One on One Game Plan

After reading the article "one-to-one computing programs only as effective as their teachers", I could not agree more with the statement that these programs are "only as effective as the teachers who apply them".  I think that technology is a great tool for education, but if we, as teachers, simply welcome and invite technology rather than thoroughly integrate it, I foresee an issue with one to one computer use.  Like the article states, it's so imperative to adapt and adjust our teaching style when technology is added.  We need to recognize the differences that it brings to a classroom and our job as teachers is to embrace the innovation of technology yet be certain that we are still the ones educating the students, not the technology.  I agree that one of the best ways to execute this is to be prepared and knowledgable about the technology that is used in class.   If teachers are given time to experiment with the technology and prepare how it will fit into their curriculum, I believe that we will be more apt to integrate and utilize the programs better.  The article also mentions the importance of planning for logistical issues of technology, which I think is very important.  We need to always be aware that programs and technology have glitches and problems, so with this in mind, we are able to brainstorm backup plans for lessons.  This, again, goes back to the importance of teachers being prepared and flexible.  It's vital that we step back and look at the whole process and examine different ways to get concepts across, even in the times in which our plans don't go as we imagined they would.  When using technology and computer programs like this, I think the most important thing is the student's feedback.  We should always strive to gauge how the lesson plans and technology are helping our students.  I think it's so important to discuss whether the technology being used in class is actually benefiting the students.  We might think that something is really useful or neat, but if our students aren't getting anything from it, we may need to rethink our plans.  Overall, with technology like this, COMMUNICATION with the students is key for successful integration.