BY: KATIE ENGER Using Technology in the Classroom

Why Use Technology in the Classroom? When students are using technology as a tool or a support for communicating with others, they are in an active role rather than the passive role of recipient of information transmitted by a teacher, textbook, or broadcast. The student is actively making choices about how to generate, obtain, manipulate, or display information. Students feel an increase of self esteem when they are using technological devices. They feel a sense of accomplishment from the automatic feedback that computerized devices give. Students are constantly acquiring more and more skills on these devices, which allows them to accomplish more complex problems and tasks because of the supports and capabilities provided by technology

History of Technology in the Classroom Educational technology has come a very long way since schools were first starting Historical ‘technology’ dates back to a time where aids like charts, maps, symbols, models, specimens and concrete materials were used in classrooms. Later during the “electronic revolution”, schools were introduced to sophisticated hardware and software. The use of various audio-visual aids like projectors, magic lanterns, tape-recorders, radios and television brought a revolutionary change in the educational scenario.

Issues with Technology in the Classroom Schools are faced with the reality of a limited budget for equipment and software and must make hard choices about how to get the most out of what they have. Some teachers are fearful for schools and students to be so dependent on technology, or are uncomfortable with computers and even more uncomfortable with the notion that kids know more than they do. Poorer schools do not get the same technology access that richer schools do.

Future of Technology in the Classroom Classrooms of the future will no longer be little factories where we “can find teachers are encouraged to mass produce learning and marginalize the differences in aptitudes, interests, and abilities” which no longer “prepare students for the fast changing global society they will inherit”(Fielding, Lackney, Nair, 2011). Students will feel more comfortable in newer up to date classrooms and be more likely to ask questions. Using technology in the classroom will prepare students for a world based around electronics. Future Devices include:  Tablets, Interactive White boards, Video Lessons, Educational Apps, 3D Printers, Data Projectors, Flipped Classrooms

Assistive Technology in the Classroom Assistive technology can provide accommodations, modifications or adaptations made to the environment, curriculum, instruction, or assessment practices. The use of technology to enhance learning is an effective approach for many children. Additionally, students with learning disabilities often experience greater success when they are allowed to use their strengths to work around their disabilities. AT tools combine the best of both of these practices. Examples;  Abbreviation Expanders, Alternative Keyboards, Audio Books and Publications, Personal FM Listening Systems, Portable Word Processors

Management One of the most important things to remember while using technology is the correct management. If iPads are being used, students need to be assigned to one device that only they can use. Teachers need to set guidelines and rules for device use. Correct management is extremely important in order for students to be successful while using technological devices.

What Subjects will Benefit? Virtually learning any subject can be assisted with the use of technology. There are apps all over the web that specify in certain subjects and can be downloaded to iPads or computers to help students learn. Textbooks can also be downloaded onto devices through iBooks. For example:  Math apps: Fraction Math, Math for iPad  Health apps: Health eTools for Schools, Heart Encyclopedia  Science apps: Science 4 Kids, Science Art Jigsaw Puzzle

Student Creativity The use of technology enables students to use types of creativity that a pen and paper wouldn’t allow. Students are using tools and apps to create PowerPoints, Movie Productions, and music. This allows students to stay more open minded and be successful in the classroom. When a student uses technology to create something and share it with the rest of the world, their self esteem will skyrocket

Conclusion In conclusion, there are many benefits of integrating technology into the everyday classroom.  Makes students excited to learn  Promotes student creativity  Is beneficiary to all classroom subjects  Prepares students for a world based around technology  Assistive technology can aid disabled students

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