The Integration of Technology into the Classroom

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.