Blog 1

Since student learning does not occur for each student the same way at the same time it is important for teachers to use a variety of instructional strategies.  Teachers must be aware of ways or strategies needed to meet the learning goals of their students.  Each strategy has its pros and cons or areas of effectiveness and ineffectiveness; where one fails the other succeeds.  Therefore, it is imperative for the teacher to be aware and able to implement different strategies (whether teacher-centered or student-centered; including presentation, demonstration, drill-and-practice, tutorial, discussion, cooperative learning, games, simulation, discovery, and problem-solving.
Each technology is likely to play a different role in students' learning and implementing the different strategies. Teachers need to think about what kind of technologies are being used in the classroom and for what purposes. Two general distinctions can be made. Students can learn "from" computers—where technology is used essentially as tutors (Integrated learning systems, computer software, media centers) and serves to increase students basic skills and knowledge (drill-and-practice game like online experiences); and can learn "with" computers—where technology is used a tool that can be applied to a variety of goals in the learning process and can serve as a resource to help develop higher order thinking, creativity and research skills (Internet research, blogs, google earth).
Technology is plays a vital role in the fabric of society from controlling traffic lights, communication, record keeping, surveillance, science investigations, to the smallest of gadgets such as ipods and the like.  Every where we look, technology is helping to enhance our lives, in some way.  The classroom is not impervious to the effect and appearance of technology, as matter of fact it has been, for the most part, a huge improvement to how learning occurs.  Teachers are able to take students on virtual tours, video conference with children across the world, access information for research previously unavailable or difficult to acquire, and much more.  The possibilities are limitless.  Teachers can not remain stagnant in their learning and implementation of strategies or the use of technologies to enhance these strategies.  They must become willing and able participants in this growing process and expose themselves to every opportunity to grow, technologically.  Our students are not ignoring technology in their daily lives (Face book, Twitter, other online social networks, Instant messaging, texting, etc.)  We as teachers must be able to use technology to give students greater access to learning, while incorporating and enhancing necessary strategies.
http://www.techlearning.com/article/2022