable of technological applications and those who are not. This applies to my students as well as the parents of those students. Using technology and teaching its uses and applications are an imperative.

I have made the decision to make technology a huge part of my teaching for next year. I am armed with information and training that I will use to create a 21st century classroom.