Journal # 3 Navigate the Digital Rapids

Lindsay, J, & Davis, V. (2009-2010). Navigate the digital rapids. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume37200920

This article talks about the importance for teachers to become technologically savvy in their classrooms while keeping everything in check and under control so that students do not abuse or over step the boundaries. Teachers should opt to customizing their teaching plans and approaching technology in order to reach a wider range of students. Customization makes learning easier for students who reject one-plan-fits all learners.
The authors also stress that teachers must enforce the rules for behaving professionally on the Internet when students are connecting with other classes or websites. Furthermore, the authors encourage teachers to engage students with technology at an early age. In fact students can be introduced to the Internet and connecting with other classes at the age of six.
The author also recommends different websites to give teachers ideas on how to create classes with less boundaries and connect their students with other classes through technology.

Will computers and laptops make text books obsolete in the classrooms?
I think this will probably happen sooner than we might think. As more and more schools are introducing technology into their classrooms and making it more readily available as a mode of learning. I can see affluent schools adopting such innovative and new ways of learning much sooner than the less fortunate schools due to private funding that will give them that edge.

What can I do as a teacher to become more comfortable with with technology and encourage my students to become better at using it in the classroom?
I would probably have to attend workshops and learning sessions that will introduce me to new technologies and keep me updated with the latest. I think that the more I work with technology, the more comfortable I get at using it and teaching it to students. I also think that schools should make it a priority to train older teachers and the ones that don't feel very comfortable with technology in order to get them up to date so that their students don't lack the use of technology in their classrooms.