Using Technology in the Classroom

For this post, I would like to share with you my opinions on the role of technology in the classroom. Technology is everywhere around us, so I believe that technology should be a part of today’s classroom. In addition to textbooks and blackboards, every classroom should be equipped with computers and projectors in order to transcend the traditional classroom into a 21st century classroom. In order to achieve this, teachers must be open to change and students must be responsible about their use of technology. I am very aware of the many benefits of using technology in the classroom, but I am equally aware of the negative impact it can have in education.

Many experienced teachers tend to steer away from incorporating and allowing technology in the classroom because they are misinformed and not comfortable nor confident with their own ability to use technology properly. For these reasons, it is imperative that in order to promote and successfully implement technology in the lesson and classroom, teachers must be properly trained and given the time to develop ease towards using technology. The last thing we want is to be put in a situation where our students can take advantage of the classroom and us simply because they may be more knowledgeable about the uses of technology. With proper training and information, experienced teachers will be more open to using technology. They will see the benefits that technology can bring to the classroom and how it can facilitate their role as teacher. For example, students will be more engaged researching a topic on the Internet, looking at videos related to the topic, and displaying their information visually on a graph or PowerPoint while the teacher is able to assist in the learning and has more time to spend with students who are experiencing difficulties. Prospective teachers have a big advantage with respect to incorporating technology in their classrooms. Since we have grown up with the ever-changing world of technology, we are already confident about our knowledge and ability to use technology and feel comfortable to allow it in our classrooms.

Retrieved from http://blog.reallygoodstuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Technology-in-the-classroom-color.png

As a prospective teacher, I feel comfortable using technology in the classroom. I understand the many positive benefits it can bring to classroom learning, teaching techniques, and student engagement. Therefore, I believe that all classrooms should be equipped with enough computers for all the students to use in class. I am not, however, an advocate of “bring your own device” to class for several reasons. First of all, bringing your own device can perpetuate inequalities in the classrooms. What if a student does not have a smart phone, iPod, or laptop that they can bring to school? What about if it is not the latest model, with the fastest operating system? This situation can lead to other issues that can then arise in the classroom, such as, bullying and discriminating amongst students. The other reason why I do not agree with bringing your own device to school is because they go beyond the scope of the learning. Today’s modern smart phones can literally do it all. Therefore, allowing a student to use Microsoft Word, Excel, or even browse on the school’s Internet, can easily lead to texting, viewing social media, and playing games. These activities, although engaging for many students, decrease the students’ focus and participation for the task at hand. In addition, they can lead to invasion of privacy since these devices are equipped with cameras, videos, and recording devices. Once again, this situation can lead to issues that do not belong in the classroom environment.

According to Huneycutt (2013) and Cox (2015), technology in the classroom has the following benefits, when used properly:

1) Keep students focused for longer periods of time. The use of computers to look up information is a great time saver.
2) Make students more excited to learn. Subjects that might be dull and repetitive for some, like math, can be much more engaging with virtual lessons, tutoring, and the streaming of educational videos.
3) Prepare students for the future. By learning to use technology in the classroom, both teachers and students will develop skills essential for the 21st century.
4) Improve Retention Rate. Studies are showing that students are remembering what they learned better when interacting with forms of technology, than other forms of learning.

Don’t believe technology can achieve all these things? Take a look at Ashely Wainwright's blog: http://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/8-Studies-Show-iPads-in-the-Classroom-Improve-Education

Personally, I have found that using technology over the years has been very beneficial in my education. I find that it complements the teacher and the lesson well. Many of my professors lecture using PowerPoint. This technique is very beneficial because I can download the notes, read them before class, and then add to the notes while listening to the professor. I find that I am able to focus more on what the professor is saying rather than trying to copy down what they are saying. Technology in the classroom today encompasses far more than using PowerPoint. It provides the student with information, the opportunity to expand that knowledge, and the ability to share information with others in order to solve problems. Despite some of the negative aspects that arise when using technology in the classroom, the advantages largely outweigh the disadvantages. These negative effects of integrating technology in schools can easily be addressed if teachers and students are properly trained. Teachers should always understand how and why their students are using each piece of technology, and they should monitor student activities to the best of their abilities. Also, students should remain on task and be responsible when using technology.

Hopefully, reading this blog will encourage present and future educators to use, or to at least think about using, technology in their classroom. Technology provides an endless number of possibilities to delivering curriculum effectively, engaging student learning, and ensuring student success.  I will leave you with a Ted Talk from Jessie Woolley-Wilson on blended technology and classroom learning to give you a better sense of what types of technological programs we can use to facilitate better learning. 

 

Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0TbaHimigw

References

Cox, J. (2015). Benefits of technology in the classroom. Teach Hub. Retreived from http://www.teachhub.com/benefits-technology-classroom

Honeycutt, T. (2013). Technology in the classroom: The benefits of blended learning. National Math and Science Initiative. Retreived from http://www.nms.org/blog/TabId/58/PostId/188/technology-in-the-classroom-the-benefits-of-blended-learning.aspx

Wainwright, A. (2015). Eight studies show ipads in the classroom improve education. Retrieved from http://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/8-Studies-Show-iPads-in-the-Classroom-Improve-Education