I think that technology is a tool that should be utilized more often in the classroom. Technology is a partof the modern world and future generations need to know how to use technology to benefit themselves and society. These days people communicate through a few keys and a send button. You can easily take back what you "say" with the backspace button and wah-lah life is easier. Technology makes life easier, and it makes teaching and learning easier.
Using technology in the classroom is very important because it can be utilized in a way that makes teaching easier for both the teacher and the students. The curriculum of schools becomes more enjoyable for students when technology is intergrated in to the classroom; I believe that it would help students in several areas. It would capture students' attention, for one. It is more likely that your students will have an easier time paying attention in class and to the subject matter if you spice up the curriculum with the use of technology. For example, when I was in middle school, during our Ancient Civilizations unit in Geography our teacher did an outstanding job of using technology to teach an otherwise boring (to most middle-schoolers) subject. The teacher had 5 or 6 computers set up and had groups of students create civilizations on the computer with an interactive game. We were learning the material while enjoying ourselves and I'm pretty sure it wasn't too hard on her either; I don't think she heard one complaint about how boring the subject was, which was completely new for her!
Even though there isn't technically any proof that using technology enhances student performance, I do think it enhances the learning experience. I don't think that technology can replace interactive learning between the students them selves and with teachers, but technology has come so far that it benefits everyone. Technology enhances learning for all students, including those with disabilities. Now more than ever, there are tools that can be used to help those with disabilities to see better, hear better, feel better. Technology isn't the answer to everything, but it sure is a big help. I think that teachers are usually hesistant about using technology because it is so new. Obviously technology isn't new, but it's new when it comes to education. Many current teachers did not have technology when they were in school, therefore, I think that it is probably difficult to incorporate technology in to the classroom for some teachers because they are not accustomed to it in the classroom from when they were students.
Overall, I think technology is an excellent way to educate students. It does not replace teachers or the interaction between peers in school, but it is certainly a great tool to capture students' attention and expose them to what will be ridiculously big part of their present and future. It's important to expose them to technology early considering our world these days practically revolves around technology.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Hola!
I really liked how you used examples of how your teacher used technology in the classroom in middle school. It's good to hear real life examples of how teachers have used it and it was also good to hear a student's perspective of the use of technology in the classroom. I think you did a great job :)
I couldn't agree more, technology has to have some educational value, most of the students in the study suggested that technology made the learning fun, while also helping them to retain more information.
I think the reason why it is not used more often, especially in this state alone, is due to the current mindset of "teaching to the test," because of FCAT all the fun things that could be used to teach concepts are overlooked and textbooks are resorted to because they contain traditional methods and ideas that aren't necessarily designed with technology in mind.
It is simply easier to teach something that has been taught the same way for years rather than taking the time to explore new technology and methodologies, at the risk of losing precious time that should be used to teach the concept.
If the current mandates from the state were changed we might find that students were more excited about learning, and more well-eqipped to deal with the technology, and if the Pre-service teachers were taught to "teach to the test" using technology, the current "no technology in the classroom" trend might find itself on the way out!
Post a Comment