Today's students don't remember card catalogues or understand the significance of that little blue and white square (a floppy disc) in the upper left-hand corner of most programs that saves their progress. Today's students, according to Business Week, use various forms of media for almost 8 hours a day. Therefore, if teachers want to reach their students, they need to reach them through technology, but don't take my word for it. Hear what these students have to say about the matter:
The students from the video gave you their reasons for enjoying blog assignments, but technology in general provides many benefits to students that teachers and parents can enjoy. Before technology can really be incorporated into the classroom it needs to meet certain criteria. More specifically, it must support four key components of learning: active engagement, group collaboration, regular interaction and review, and connection to experts. The video has already displayed how students respond to technology and can become actively engaged with learning through technology. So, what about the other aspects of learning, how does technology help in those areas?
The answer lies in project-based learning. "Project Based Learning grabs hold of this idea and fosters deep learning and autonomy by using technology to help students engage in issues and questions relevant to their lives." In other words, project based learning uses technology in order to help students collaboratively and critically think through real world situations and problems. Students work together to research, create and present their solutions to actual problems that help them learn 21st century technical skills while they master different curricular concepts. For example, using math to develop a graphic image, or applying the laws of physics to develop a new wing design for airplanes. In project based learning the students take an active, excited approach to completing their projects. In order to complete those projects they have to learn the usual subject area content, as well as collaborative, communicative, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The following link has a great video that can help explain some of the ideal ways in which this strategy, coupled with new technology has benefited students: Project Based Learning Overview.
Finally, this very blog incorporates both concepts of project based learning and integrating technology into the classroom and I am proud of my work and feel confident in my ability to use blogs and other communicative technology within a classroom setting to help my students. 
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