Lesson 9
Jennifer Drumm

1. The WebSite Review has been sent previously.

2. Develop your own particular position on technology as an effective instructional tool, and share your perspectives via email with other classmates and the instructor.

I believe that technology (as in telecommunications, e-mail, Internet, computers in classrooms, etc) is just the "newest" thing on the block and therefore more emphasis is being placed on the technology itself rather than what it can do for students and teachers. There are so many wonderful uses for the technology available today, the opportunity to attain a master's degree at a distance is just one example, but teachers and students need to be proficient in the use of technology before it can become a "transparent" learning tool. The newness needs to wear off as well as the fear. We have other examples of technology that teachers use everyday without even a second thought: TVs, VCRs, overhead projectors, etc. The things that teachers are weary of today will become commonplace soon enough.

Technology in education can play two roles. Students can learn about technology to prepare for a job and technology can be integrated effectively into the curriculum. The effective integration of technology should enhance learning rather than taking the focus away from learning.