We live in a digital world now, and a student’s technology needs have changed. For the early years, say when you are in primary school, you can get by with no technology at all. Even if you have a computer, it’s a good idea to be familiar with libraries. At this age, trips to the library are like family outings.

As you get closer to middle school, a computer with Internet access becomes more of a necessity. Teachers will often give assignments that require a student to use the Internet for research. After a computer, technology choices for students become more difficult to make， especially when it comes to cellphones. Kids will beg their parents for a cellphone, especially in middle school. For many parents, it’s a safety issue: They want to know that their kids can reach them quickly if necessary. For teachers, cellphones can be used to record lessons when students are absent. But many teachers dislike cellphones. Some kids send messages or have talks in class. Sending messages also raises the problem of cheating on exams. More and more schools are now forbidding the use of cellphones.

Many kids see iPods as necessary things to have. IPods are great for music, but do they do anything good for the children’s education? Maybe they do. That’s the opinion of Doug Johnson, an educator for 30 years. Johnson says that educators should accept all new forms of technology in the classroom, including iPods.“Some do more with their cellphones than we can do with our laptops,” he jokes.“I don’t think we should be afraid. The truth is that it’s easier to change the way we teach than to change the technology habits of an entire generation."