“Educational technology, especially computers and computer-related peripherals, have grown tremendously and have permeated all areas of our lives” (Valdez, 2005, ¶ 3). Computers are a prevalent part of most people’s professional and social lives. They serve an essential role in a myriad of industries including but not limited to, finances, health care, and retail. On the personal front, social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace have gained a popularity that few could have predicted a decade ago. With technology, particularly computers, present in nearly every aspect of the average person’s life, why wouldn’t it be as prevalent in the education? Similarly, as it is a large part of the typical student’s life, it would be natural for that to translate to their classroom experiences. While there are some disadvantages to integrating technology into schools, they are strongly counteracted by the benefits of its addition.
A team of scholars at the University of Amsterdam quote a fourteen year old boy describing his experience with using technology at school: “I like working with computers at school. It is nice to be active, to determine your own way of working and to not have to listen to the teacher all the time” (Heemskerk, Dam, Volman, & Admiraal, 2009, ¶ 1). The student has found many gratifications in his use of technology, all of which are alluded to in a brief response. He has gained autonomy. He has felt less sedentary and passive. Rather than being a passenger in his education, always a listener, he has become proactive participant and director. Another student, this time a girl, says “It is nicer than the usual lessons …” (Heemskerk et al., ¶ 1). While her words are less descriptive, she ...
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...students who are equally or more so. Obviously a teacher cannot pass on skills to the students, that he or she does not possess (Valdez, 2005).
As seen both the arguments for and against the use of technology in schools have validity; however, it appears that the strengths overshadow the weaknesses. In hopes of receiving appropriate training she plans to begin using her school’s newly acquired remote control devices which have proven successful in other schools (Curtis, 2003). She has already been implementing technology in her lessons in other ways, such as projected slide shows, occasional web quests and research projects, and video clips. The remotes are the only technology that her school has to offer that she has not yet utilized. Hopefully they will bring the ability to engage students, while helping them learn that other technological media offers.
She worked in a software industry for several years. “Teaching happened accidently,” she applied for a teaching position in-between her jobs and found a good work-life balance from it. Later, Ms.Amarachinta came to Diablo Valley College and became an official professor in computer science department. When I asked for her opinion on how social networks start to influence teenagers, Ms.Amarachinta shares her observation to explain her point, “there are more young students taking computer science courses in recent years. Some of them take the course just out of interest and many others take it for their majors. Although this is the very first course [in computer science], I often have students who are already familiar with programming.” As she noticed the growth in student numbers and their abilities, Ms.Amarachinta attributes such change to the prevalence of internet and social networking. While she feels glad that more and more teenagers are willing to study in this field, she sometimes worries about their behaviors and online safeties, for the fact that they sometimes get into trouble for what they did on the internet. From small things such as sending an in appropriate photograph to big things such as giving out social security number, teenagers “sometimes use the internet negatively and inappropriately.” Since the internet is accessible for
Michael J. Bugeja, a director of Iowa State University and author of the article “Facing the Facebook” in The Chronicle of Higher Education, argues that technology in schools was supposed to have a positive outcome, it was supposed to help students engage and network yet it 's only becoming a distraction. Students are more entertained by social media, and technology than education. Although he concedes that social media is “fascinating” and is a resourceful way for social interaction; he also argues how it has taken a toll on “The Facebook generation”. Technology has begun to limit the student 's mind and affect their academic intelligence.
In “Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction” by Matt Richtel, the writer follows a high school student Vishal Singh as well as other school mates and their experiences with technology. In Vishal’s school Woodside High School principal David Reilly “is determined to engage these 21st-century students.” He has asked teachers to engage with their students through building their own Web sites and principal Reilly has secured grants for he’s school to get a multimedia center. The writer also explains while technology is good for students learning it has become a problem with their academics and other curriculums are suffering because of students lack of interest. Technology has its benefits as well disadvantages for students.
