Instructional Imaging in Classrooms

I think the advances in technology we have to date are incredible. With all of these new innovations we are able to open doors in which we never thought were possible. Fortunately for teachers, we are able to introduce these new innovations to our students. Although there will always be drawbacks such as cost and funding for these technological advances, we will continue to have the opportunities to learn about as well as work with these tools.

Most students love to draw and create images on paper with a variety of utensils like crayons, markers, colored pencils, pens, paint, etc. Now, with our new advances with technology, students have the capabilities to draw virtually. Being able to use programs such as Microsoft's "Paint" and Apple's "Paint and Draw" allows our students to transfer their creativity from paper to PC.

Having this type of opportunity in a classroom gives our students the abilities to reach beyond the typical textbook work into a new type of classroom. Even though many schools are still struggling to provide their students with these technological advancments, we are continuing to strive everyday to make these opportunities a reality. Students who learn how to use innovations are given the capabilities to create not only "Paint" images but also videos, audio files and so many other things! Even with the struggling economy and lacking the capabilities to provide these opportunities for all schools in our society, the North Carolina Standard Course of Study implies that we include media and technology within our curriculums. I think it is very important that we as prospective teachers learn ways to incorporate this into our classes and try our best to provide these special and critical "Virtual Thinking" opportunties to our students.