Technology is something that I have often had negative feelings about, but something that I am realizing can be a wonderful resource in the classroom.  The technology I am talking about is electronic resources on computers, iPads, etc.  My issue with technology is that sometimes it can get in the way of meaningful interactions between students.  However, one of the best ways I have heard of technology being used in a classroom, was a classroom set up that allowed students to gain even more hands-on and face-to-face interaction.  In this classroom set-up students did online work at home through videos and online programs that taught new material to them.  Students could get help through the program, and also through parents who could also watch the videos, rather than trying to help the student but being confused about what is being taught. Once students came to school, they had learned new material and the teachers could focus on engaging the students with the new ideas, rather than spending time learning them.  Bigger projects, and more hands-on activities could be done with this new time. Meaningful activities are able to replace lectures. Another very positive way I have seen technology used in a classroom is through assistive technology for students who are physically disabled and can use technology to express themselves, and also to complete homework.  Technology is a great resource that allows people to do more, and to understand more. 

There are some circumstances in which I have seen technology being used poorly, however.  Sometimes in classrooms students who are ahead or behind are sent to a computer to either catch up, or work on something new.  The problem here is that the teacher does not know what the students are working on, and oftentimes students are working on something unrelated to what the teacher is working on.  Not all programs are created equally.  Technology should only be used when it is purposeful and the teacher is very aware of what students are working on, and has a goal in mind for the students.  Undirected technology use does not have the same strong benefits, and can very easily become wasted classroom time.