Summary

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= Summary = As educators, our main goal is to prepare students to be productive citizens in society. New technology and skills are constantly being introduced to society and transforming homes, schools, and the workplace. As we prepare students for this ever-changing environment, we must be conscious about our decisions to integrate technology into the very core of the curriculum. Students no longer are willing to dutifully sit in rows and take notes day after day. Today's students enjoy collaborative work, inquiry-based assignments, and relevance within the classroom. Technology can be the stepping stone into relevance and inquiry in the classroom. Technology can connect students to the world and create a global learning community. Many opportunities exist with software, blogs, and the internet to connect students with others from around the world.

The technology used in this matrix was carefully chosen and backed by research-based strategies. By using this technology, students are gaining real-world experience that will shape their futures. Problem-solving and collaborative work is key to being successful in today's world. Infusing technology and the skills required to use it, allows students to shape their learning in new ways. Since the classroom is being reshaped as new technology is being introduced, students are responding quite enthusiastically. Students are finding and using information in new ways, then incorporating it into their educational lives. Students are able to solve problems, gain skills, and gain an understanding of the value of diversity by using technology in the classroom. Technology is a huge influence in creating classrooms that are connected and global for our students.