Post #8

The smart boards hold the biggest promise for education. They are perfect for any type of lesson. They take the white board to a whole nother level adding in much more interactive software. Students can virtually erase and write, search the internet, and even play games. Smart boards have their own programs that can be accessed for free. Things like lesson plans, and smart technologies can all be accessed for free with the smart board. Smart boards provide interactive learning to the classroom.

Virtual reality should definitely be implemented in the classroom. It should be used to teach students about events and places that they otherwise could not gain access to. For example, you could have a virtual reality program where the student puts on the goggles and is immersed in a historical event. It could be used for a situation that is too dangerous to expose the student to in real life. You could place the child in a scene of snakes, sharks, or spiders to be able to “see” them up close without the possible harm.

The digital divide is the gap between the people who have access to technology and those who don’t. Not everyone owns and computer and has internet connection. Although it may seem like in the US everyone has access to these technologies, but that is not the case. Many families do not own computers, and if they do they cannot afford internet or other complimentary products. Students without at home computers can fall behind, and miss out on important information and communication within the classroom. In my own classroom, I would educate my students on all of the options they have to gain access to computers. The school library, public library, and my own classroom will have computers that students can access. I am definitely on the wired side of the digital divide. My phone and personal laptop keep me constantly connected.