Technologically Teaching

(not me) (photo credit)

I learned how to type with Mrs. B. in high school on a typewriter. Yes, I am of the age of the typewriter skilled. Fancy electronic typewriters, mind you. The kind that could back up and erase mistakes all on their own, leaving that faint imprint, evidence of error.  Our school had computers but they were new and all I remember of them is from my senior year, when we started using them in our English class, for writing papers, not for using the world wide interweb. Those computers were HUGE compared to the netbooks of today.

If this is the case, if I’m doing my remembering correctly, I had no knowledge of cyberspace when I graduated from high school. My first memories of the Internet are in the computer lab my junior year of college. I remember the trip, every night, down to the building that held the lab, to check for new emails. My friends and I were a little shocked by it. We could send letters! Over the air! It was all so new and unbelievable and exciting.

My kids are going to think I’m such a dinosaur.

I’m positive I will not be able to wrap my head around the technology options that will exist when our children are in high school and college, or even sooner, as they go through their elementary years.  I already can’t quite take in all that’s out there, the options for both adults and children in our technology driven world. I mean, I’m still astounded when I simply push on the screen on my phone with my fingertip and it magically uploads a picture to facebook. My kids are going to be able to do so much more with the tip of their finger. It’s all so much. And since it is, I want to choose what screen time my children use wisely.

Even with all my nostalgia, I whole-heartedly believe schools should have the technology available to serve our children in this rapidly changing world. I know I won’t be able to keep up, but I’m certain my kids will need to (have to) learn more about computers and other forms of technology while they’re in school.  Screen time is something that already exists in schools and I’d prefer that (in moderation) it remains interactive and vibrant, interesting and truly educationally enriching.

Intel is doing something to make that possible with The Intel Wired to learn contest. Because technology in schools is so often out-of-date or sparse, the Intel AppUp℠ center, your source for apps, wants to help three deserving schools with their technology by donating tech packages worth $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000 in the Wired to Learn contest. (The Intel AppUp center is also giving away a netbook each week to celebrate technology and education.)

To nominate YOUR school, go to the Wired to Learn Contest Page. It’s simple–tell a story about your school, and ask your friends, family and fellow school-goers to vote. The school with the most votes wins a tech package.  You can also check out the Intel App Center, The apps there are for PC’s so students can use them in the classroom or at home.  I looked around and was honestly inspired by all the truly interesting, smart and educational options, like some of my favorites: Country Connect for Miles and Fun With Letters for Asher, and for me, Cozi Express is a GREAT app for organizing family schedules.

{This is a sponsored post but the story and opinions are mine exclusively. I was compensated for my time and honest with my words.}

What do you remember about technology in YOUR good ol’ days? How important do you think it is for kids to utilize technology in the classroom? I really want to know!