Technology integration gives one the ability to become the creative genius that may very well be locked-up inside. We have been taught for so long that in school, all we have to do is to memorize the facts and return information exactly the way the teacher presents it and we will be given a good grade and many accolades. We were taught to color inside the lines, using only the appropriate color of each item addressed. This we were told would bring about beauty; instead it brought about uniformity and complacency, without and within. We were on an assembly line even though it didn’t seem as harsh as the robotic lines of today. No room or time in class for our opinions because page 233 had exactly the train of thought that was needed for the discussion and the test. Every one had the same book, had to reply to the same questions, and in the same ‘correct’ manner,

Today, the integration of technology within our schools has brought about a new wave of empowerment to both teachers and students. The teacher’s focus is to facilitate students in their quest to learn. The focus has shifted from teaching to learning. This shift has leveled the field of learning. All students have an opportunity to learn and be accepted. There is no one way for questions to be answered; an essay may be written on paper, ideas expressed in a video, or other methods of presentation. Students multiple intelligengies are embraced and self-esteem grows.

Some question this new role of the teacher and the method used, but as it has been said, the proof is in the pudding. Let exploration, learning and self-esteem abide in our society. Let creativity abound in our students quest for knowledge, let knowledge become an insatiable event in their lives and let technology integration prevail in education.