Technology in the classroom

After our discussion in Tuesday's class about the use of technology in a classroom, it made me think of reasons why it would be beneficial. I am not that good with computers, but I can get by. The kids today know so much more about computers and its also interesting to them. Kids need to be intersted in learning and I think that using technology that they know will make them want to learn more.
As I did my student teaching last semester, I saw that using any kind of technology the students would get very excited and interested in my lesson. In the beginning of my student teaching I used mostly the overhead, and also the graphing calculator. Towards the end of the semester we got a smartboard in the classroom and I was able to use that in my lessons. The students were jumping out of their seats if I asked if someone could come to the board to show their work. They loved it. The smartboard is benefical because its very interactive. If a student did not understand a certain concept we were able to go to the internet, play games, or other activities. It is a great technology. Even though it is new the students were able to help my cooperating teacher and I set up the smartboard with the computer, and I thought that was great.
I think that using technology in a lesson is a great way to keep the students interested and having fun. Because they know they are not allowed to have their ipods and cell phones in class, and I think that if we did use that in our lesson they would get very excited. Hey, maybe they know things you can do with a cell phone or ipod that we don't know that could be very useful. Everyone learns something new everyday, and I think it is time for us teachers to learn more about using technology in a lesson.