As I stated in one of my previous blogs, I have not always been the most technologically-savvy people. When it comes to typing or writing, I will always choose a pen and paper. I have trust issues with the internet, and a love-hate relationship with the tools that the internet has provided for me. However, this course has helped me to understand its significance and has given me a sense that technology is not something I can avoid forever. In the words of Thanos (circa Avengers: Infinity War), it is “inevitable.” 

Social media is not just about likes.

I used to hold a perspective that many elderly people hold about technology. I believed that people are addicted to their phones and are becoming increasingly narcissistic with the increase in popularity of social media sites. But social media is not just about getting more likes or putting on the persona of a perfect life, it is about being social. It is a fantastic tool that gives people constant access to what is happening in the world, as well as chances to connect with a variety of people. Without it, global education would not be possible. It gives students an easy way to chat with people from the other side of the world without ever having to leave their seats, and creates a sharing platform in which ideas can be converged and reformed by multiple minds at once. It is revolutionary and one of the ways that teachers can create classrooms that effectively teach every student.

Technology breaks down barriers.

If a student has a disability or English is not their first language, technology is an amazing tool that allows them to participate just as much as any other student. Translators can be reached in seconds, as well as resources such as online-dictionaries or videos that may help teach new words. And for those with disabilities, technology can offer solutions that fill any holes in a person’s abilities. It can amplify sound or help to write notes faster. It can project words larger or offer differentiation for lessons. 

Technology is not to be avoided. It is to be embraced with open arms. 

There is no reason for me to make life harder for myself. I can spend hours handwriting notes and lose them, but it makes more sense to type them in a place I can always access them. I can research lesson plans and meet other teachers, creating a personal learning network that never fails to provide inspiration and validate the way I am feeling.