Apple announced it was changing its target market from birth to 6. This speaks volumes to how far technology has reached. If you give a child under 4 a device, you are certain to see the signature pincher grasp as they try to open or close the window screen. Prepare to laugh if it is a device that does not operate through touch, as they will appear dazed and confused.
Consumers continue to drive change throughout the world. Technology, People, and Information are all driven by the demand. In our classroom those consumers are our students. Everything we do should be driven by the needs of our students. If our students need paper and pencil to complete a task we have those supplies readily available for them. This general rule should apply to tools associated with technology as well.
Teachers are challenged more today than in times past to be effective educators. We should not be hesitant to incorporate technology into our classrooms, lessons, or assignments. Technology is defined by more than the power point or television. Teachers need to educate themselves on the vast choices in regards to integrating technology into the classroom.