When is Technology a Good Solution?

I think as educators we must ask ourselves that question as we plan to implement our lessons and think about the desired outcome we are wanting of our students. When I think back to my classroom days as a teacher, I realize I often got caught up in stating my objectives and goals in my lesson planning, but not always following through on the details that were actually going to be the "meat" of my presenting the new ideas and topics. I think as educators it is difficult to be the technology buff, and still do everything that is expected and required. While I was reading this past week, I notice that in Chapter 2 one of the key points stated " focus on results, not processes"- this got me thinking. If as a teacher we really aim to do this, then we do care how new information is presented because often how it is presented will make the difference in how it is retained. We strive to learn everything we can, and when we can't do it on our own we become that "squeaky wheel" that keeps bugging the technology person or anyone we think that can help us. I believe children learn best when we keep it fresh and engaging. Children do like routine,but they don't like to be bored either. To be able to show clips of history instantly, and pull up information on anything you possibly could be studying is amazing. While I was thinking on my tool affordances, library & internet, I realized that while we can do many things the old way it is so important to learn to do them the new, perhaps more effective way. This does not mean you have to abandoned everything " traditional", but you have to consider which is more effective for your desired objectives and learning outcomes.
So, the question, when is technology a good solution? I believe the answer to that is when you consider the impact that you want something to have on your daily teaching, and to the extent of reaching the many learning styles that children have within your classroom. If the tool allows you, as a teacher, to present something in an exciting, engaging way instead of just reading from a text and working a few questions.. I think the answer is an overwhelmingly YES! If your subject is getting lost in the presenting with technology then maybe you're trying too hard to integrate it when it may not be needed at that stage, or maybe you still have some learning to do. I know I have a lot to learn. Maybe I would be best to go and observe some teachers first hand and let them share their knowledge and experience with me. Time to use resources and " play" around with them sometimes is what we need to feel comfortable. I think if we let our students know we are still learning too, they see us being open with them and are more likely to experiment with new technology as well, and feel comfortable doing so.