One of the missions of schools is that they prepare our students for the future work force. Schools are being pressured by a number of sources pressuring schools to use technology.
1)Parents are placing pressure on schools to use technologies in the classroom. Parents are concerned not only that their children have access to technology in the classroom but also that the students learn technology skills that will allow them to compete in a jobs that are powered by technology 2)Students are placing pressure on schools by knowing more about which technologies are rcurrently available and how to use them than do teachers
3) Teachers are placing pressure on schools because they need both access to technology in their classroom
4) business are placing pressure on schools and governmental agencies to adequately prepare future employers.
5) The perception that the U.S . is falling behind the world in educational attainment has increased pressure on schools and teachers to bridge the gap. 6) Governmental agencies have moved to support federal, state, and local initiatives to ensure access to technology for K-12 students
computer applications can be classified as cognitive tools when used to engage and enhance thinking. Cognitive tools manage information in ways that allow users to think clearly, creatively and critically. Using cognitive tools often requires students to think harder, more critically or more creatively than they might without the tool. some examples of cognitive tools are:
research: archives provide a tremendous variety of information
analyzing data: spreadsheets and other analysis with multiple ways to view and think about data.
spread sheets: provide students with multiple ways to view and think about data

New technologies go through different stages of application. They are as follows:
1) Technology is applies to things we already know. Example: when teachers use power point or keynote. it is used to show text and pictures which is what over heads and projectors have done in the past.
2).Technology is used to improve upon existing tasks. Example:
3) The technology is used to do things that were not possible in the past.

Technology offers many tools for developing literacy. writing, communicating, and learning to read.
In science, technology can allow students to do legitimate scientific investigations on a scale that would otherwise be impossible In social studies: digital resources can be used to promote historical thinking and inquiry based learning Mathematics: techonolgy offers tutorials, and graphing calculators
Foreign Language: the world wide web and other communications tools open vast opportunities in foreign language education. Specail Needs: Technology tools can also assist students with special needs. In assertive technology: computers help in allowing students to participate in normal classroom activities that would otherwise be impossible it is a potential component of the individualized education (IEP) required under law for each child with a disability Blind students and their teachers can use a braille software which provides braille to print translations. Integrating technology into teaching can change the way a teacher delivers the content to the class. Teacher as a facilitator: a teacher is freed to become more involved in higher level evaluation of
performance.
Embedding technology in the curriculum: a new model of embedding technology skills within the context of the content. Small group instruction:  smaller group work are more conducive to active, engaged learning and student interactions. Technology can save a teacher time in areas of their daily work. Software Gradebook: keeps records of a student and parent information, calculate grades, Test generators: allow teachers to create a database of questions and then construct tests from them, IEP: helps manage paperwork involved, Time management tools: can be used for personal and academic purposes.