Technology and Education

After reading about educational technology and browsing several examples, it seems that the importance of technology in education is twofold: engagement and preparedness. Technology has great potential top engage students in the material to a degree that may have been otherwise impossible through traditional mediums. For example, many students dislike writing assignments. Technology like UDL book builder allows students to create and publish digital books that can include animations and audio. Many students who would otherwise be disinterested in writing may jump at the chance to publish their own UDL book.

Preparedness for the future is the second reason that technology is vital in the education field. When high school students graduate, they are entering a vastly different world than their parents entered upon graduating high schools. A vast majority of jobs use computers in some capacity. Thus, it is a necessity that students have experience using common technologies such as word processors and Excel. Furthermore, with the emergence of websites like YouTube, students with experience in video recording and editing have opportunities to create their own careers and become their own bosses. Due to the constantly changing and evolving nature of technology, it is more important than ever that teachers are knowledgeable and skilled with the most current technology in order to prepare their students for life after school.

UDL Book Builder Lesson Plan