Motivating Students Today

In Chapter 2 it states, “…students should learn prerequisite skills as they see the need for them in a group or individual project. However, experienced teachers know that even motivated students do not always learn skills as expected”. I have felt many times that many of my students are not motivated in their learning. I get frustrated at times because I feel like I am teaching skills that the students should have learned in kindergarten. Then I have to make myself stop and remember that not all students learn at the same pace.
But would technology help them to become more motivated and not fall behind? I know that pretty much the majority of the students in my class have computers, laptops, and all sorts of video and computer games. Students like things that are entertaining and fast paced because that is what they are used to. The textbook mentions the use of tutorial software materials as a good way to review for students who do not understand a certain skill that was taught. It also can be used as a means to teach students who were absent in a fast pace means. I think this would be very helpful for teachers who are always pressed for time. It would be entertaining for the students and free up time for the teachers. There are many programs on the internet that are educational and fun for the students. I use them in my room during my center time and the students are always so excited about getting to that particular station. This just goes to show that technology can be incorporated successfully in the classroom and be entertaining at the same time.