It took me awhile to write this post because I feel very passionately about the integration of technology using Common Core and Essential Standards. I hear every single day about how sometimes it is hard to incorporate technology. It is. I hear all about how hard it is to keep kids motivated. It is. I hear all about how hard it is to keep students on task while they have interesting technology in their hands. It is. I hear all about how hard the preparation is to prepare lessons with meaningful, integrated technology. It is.

All of this is hard, but it is NECESSARY. One of the main reasons we have moved to the Common Core and Essential Standards is to help highlight 21st century learners that will develop critical thinking skills. We want metacognitive thinkers and problem solvers. Learners that grew up using technology every day to the best of its ability and using the engineering design process and STEM to make it even better.

The preparation and classroom management is SO MUCH harder with technology, but it is so much more meaningful. Our students are completely benefitting and if I am just impacting one person, that is enough.