Assignment #1

Technology is now a part of everyday life. In fact, I use several different technologies just writing this blog. Through the use of technology in the classroom, I will reach my students in a way I could never do without technology. My students will grow up, most likely, in a house that has a computer when they are born. They will use digital technology in every facet of their lives. Through using technology in the classroom, I will maximize their learning experience by speaking to the students in a way that they understand and more readily connect to than the way that I was taught in the classroom.

Jensen, Amy Petersen. "Multimodal Literacy and Theater Education." Arts Education Policy Review. May/June, 2008: 19-28. Education Resource Complete. EBSCO. Northwest U. Hurst Lib. 9 September 2008. .

In this article, Jensen writes about the problems that all educators have when it comes to technology and the reason that using technology is so important in the classroom. Like we have learned in class, this generation of children have grown up with computers, Ipods, internet, and a wide assortment of other technology. Most educators, however have not grown up with this technology. Although many classrooms are moving toward integrating the use of new technology, there is still a wide gap between what is needed and what is available. Administration also gets in the way of using technology. Many school districts have policies that restrict students interactions on the internet. Although well intentioned, these restrictions often hinder innocent and helpful learning for students. Jensen believes that educators should teach multimodially, or with multiple modes of technology in mind. Jensen says that small changed to theatre curriculum can bring technology into the classroom, the example being a teacher who changed an assignment from a radio drama to a podcast drama.

There was a lot to this article. It was exciting to see another theatre educator that is excited about using technology in the classroom. Perhaps simple things can change education. At one point in the article, Jensen talks about one theatre instructor that says theatre is about social interactions. Well, a lot of social interaction today is through techology. Most students connect to their friends using their cell phone, myspace, IM, and other pieces of technology. It makes sense that with new technology, there would be different presentations for theatrical interactions.

Because technology is becoming so important in people's everyday life, it is important to teach students to understand and use technology. NETS gives teachers and students ideas, examples, and specific skills to work on. It is important to know that students will be able to compete in the vast world of technology when they leave school. What use will the knowledge of reading, writing, and mathe be if students cannot communicate their knowledge to the rest of the world? NETS insure that students learn the most up to date technology. Teachers also need to make sure that they are kept up to date with the latest methods and technology for the classroom.