We all already know how prominent new technology is in our everyday lives when it comes to being social creatures, so it was nice to read about the other ways that computers have been changing lives across the world in the Digital School section.  Thompson detailed several exampled showing how computers have been used as learning tools that helped many struggling students to excel.

When I was reading the section about the Khan Academy I caught myself wishing that that system had been used during my grade school years.  In middle school I personally found myself faced with an odd balance of how I understood things when it came to math.  With certain math chapters I understood them so well that I was able to “test-out” and be exempt from homework and quizzes for the month.  Other chapters I would struggle and feel like I was holding the class up with my constant questions.  The idea of being able to learn on my own time and either push forward or hold myself back seems like the exact thing I was wishing for back in middle school.  It seemed to work well for the students Thompson mentioned and I’m sure that it would have worked for my school.

It was also mentioned that the students would watch the instructional videos at home and do their homework in class.  Although this sounds backwards, I personally think that I would have found this amazingly helpful.  I know that, especially when I reached higher math levels, I thought I understood the lesson during class until I opened my homework.  Once I tried a problem on my own I would have a more difficult time and wish the teacher was there to help me.  By being able to watch and rewind at my own pace and then spend the next day asking questions, I think that my understanding of math would have been vastly improved.  I would have been even more interested in the system because of its use of badges.  The competition alone would be enough to make sure that everyone was working their hardest both in an out of class.

The school that used blogging in New Zealand was also interesting.  Just like the badges with the Khan system, the audience that came along with the blog was a motivating factor for the students.  This one was a little harder for me to connect to because I typically find myself more hesitant to write for a larger audience than for one single professor.  But, despite my feelings, it seemed to work wonders for the students.  They not only improved their content but also their grammar.  Although I may not have enjoyed it I found it super cool that the students were able to communicate with people across the world and show such a passion for writing.

            I think that the classroom is a perfect place for technology, especially for younger students.  Do you all think that it is more of a help of a hindrance?  I think it’s clear that I personally believe that technology is an absolutely wonderful way to improve learning, but I know it has its drawbacks.  Here is a Huffington Post article about the creative ways that some teachers are using technology in their classrooms in awesome ways!