At the beginning of the semester, I had a rather negative view of the course.  Integrating technology into my classroom seemed like a daunting task I did not think I would have the time or resources to do.  However, that view has changed over time.  While I never had issues finding ideas about class related technology, I had trouble thinking of ways to incorporate it instead of simply replace pen and paper work.  It still is not something that seems natural to me, but I now think I have a better understanding of how to successfully integrate technology.  I think that showing primary text documents in an ELA class could be very helpful for students and they could be used in a number of ways, either complementing a piece of literature we are reading or by showing that all authors edit their work, just in different ways.  Likewise, students can access points of view from around the world about a subject, something lack traditional/no technology classrooms cannot offer.

I do not recall ever using much technology in school.  My teachers used overhead transparencies for everything and we stopped using the computer lab in elementary school.  Looking back, I can pick out several assignments that would have been both easier for the teacher and more beneficial for the students if they had integrated technology.  At the time, however, it was just not possible.  I do not expect every classroom I am in to be fully equipped with resources, especially as a first year teacher, but knowing that options exist totally change the game.

Can I expect that every one of my students will be familiar with technology inside and outside the classroom?  Probably not.  And while their home technology is not something I can control, I can give my students the opportunity to become technologically fluent in the classroom, even with limited resources.  Stations or rotating roles in collaborated learning ensures that all students can become computer literate.  This is especially important in a low SES school, where students are disadvantaged in a plethora of ways.  Regardless of the availability of the internet at home, I can prepare my students, and help to close the digital divide, by integrating technology into my class.