In today's digital world, the prevalence of technology has changed the way our country's youth learn.  Students are increasingly exhibiting tendencies to "learn as they go".  Information they need or want can be recovered in seconds.  The internet and corresponding Web 2.0 applications have made it easier and faster to search for and share information than any other time in history.  Therefore, as a teacher, I need to understand this newer type of learning and respond accordingly.  It is not that teachers have been relegated by technology, rather, it provides perspective and current teachers alike with a tool that decreases the amount of time spent on memorization and recall, while increasing the time spent guiding and educating students in the process of thinking, reading and writing critically. 

One of the most important aspects of integrating technology into the classroom is to carefully consider how said technology can enhance learning.  Simply using Web 2.0 applications within the classroom accomplishes very little.  As teachers, it is our responsibility to determine how certain digital applications can improve upon the overall learning taking place within the class.  Video and audio should be offered as alternative modes of communication versus the traditional text as it allows for the instructor to reach more students.  Students are unique individuals who all have preferred styles of learning.  Technology allows teachers to reach out and create connections with students and assist them in making meaning or sense of the learning objective for a particular lesson.  Furthermore, technology permits for more avenues of communication outside of the classroom as well.  Many in the field of education agree that expanding the audience of student work beyond the teacher improves the quality of student work.  Students feel that their work is more authentic and therefore put forth greater effort than if the dialogue regarding their project remained between soley themselves and the teacher. 

Integrating technology into my classroom will not only benefit my students but will also enhance my organizational skills.  For instance, I could set up a class blog in which students post their homework or discussion questions assigned for the night.  Furthermore, I can leave instructions or educational handouts on that blog that will assist students in their homework.  If a student has a question or needs help for an assignment, they can of course traditionally email me, but they can contact me outside of the classroom via an application such as Twitter to ask brief questions.  Likewise, if I had additional useful websites or sources for students, I could direct them toward my tweets.

By becoming an active member of the digital world, teachers can also increase their personal learning network exponentially.  Continuing education is no longer limited to a person's physical presence at a conference or workshop.  Now, as an educator, I can share my thoughts, beliefs and even lessons with other teachers throughout the world.  Perhaps more importantly, I will be able to glean new teaching strategies or effective lessons from peers across the world.