Retrieved from http://www.governorsolutions.com/
A quick Google search of “technology impedes learning” shows a
plethora of articles of people speaking out against technology – that it should
stay of out of the classroom. One of the first articles that caught my eye had
a very leading title, labelled as “Is Technology Making Your Students Stupid?”
The article goes into speaking about how technology can bring more harm than
good to classrooms and that instead of bringing more of it into schools, we
should limit our usage of it since it serves to be more of a distraction than
anything else (Parry, 2010). Articles
such as this are ones that I highly disagree with – ignoring the beneficial
aspect that technology brings into the classroom is ignorant and can lead to an
extremely useful tool to not be used in the classroom.
The stance that I have taken on the
debate regarding “Technology vs. No Technology” is that technology allows for a
whole new avenue of learning possibilities to be unlocked for students.
“Technology is only useful when it enhances learning.” (Drake, Reid, & Kolohon, 2014, p. 156)
I strongly believe in the message
from this quote. Enhancing learning with teaching tools is a large part of
education and technology is useful in situations where it is properly
implemented and capable of enhancing the learning of the students. It is often
assumed that by acknowledging technology and using it in educational settings
means that the role of the teacher will be replaced or that the teaching role
becomes insignificant, which is far from the truth. Technology gives teachers
the opportunity to foster new ways of teaching, learning, and thinking for
students. Moreover, technology is used as a teaching tool – it does not take
over the classroom or make teacher’s purpose obsolete, but rather allows for
students to be able to learn in a new way they have not experienced before
(Drake et al., 2014).
Technological teaching instruments
such as iPad’s, computers, and SMART Boards allow for an effective use of
technology in the classroom. Having these resources available to teachers and
students means that classes will have a wider array of resources easily
available to them that can make classroom teachings, discussions, and lessons include deeper learning on the part of all parties involved, which is often
limited when only textbooks are available to a classroom (Martin, Shaw, & Daughenbaugh, 2014).
Various concerns come up when
discussing technology: not enough resources are available, teachers being
ill-prepared to use technology, and it being a possible distraction for
students. Schools should help ease in teachers to the usage of technology
within the classroom – allow them to truly understand how to use it and the
benefits of using it. Moreover, often times even having one computer in the
class can create a new resource for students and teachers to use, creating unique learning opportunities for students. The potential for distraction
is also there, but if teachers facilitate the use of technology and work with
students to distinguish between educational usage and inappropriate usage of
technology, than it will allow for it to be used in the most beneficial way
possible. I believe technology in the classroom is a necessity, especially if
students are to be learning 21st century skills. Technology can
provide students with a new toolkit that includes having more skills at the tip
of their fingers and a new method to be taught that enhances learning for all
students.
References:
Drake,
S. M., Reid, J. L., & Kolohon, W. (2014). Interweaving Curriculum and Classroom Assessment: Engaging the 21st
Century Learner. Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press.
Martin, S. F., Shaw, E. L., & Daughenbaugh, L. (2014).
Using smart boards and manipulatives in the
elementary science classroom. TechTrends,
58(3), 90-96. doi:10.1007/s11528-014-0756-3
Parry, M. (2010). Is technology making our students stupid? Retrieved from http://chronicle.com/section/Home/5
Christina,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog. The use of technology in the classroom is a controversial topic that affects the way many teachers teach and students learn. Last year I took course titled Children and Youth in the Digital Age. This course taught me about the influence of technology on the development of children and youth and I explored a new way of thinking about technology. As a 21st century learner, I support the use of technology in the classroom, but also believe there must be restrictions set in place so technology isn’t used all the time. Technology has its advantages and disadvantages and can be an effective learning tool if it’s used in moderation. I liked how you looked at the debate of technology in the classroom from both viewpoints and then explained why you agree with the view that technology is enhancing learning. After reading you blog I began to think about the reasons some teachers are against the use of technology in the classroom. Is it because technology is viewed as a distraction to learning? Are some teachers ill-prepared to teach their students using the latest technology? My only criticism of your blog is would be to incorporate your personal experiences either teaching or learning with the use of technology. I like how you shared your opinion on the use of technology in the classroom, but you could improve by reflecting on a personal experience.
- Michelle
Christina,
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog; it is clear that you put a lot of time, energy, and thought into developing a compelling argument as to why and how technology can be successfully incorporated into the classroom. I think the reason why your blog was so successful is because you acknowledged both sides of the technological divide, but ultimately provided compelling evidence as to how technology can be utilized effectively to enhance the learning of the students, as a new creative resource. I also appreciate the several examples you were able to give us throughout your blog regarding the different technological tools available to teachers, which include the SMART board, iPad’s and computers. 21st century teaching is becoming increasingly popular in our classrooms today, so I think this was an appropriate topic to pick; I myself am an advocate for technology in the classroom as well. Perhaps in future blog posts you could explore the possible uses of cell phones in the classroom and whether or not they would aid or ultimately distract students. I know from personal experiences that there are apps available now that can be utilized in the classroom such as “Remind” and “Socrative Student” that are purposed specifically for mobile devices. Depending on the school’s goals and policies, perhaps this could be an alternative resource for learning? This is certainly an aspect of teaching that needs to be explored further, but for the time being congratulations on an excellent blog.
-Megan
Great Post! I think technology is a vastly growing interest into classrooms all over Canada. Technology is great to implement into the classroom even for young ones as it so important to have within our everyday lives. I think your choice of a topic is very rel event to everyday society! I like that you talked about SMART boards usage in the classroom because it can be considered such a hands on learning experience for students and teacher in the classroom. I think a short video explaining or showing a classroom implementing technology as a way of teaching would have been please check to see if I left my phone on the ledge, or on the dining room table, or in the living room, somewhere within your blog for a visual effect. I would definitely use any type of technology to teach my children in my own classroom. This is the way society is progressing, and children need to begin to accept that this is becoming the new "norm" in our society.
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