Do we really need technology in the classroom?

Today,  I learned a little about my schools wireless setup.  Our school was one of the first elementary schools to be wireless, but now our wiring is out dated so the new lap top computers that staff are assigned are not able to work with the old system.  This is absolutely baffling to learn.  We have the capability to use new and updated technology, but we are not able to keep up with technology trends because of funding issues.   So with that understanding, I would like to share my thoughts on technology in the 21st century classroom.  I believe technology is an absolute must for all elementary, middle, and high school classrooms.  With schools being so limited on resources because of funding, technology is a way to bring the outside world into the lives and provide unique experiences for our students.  Technology can make a picture or story selection come alive with sounds, in-depth facts, and interactive experiences.  As I am a part of the committee working on organizing, introducing and implementing a new reading series for our district, I am reminded how technology can supplement and enhance the knowledge base of our students.  Every week the reading series provides multiple opportunities for students to interact with the text on a computer at home or at school.  The element I believe the teachers will enjoy, is the research and inquiry online option for students to work on independently throughout the week.  This option ties directly into the Common Core Standards of Writing.  So, my job in the fall will be to present the benefits of using technology to help build the students depth of knowledge, within and across the content areas in relation to the stories and topics within our new reading series.  So, back to my first thought on our out dated wireless wiring (and several buildings not being wireless, yet)  I believe if we want to promote a learner-centered technology environment, we need to make technology improvements a priority across our schools, communities and with our local representatives.