Personal Technology PlanTechnology is an important key in education. There are strong opinions one both sides ofthe debate. Those in favor of technology in education argue that the use of technology in education builds motivation and confidence in students. When technology is used successfully in education it allows students the opportunity to work collaboratively on projects that relate to the curriculum standards for the grade level. The idea is to use technology when it will enhance learning and not just to use technology for the sake of using technology. Those who are against the use of technology in education argue that technology does not promote social skills when used alone, can create moral problems with pornographic sites, and can take away from personal interaction between families and peers much like television or other media. Technology in education however can help students with special needs and reduce distractions for students with ADD/ADHD. Studies have shown that students are more motivated and engaged in lessons when technology is present. Studies have also shown how technology can shorten the gap between high achieving students and low achieving students. A study done in Missouri first observed two classrooms during their normal lesson environment. They then returned to observe the classrooms during lesson that involved technology. They found that 75- 80% of the students were engaged during the technology based unit while only 20-25% of the students were engaged during the traditional lessons (Wright 1999). The study also asked teachers to identify students of high achievement and low achievement. After observing these students they found that the low achieving student showed enthusiasm and leadership by eagerly volunteering answers, helping other students, and displaying their work forthe class. Both students worked cooperatively and completed the task (Wright 1999).Technology in education can be a motivated and productive tool when integrated with the curriculum and used cooperatively to build problem-solving skills. Technology should never be used just for the sake of using it. When used correctly technology in education will help build skills students will use in their future education and work experiences.I have had little experience teaching since I just graduated from college. Thus the amount of technology I have used in teaching or in my classroom is limited. The only technology I have used while teaching is an overhead projector. However in the future I do plan on using technology in my classroom in several ways. I plan to have a classroom website that students and parents can access for information and help with homework. This would consist of information about my class and myself. I also would like to use a digital camera to document theschool year and the different projects and field trips. I can then take the pictures and add them tothe class website and create a slideshow at the end of the year for the parents. This would be a wonderful keepsake of the year for the students and parents. I will also be conducting lessons that integrate technology into the core subjects such as science, math, reading, and social studies. I will do this through Webquests and Internet based lessons. These will allow students the opportunity to work collaboratively on problem solving skills. They will be using specific websites to conduct research on real world based problems. They will need to research, come up with reasonable solutions supported by their evidence, and then create presentations to share with the class through the use of PowerPoint. This will help students become familiar with using the Internet and PowerPoint in a way that they will use themin higher education and the work field. I am also interested in having my students work with Kidspiration and Stairs I have created to master curriculum topics. My students can use Kidspiration to create story webs ofbooks we will be reading in class and to create concept maps. This software program will help my students create visual representations of their thoughts and ideas that they can carry over when writing papers or in organizing their ideas in the future. The Stairs I have created will givestudents who were absent during a topic or students who need further experience with a topic theopportunity to receive individual instruction at school or at home. Students will be learning the material and receiving immediate feedback on quiz questions. Students will be able to access these Stairs as many times as they want to from the class website.I have a plan for enhancing and increasing my use of technology in my work in education. This includes continuing my personal development and use of technology. I currently plan to continue my own education in technology through the masters in technology program at Michigan State University. I will be taking the next set of classes towards my masters in two years. I will then continue to finish up my masters the following school year. I then plan to attend seminars and workshops focused on technology software, integration, and hardware. I would also like to continue taking courses focused on technology through lifelong education. I also plan to enhance the use of technology in my work in education by integrating technology into my curriculum. I plan to create a class web page that parents and students will be able to access for information, upcoming events, helpful homework links, and information about me. I am also very interested in learning how to use moviemaker so that students can use the program to create skits of stories we have read or to create movies of stories they have created. I plan on having students participate in Webquests and use Stairs I have created to further master curriculum topics in all subjects. I also want students to become comfortable and familiar with researching information form the Internet, using the information they researched tocome to reasonable solutions to presented problems. This will be a vital skill in higher educationand the work field. I also want students to feel comfortable, motivated, and proud to show or display their work. Integrating technology into my curriculum will allow all students regardless of personal background the opportunity to work with and feel comfortable using technology.BibliographyWright, Michael D. Technology Education in the American Elementary School.