Integrating Technology in the Language Arts Classroom Essay -- Teaching

Integrating Technology in the Language Arts Classroom School leaders today are under extreme pressure to improve student achievement levels. Yet, in the face of tight budgets, threats to cut extra-curricular activities, and an extensive shortage of textbooks in the schools, exactly what are teachers supposed to do to ensure that â€Å"no child is really left behind.† Despite what looks like a dead end, there is hope. By integrating the usage of technology in the Language Arts classroom, students are presented with a wide range of opportunities for improving in writing, literacy, and cultural awareness. According to the article, â€Å"Are we there yet?† a survey issued by the National School Boards Foundation says that many schools nationwide have made great progress in connecting classrooms to the Internet. Yet, this is not exactly enough. Today, the focus must be on integrating this technology as an integral tool for instruction and administration, not as just an extra â€Å"if-time† activity. By doing this, the core educational priorities that are set by the federal, state, and local governments will match the goals, interests, and objectives of students in diverse learning communities. In addition to this, the usage of technology is viewed by parents to have a positive impact in children’s lives. Although parents understand that there are dangers associated with the Internet, they mostly believe that the positive implications for it are much stronger. For school leaders, however, the correct installments of filters, firewalls, and honor codes are the only p rotections that they have against providing students with more positive than negative images. Having said all of this, what are technologies implications for improving the La... ...thers, they will develop a more complete sense of themselves and the world around them at the same time. In conclusion, technology in the Language Arts classrooms will provide students and teachers with a wide array of opportunities and options for broadening instruction and assessments. Increased usage of technology will act as a supplement for traditional instruction, and thus strengthen the effect that it will have in the lives of students everywhere. Therefore, where there are tight budgets, and shortage in textbooks, the usage of technology gives communities hope and a stronger belief that no child will be left behind. Works Cited â€Å"Are we there yet?† http://www.nsbf.org/thereyet/fulltext.htm â€Å"A Friend for the Language Arts.†www.electronic-school.com/0198f4.html â€Å"Using Virtual Learning Space to Promote Multiculturalism† http://www.techlearning.com