"WHY are you using technology in your classroom?" ~ Clarence Fisher

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Last week our I4Ed class was able to have a quick Skype visit with Clarence Fisher, a teacher who works in the small northern community of Snow Lake. Clarence posed many great points in a small amount of time, however, what struck me the most was this question: "Why are you using technology in your classroom?"

Clarence told us that it is not enough to simply bring technology into the classroom because it can liven up our lesson plans and make our classes more interesting...although these are still great uses. However, we have once again been hit with the idea that there is so much more that we can do with technology through sharing. Through sharing, Clarence has given his students the opportunity to make global connections and build networks with students all over the world.

"Our job as teachers is to help kids have a network of their own that they work within, whether that’s kids in their classroom, or kids on the other side of the world. The learning that occurs in the classroom is only as strong as the network it learns within." ~ Clarence Fisher

In order for teachers to help their students build connections and networks, teachers must be well connected. Infusing students with global perspectives from classrooms around the world is a much better purpose for technology in the classroom than just "making it interesting." How will you make sure that you are using the internet to its fullest potential in your classroom? ~ T

To learn more from Clarene, follow him on Twitter: @glassbeed

 Or Check out his blog