Technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s
society. Students everywhere now rely on
their own technology to get work done. Since
students already use technology in their daily lives, many teachers are
attempting to harness this interest and implement it in their classroom. Many teachers are now assigning work that can
only be accomplished through the use of computers. Even social media can play a role in some
assignments. This technology integration
is a great thing to happen to the classroom.
It not only makes students more engaged, it also allows them to control
their own learning more than ever.
However, including technology in the classroom is not as hard as it
sounds. Achieving a smooth transition to
technology based learning can be done.
“However varied access and readiness may be, tech integration can
successfully occur in any classroom.”
(edutopia.org)
Technology can provide countless benefits to any classroom, in
elementary school and through high school.
It can help make learning much more fun for students. Students believe that technology makes the
learning process more entertaining and fun.
“Subjects that students deem challenging or boring can become more
interesting with virtual lessons, through a video, or when using a tablet.” (teachhub.com) Technology also connects with
students. It is essential in the daily
lives in students. Out of school, tech
plays a role in almost everything that students do. When teachers harness this, they provide
students with skills that they will carry into the real world and today’s
society. Finally, technology also allows
students to learn at their own pace. Students
can tend to their own needs while working through technology-based
assignments. It can also give teachers
the ability to help a particular student who might be struggling.
When introducing technology to the class, it is important
that teachers understand how to use it themselves. They should make sure that they understand how
to train students on the technology and how technology benefits the course. Teachers also must learn that once he or she
brings technology into the classroom, they will not be the center of
attention. However, this does not mean
that the teacher isn’t needed in the learning process. Students must be guided on how to use
technology for learning rather than entertainment or social media. “While students may be surrounded by
technology at home, it is dangerous to assume that they know how to use it for
learning…” (edutopia.org) All of these factors will lead to a change in
teaching strategy used by the educator.
When the course is centered around technology and not the teacher, both
students and teachers must adapt.
After all of this has been accomplished, forming lessons
based on technology can be difficult.
Using webquests are a good way to ease students into the complex world
of the internet. A webquest has students
comb the internet for specific information.
For example, if students were learning about Ancient Rome and Ancient
Greece, they would create a Venn Diagram comparing the two based on various
articles. Having students deliver multimedia
presentations are a good way to teach information. Students should research the topic themselves
and then deliver their findings to the class.
They can present their information to the class via PowerPoint or other
ways that include technology. This can
give students the opportunity to experiment with the tech themselves and learn
how to give presentations at the same time.
Technology in the classroom is becoming more and more
dominant. Almost every teacher wishes to
include tech into their lessons, but it is difficult when teachers are busy
preparing students for upcoming exams.
However, if teachers and students are both dedicated enough, the
transition to a technology-based classroom can be completed. Both groups will find that technology will
enhance the learning experience to levels that were previously unimaginable. “By embracing and integrating technology in
the classroom, we are setting our students up for a successful life outside of
school.” (teacherhub.org)
Citations:
"Benefits of Technology in the
Classroom." TeachHUB. N.p., n.d. Web.
02 Apr. 2017.
"How to Integrate
Technology." Edutopia. N.p., 05 Nov. 2007.
Web. 02 Apr. 2017.