Technology is present throughout today’s classrooms. “Educational technology might include printed media, models, projected and nonprojected visuals, as well as audio, video, and digital media,” (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008, pg 5). Technology is used to help engage students in lessons and help present information in a clear and distinct manner. “Common technologies, such as a whiteboard, a chalkboard, and a projector, can enhance a lecture substantially and significantly improve communication,” (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008, pg 7). My philosophy of technology integration would be to include resources to my students to help improve their knowledge and understanding of the material being presented . Through including technology in the classroom a teacher can help students through different learning styles become engaged in the lesson. “If one learns best through careful examination of pictures or diagrams, then a message that is transmitted orally can be difficult and frustrating to understand and may therefore not be clearly received,” (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008, pg 14).
Our world is changing gradually bringing these changes into people’s daily life styles; consequently, a person’s potential to embrace these challenges and revolutionize with them has become an important factor to analyze people’s way to prepare themselves for the future. According to Gilbert Valdez, educational technology, especially computers and computer-related peripherals, have grown tremendously and have permeated all areas of our lives. It is incomprehensible that anyone today would argue that banks, hospitals, or any industry should use less technology. Most young people cannot understand arguments that schools should limit technology use. For them, use of the Internet, for example, plays a major role in their relationships with their friends, their families, and their schools. Teens and their parents generally think that use of the Internet enhances the social life and academic work of teenagers. Nonetheless, not all people has the possibility of changing towards a technological society due to the lack of personal progress through technology, and the misunderstanding of this tool is leading future professionals to become technologically dependant; in other words to rely only on technology without considering the possible consequences that it might have on future professionals development and their educational background. The overuse of educational technology has been growing over the recent years due to the emergent technological developments around the world; however, it can be solved by searching for a new balance between the uses of technology within education.
The literature review of the articles present for this assignment suggest a need for reform in the school system to allow for more relevance in the classroom and an improvement in the educational process. Technology can be an excellent bridge to solve the problem of linking learning with students in their everyday life. Quick suggests, “too often lesson plans stifle students’ thinking rather that reflecting and deepening their ideas,” (Quick, 2003, pg 156). A way to incorporate lesson plans into today’s’ world is by integrating technology into our lessons. Students are surrounded by technology constantly throughout their daily life, whither through computer, phone, video game, etc. Teachers can incorporate these modes into developing a proper assessment for a selected topic. For example, while talking about World War 2 a student could discuss how cell phones may have changed the outcome of this war. This helps use the higher levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy of synthesis, “which entails the creative meshing of elements to form a new and unique entry,” (Orlich et al., 2010, pg 72).
Technology is changing how we think and act at younger ages. The term “technology” doesn’t only mean manufacturing processes and equipment necessary for production, it also defines a social space and could be a social problem which makes a real impact on social reality. Different types of social software affect a variety of aspects and have both positive and negative impacts. It's important to be aware of how a digitally-driven life is changing our education, sense of self, relationships, social interaction, consumerism, and ways of doing business around the world.
Data in Table 2 shows there is no relationship between a principal’s instructional technology skills and effective technology integration at their school sites. Both Principal A and C readily admit to not modeling technology use with their staff. However, Principals b and C give a value of 10 out of 10 for the importance of technology in schools whereas Principal B gives a rating of 8 out of 10. All three principals received the same district training in technology use but vary widely by their personal use of it.
Do you ever think about how much technology has changed the way we work, learn, play, and even think? Technology is a major beneficiary to society; especially in the classroom where we get the opportunity to learn and grow. In recent years, schools have begun implementing tablets and other devices in the classroom to better student’s education. The use of technology in the classroom provides more of a personalized learning experience and gives students a widespread availability to engage in learning. Technology is necessary in today’s modern globe, it is basically “the pen and paper of our time and the lens through which we experience much of our world” (Warlick, 2013). Technology is not just considered the “internet”, it is so much greater than that. Overall, it enhances the quality of education and engages students deeper than ever before. With all the significant gains, why would people argue that technology hinders students more than it helps? Critics may try to repute the use of technology in the classroom but I believe what really matters “is the way we use it, the context that we use it in, and the learners who we use it for” (Chong, 2012).
