Technology has become integrated into
almost everything we do as a society, such as how we communicate, search for
information, do business transactions, and now, teach students. Because our
society relies so heavily on technology, students who are growing up during
this time are becoming more dependent on using technology on a regular basis.
There are both pros and cons to using technology in the classroom, but overall
I believe that having technology in the classroom not only helps students learn
how to use technology that they may need to know how to use in the "real
world," but it also keeps them engaged during class.
Technology can be improve student learning by taking an average lesson and making it engaging for the students. Devices such as IPads, SMART Boards, computers, etc. keep students engaged by allowing them to combine school work with games and activities that can be accessed on such devices. For example, if a student is learning about the different functions of the human body, the IPad has different applications that let the students explore the different features using a virtual tour of the human body. Students are likely to be much more engaged with a virtual tour which they can explore independently, than if they were just reading the information they needed to learn out of a book.
Although technology has many benefits to student learning, challenges arise when costs become a factor and when the teacher needs to make sure that students are using technology for educational purposes and not goofing around. I would say that costs are a huge factor when trying to incorporate technology into the classroom. Not all schools are able to afford giving IPads to students/classrooms, and setting up SMART boards in every classroom. Also, making sure that students are keeping on task may be a challenge too. A student may decide that they want to use the IPad, but instead of looking at the app that is related to the class topic, they may try to play games instead. It is important for teachers to make a set of rules with their students about what is expected out of them when using these devices and also making sure that all the applications on the device are educational.
I think that technology can be important to student learning, but it shouldn't be incorporated into every aspect of teaching. It is important for teachers to show that technology doesn't need to be used to make a topic or activity fun. Students still need to learn how to do tasks without the use of technology, or they will end up being more reliant on technology than their own ability to figure something out.
Technology can be improve student learning by taking an average lesson and making it engaging for the students. Devices such as IPads, SMART Boards, computers, etc. keep students engaged by allowing them to combine school work with games and activities that can be accessed on such devices. For example, if a student is learning about the different functions of the human body, the IPad has different applications that let the students explore the different features using a virtual tour of the human body. Students are likely to be much more engaged with a virtual tour which they can explore independently, than if they were just reading the information they needed to learn out of a book.
Although technology has many benefits to student learning, challenges arise when costs become a factor and when the teacher needs to make sure that students are using technology for educational purposes and not goofing around. I would say that costs are a huge factor when trying to incorporate technology into the classroom. Not all schools are able to afford giving IPads to students/classrooms, and setting up SMART boards in every classroom. Also, making sure that students are keeping on task may be a challenge too. A student may decide that they want to use the IPad, but instead of looking at the app that is related to the class topic, they may try to play games instead. It is important for teachers to make a set of rules with their students about what is expected out of them when using these devices and also making sure that all the applications on the device are educational.
I think that technology can be important to student learning, but it shouldn't be incorporated into every aspect of teaching. It is important for teachers to show that technology doesn't need to be used to make a topic or activity fun. Students still need to learn how to do tasks without the use of technology, or they will end up being more reliant on technology than their own ability to figure something out.
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