Real World

After being in a my teaching program for over a full year now I have came to the conclusion that k-12 is intended to create people of positive interdependence and complimentary existence. Essentially creating individuals that can contribute to society in a successful way while getting along with others.
If we do not allow students to use such tools as a calculator we are not simulating a real life situation. Yes at times there will be no-calculator tests or other exercises to stimulate and work out concepts. For the most part though students need to know how to use cutting edge materials in a way that will only allow innovation and productivity to be present.
The use of such technology of a smart board and the many materials made available by the internet enhances opportunities in the classroom. Many years ago students had a chalk board, paper a pencil and a textbook. It is well understood that we all learn differently. To not take advantage of showing vivid visual representations of bugs in science or verbally instructing math processes in a much faster and less cluttered presentation benefits the instructor and their students.