Benefits to Technology in the Classroom

This podcasts describes some of the advantages to integrating technology in today's classrooms.

http://sweet150.podbean.com/

Today's instruction in the elementary classroom has changed drastically since I have been in elementary school. I remember a couple of our assignments as having to go to either the school or local library, and look up information in encyclopedias and dictionaries. In addition to looking up the information, we had to write it all down on paper; how time consuming. That was the extent to our research projects. My generation did not really delve into research until around the sixth or seventh grade. However, with the introduction of technology, today's generation of children is learning to do research at a much younger age. Furthermore, as a teacher, it is highly recommended that part of our instruction and planning involve technology. The good news about the implementation of today's technology, is that everything (research, typing essays, creating graphs, and surfing the web) can be done from one place - the computer; and at least two to three computers are located in most, if not all, classrooms today.
At one time, teachers were resistant to the implementation of technology in the classroom for several reasons. Some of the concerns were: "Will children lose their ability to relate to other human beings? Will they become dependent on technology to learn? Will they find inappropriate materials?" (Western, 2004). However, when used appropriately - interactively and with guidance- they have become tools for the development of higher order thinking skills (Western, 2004). The use of technology in the classroom is a great way to get students involved in the lessons that are being taught. Marilyn Western (2004) believed that when students use technology as a tool for learning, they take on the active role, rather than the passive role, in receiving information from the teacher or textbook. In addition, the student is actively making choices about how to generate, obtain, manipulate, or display information. "Technology use allows many more students to be actively thinking about information, making choices, and executing skills than is typical in teacher-led lessons." (Marilyn, 2006). Just as the student-role has changed in the classroom, so has the role of the teacher. For instance, the teacher is no longer the center of attention as the one who gives out the information. Instead, he/she plays the role of facilitator, sets goals for projects, and provides guidelines and resources (Utecht, 2008). As a matter of fact, the teacher also moves from student to student or group to group, and provides suggestions and support for student activity (Utecht, 2008).









One of the most impressive factors from the use of technology in the classroom, reported by teachers, was increase of motivation and self-esteem (Utecht, 2008; Western, 2006). Students, as well as their teachers, are sometimes very surprised at the level of their technology-based accomplishments. "In many classrooms, students choose to work on their technology-based projects during recess or lunch periods." (Utecht, 2008). Compared to the classrooms that emphasize verbal knowledge and multiple-choice test performance, technology provides a very different set of challenges and different ways in which students can demonstrate what they understand (Western, 2006). For instance, students can create a simulation to demonstrate a concept rather than trying to explain it verbally (Western, 2006). Also, Western (2006) states that through the use of technology, you can match resources with the students' multiple intelligences, especially since we all learn in different ways. It would also grasp the students' attention if they are struggling to grasp a concept from one learning style.
Many teachers feel that the students know much more than they do when it comes to technology. "Technology is not only a "language" to learn; it is someone with whom we must learn to get along, to get to know, and also welcome into our lives." (Lynne, 2006). It is imperative that teachers keep up with their students, not trail behind.

http://faculty.une.edu/cas/gchstman/gradesk-3/index.htm

References


Utecht, J. (2008, January 23). Evaluating technology use in the classroom. Retrieved from http://www.thethinkingstick.com/evaluating-technology-use-in-the-classroom

Western, M. (2004). Using multiple intelligences to differentiate in the elementary classroom. Retrieved from http://www.edzone.net/~mwestern/mi04.pdf

Western, M. (2006). Using technology to get kids involved. Retrieved from http://www.edzone.net/~mwestern/projects.pdf


Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Using technology to facilitate k 12 instruction

View more presentations from Danielle N. Stovall.