Technology in the classroom? WHAT???!!

After watching the videos it reminded me of a discussion I had the other day with a student about the way they study best.  It was interesting to find out they have to listen to music to focus.  I learn the complete opposite way where I need complete silence.  However, our school systems usually forbid the use of electronics in the classroom. However, there are many times when students are in class and have to read or write assignment.  Many times when they are doing nothing because they “can’t concentrate” they are reprimanded, but I have found the same student will completely change directions when they are allowed to take out their ipod and listen to musicI have also found the bigger technology gets the more its usage is blocked and forbidden.  I have also found the high tech using teachers in my school are always  having to try to find ways around the IT blocks in our district for new and cool websites they want to use in the classroom. For some reason many teachers, schools, and districts are hanging on to “the way it should be” instead of embracing this new technological type of student and learn to teach them.   It’s about time we as educators all come together and figure out how to teach to this generation of children.  It’s time to get to know our students and make some changes.