Guiding Learning with Technology: chapters 1 and 2

Upon completing the first two chapters of “Guiding Learning with Technology” I was surprised at how my personal definition of technology does not encompass the broad definition that the book presents. Technology refers to any device or systematic technique that improves the quality of life is a definition that I wasn’t quite ready for. I admit that the first two chapters were not the most thrilling literature, but a generous introduction to why technology in the classroom is not just important, but is becoming more vital to engaging our students.

My question regarding the information presented in these two chapters is…there are many teachers tenured in our school systems that don’t incorporate technology into their classrooms and seem to be resistant to doing so; are these teachers “grandfathered” into not teaching with and about technology, or will school systems urge them to do so? Even in my undergraduate classes I have multiple professors who are resistant to technology. Naturally I am not discussing the use of text messages or the student who checks their email throughout class instead of paying attention, but the use of any technology at all. During class we simply sit in rows of tiny desks while listening to the professor lecture as we attempt to volunteer insight about the topic in order to collect participation points. I even have a professor who went as far as bashing “technology” during the first class…saying that while it may be okay for some classes she still is adamant that learning best takes place “the old school way” and without distraction. I’m not sure I even remember how to give a group presentation without PowerPoint after year of being forced to use it. Overall, how long will there be such a gap in classroom technology learning?


As a future English/Language Arts teacher it is important for me to begin thinking about how I will incorporate technology into my classroom. As I think back to the English classes I had in my K-12 education I can recall very little technology. English was not a place for technology and the only implements that one needed to teach and learn consisted of a book, paper, and pen. As my reading continues I hope to find many useful tools to further engaging my future students.