Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The 21st Century Disconnect

The multiple advances in technology are causing vast changes to not only our classroom structure but to society as well. Many businesses are using technology to reshape how their businesses are organized and ran.  More teachers are using technology in the classroom today to help prepare students for the technology they will use when they leave the classroom and enter the business world.  Regardless of the setting, weather in the classroom or conference room, technology is being used as a communication method and as a way to make things easier.

For example, in my classroom students learned about the six types of electronic communication.  Students are already familiar with email and text messages but with today’s technology we also discussed web cameras and video chatting sites such as Skype and Oovoo. This new form of technology and electronic communication will prepare them for the business world technology example of video conferencing. CEO’s and business people hold meetings daily regardless of their location thanks to the video chatting software and cameras we have today.

In my classroom, the changes in technology have taught me to incorporate basic computer skills into my curriculum since almost everything in the business world is done by using a computer. For example, I have a computer program called Microtype that teaches basic keyboard skills such as typing the home row keys and how to type in general. This program is divided up in lessons which are a class requirement for my students because in today’s business world at least 80% of jobs require basic keyboarding skills. Even a cashier at a grocery store uses a keyboard to perform their duties.  If you prefer to go through self-checkout instead of waiting in line you still use a touch screen computer. If I can teach students the basic computer skills then they can use what they have learned to keep up with technology and all its advances.

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