Technology in The Classroom

This change in the dynamics of obtaining and using information also changes the power structure in education and the way in which students create their own knowledge. Traditionally, students would have regarded teachers as the ultimate information holders; however, now they can quickly and easily substantiate or refute arguments or facts presented in class with electronic media. With this additional access to information, students can present more informed comments in class. Students have a valuable voice that should be heard and reflected in educational policy. Cook-Sather calls it the "missing voice in educational research: the student" (2002, p. 5).

Professors need to understand the power and benefits technology can have in teaching when added to their classroom. Students, professors, and the board of education at schools need to decide whether they are implementing enough technology in their classrooms, and if not, that they need to. Technology in the classroom vastly improves productivity, significantly lowers costs for students, and prepares students for the future. Technology has influenced the higher education world in a multitude of ways. Whether it is through emails, interactive services, social media, or... ... middle of paper ... ... "The Problem with Technology in Schools."

In order to increase teachers’ Web 2.0 skills, school districts must offer explicit training that models creative and effective uses for these tools in the classroom. Purpose While many teachers embrace technology in the classroom, some hesitate to change their curriculum. Some teachers complain using technology causes more headaches than it is worth. These teachers feel comfortable with their traditional methods and do not embrace change. As the world becomes more interconnected, opportunities for communication and collaboration among peers greatly increases.

Yet, this is not exactly enough. Today, the focus must be on integrating this technology as an integral tool for instruction and administration, not as just an extra “if-time” activity. By doing this, the core educational priorities that are set by the federal, state, and local governments will match the goals, interests, and objectives of students in diverse learning communities. In addition to this, the usage of technology is viewed by parents to have a positive impact in children’s lives. Although parents understand that there are dangers associated with the Internet, they mostly believe that the positive implications for it are much stronger.

Technology in school can have both its benefits if used correctly, and its problems if use incorrectly. This technology can help improve productivity, performance, and prepare students for the future. However, it can also lead to more cheating, plagiarism, and distractions. Overall, this topic has logical arguments from both sides and does not have a correct answer and with my experience and research, I will be able to talk about both sides in depth. Is Technology in the Classroom Helping or Hindering Learning?

Thro... ... middle of paper ... ...students. Research can be done, and activities created to spark the students’ imaginations, and create a fun and engaging learning environment for them. No matter what the opinions are about integrating technology into the classrooms, we are all going to have to realize this is the direction that our education system is moving towards. Older generation teachers will have to be willing to learn new things themselves, and the younger generation teachers will have to learn patience, and teach others what they have already been taught, and grown up with. The one true thing that matters in all of this discussion, is the students.

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. Part One: Engaging Students with Technology Today’s students have very different needs than those of previous generations (Prensky, 2001).

While there are several ways that education is affecting and can be properly put into an education system, there are a few ways that will be the most effective. This are the building blocks for a strong foundation; making technology in the class room a school wide program, incorporating what is learned using technology with other mediums of learning, teach students how technology affects them in ways outside the classroom, and make sure that teachers are using technology in their class rooms effectively and are proficient in the technology themselves. It is first important to understand how many students are affected by this new way of educating. The United States of America currently has a population of 317,184,764 people. The U.S. is currently ranked 3rd in overall population following China and India.

Children are able to use this new way of thinking to create, teach, learn, and communicate in ways that we might have previously thought impossible. Instead of leveraging this new found desire to see the world in a different way, current trends indicate that we are holding fast to the same tired ways of doing things because we fail to fully comprehend the actual value of change. Green and Hannon give us a perfect description of this “Children are establishing a relationship to knowledge gathering which is alien to their parents and teachers” (Green and Hannon 2007, p. 38). With an overwhelming amount of evidence supporting the positive effects of using social media and new technology in the classroom, it is vital that we shift more of our efforts into making better use of these technologies. The Case For Technology Technology and teaching have the potential to have a very symbiotic relationship.

Along with students, teachers and professors should be aware of what their students are accomplishing while using these various forms of technology. Not only will technology in the classrooms benefit their users in the present, but it will aide them when finding a job in the future. Technology is such and important part in education and it is only getting stronger. [1] Computer Confluence George Beekman Pg.419 [2] A Vision for Technology in Education http://www.nsba.org [3] Will Technology Really Change Education? Authors: Todd W. Kent and Robert F. McNergney 1998 http://www.ecsu.ctstateu.edu [4] http://nces.ed.gov [5] Computer Confluence Author: George Beekman Page 426