Technology affects everyone! Whether positive or negative, we are all affected, how it manifests itself into problems for youth will be studied and debated for years. Balancing technology throughout the educational process and keeping with current trends and uses of technology will affect everyone. Technology has transformed our youth’s daily and social lives. How do we measure the effects of technology on our ability to socialize or have a successful social life? Socializing is not just talking face to face, it’s our ability to interact, learn, and create original thought. Technology hindering today’s youth and their ability to socialize is affecting their capacity to read, write, and communicate. Today’s youth depends on careful considerations for the implementation of technologies. Our youth do not have the capability to convey their emotions through the use of technology, understand sadness, happiness or joy through simple text or emails. Communicating through the use of text, chat, and social network sites is lost using abbreviations and slang, inhibiting the use of the Standard English language. Using computers and hand held devices for relationships, reading, writing, and entertainment, turning them into introverted and socially inept individuals. Current trends resonating from our educational institutions to our workplace can be examples of how technology has altered the way younger people communicate. This tragedy transcends from youth to adulthood affecting the workplace. Social networking sites have begun to take hours away from employers. How do students understand ethical and moral dilemmas unless they are allowed to make mistakes and work through a particular problem? Creative and original thought needs...
Technology has exploded and it has landed everywhere! Daily computers help to accomplish job-related task more efficiently (Shelly, 2010). It has even affected the method in which lessons are being translated in the classroom. This writer will take a vivid look at ways in which technology can be used to facilitate and enhance instructions in the classroom. A glimpse will be taken upon the differences between wired and unwired classrooms. Lastly, the pros and cons of using technology will also be taken into consideration.
The following reflective essay will focus on technology and its importance in addressing the needs of digital learners. The essay will begin by addressing ways reasons for the integration of technology in education, as well as discussing ways in which teachers can use technology to enhance learning and student engagement. Secondly, the essay will examine how teachers can become part of the learning process by empowering students to serve as knowledge brokers. The essay will close by assessing ways in which technology can be used to meet the diverse learning needs of today’s students, specifically those with special educational needs.
Technology has allowed students, teachers, and parents to access unlimited resources instantly. The ease of access to school services and materials helps students in many ways. Redd makes a good point stating that “Many of these mobile devices are characterized as miniature classroom computers that allow students to partake in the ‘anytime, anywhere’ learning movement” (30). Students today use all types of electronic devices to do the unimaginable. The internet is a portal for students to connect to everything around the world giving them instantaneous access to resources. Imagine going throughout a day without the aid of technology, it detracts the learning process and limits accessibility. Students find it easier to access coursework, “Some said they were reluctant to use mobile phone functions such as SMS texting and information downloads for course-related activities” (Moule 61). Technology is always being implicated through day to day life situations. Student’s instantaneous access to unlimited resources...
When adding students on social media, teachers start to be viewed as friends instead of professionals. Although positive and healthy relationships are important in the education system, respect is often lost once an adult has morphed into a friend of the child. Social media can also be a positive idea in the classroom. “…teachers also have a First Amendment interest in communicating with their students through technology as a teaching tool for conveying their instructional methods.” (Lumturije 127). The use of Facebook in the classroom is argued to be a unique and easy tool to help teachers better explain lessons. Schools and educators that use this method often require parents to sign permission slips, allowing their child to communicate with their teacher via social media. “"Email is becoming a dinosaur," said David Roush, who teaches media communications and television production at a Bronx high school. “Letters home are becoming a dinosaur. The old methods of engaging our students and our parents are starting to die."” (Matthews N.p.) Roush supports the importance of interesting students, however e-mail is being replaced with the Facebook, and causing more problems that engaging the students responsibly and
Andy Carvin states “ internet access in schools isn’t worth a hill of beans if teachers aren’t prepared to take full advantage of technology” (2000). Schools spend a lot of money on computer hardware and software as well as other technologies without realizing that many of their employees are unprepared to include them in their teaching and use them to their advantages. Educators often use technology as a classroom management tool rather than an educational one, allowing computer time as a reward for good behavior (Clark & Gorski, 2001). The problem with this is that students learn to use the computer for games and such because it is their reward instead of using it on their own time for educational purposes. This is teaching them the wrong idea. Margaret Honey, director of the Center for Children and Technology in NYC said it best, “The bottom line is, you don’t just put technology into schools or into homes and expect miracles to happen. The technology is only as good as the program that surrounds it” (Meyer, 2002, p.2).