The Benefits of Teaching in a Technology World
From paper, pencil, and textbooks, to Chromebooks and smart boards the world of education has changed drastically. Some people would say it was for better, others aren't entirely sure how to keep up with the growing opportunities technology is bringing them. "The internet and digital tools also play a key role in classroom preparation and professional networking." (Purcell,2013).
The Positives
With anything in life, there are positive outcomes and negatives ones as well. When you look at it from a different lens you may be able to see it in a way you never thought. "Digital tools are being used by students to conduct research, download and submit assignments, edit work, and collaborate with each other." (Purcell, 2013) Although this may be taking a different approach to learning, students are using resources to get them from beginning to end in a lesson assignment. Many students are tech savvy as it is with their own cellular device, but when you can expand it into the classroom using different technology tools, it gives them a different outlook and something else they are able to use as a resource.
Does technology cause a distraction in the classroom?
"You may think technology is just a distraction, but it can help
encourage active participation in your classroom. Using devices like a
computer, tablet, or other type of technology in your classroom can help
turn traditionally dull subjects into interactive and fun activities." (Walden University)
"Teachers whose students come mainly from low income homes are also slightly more likely than other teachers to describe managing student cell phone use as a “major issue”. (Purcell, 2013) Most schools will have a set cell phone policy, but will all students abide by it? Is it worth the fight each and every day to take a cell phone or cause more classroom distraction if someone is not following the rules? The struggle with technology in the classroom and having access to cell phones so easily for children today brings more of a distraction within itself. The social media that is available for students to be a part of and the down time they may have in class as well causes for problems to occur.
Benefits to using Technology in the Classroom.
As teachers and educators you should be able to "take a risk" every once in a while. Will you be comfortable with certain platforms of technology each time you use it? No, probably not. But the learners you have in front of you will buy into anything that you are presenting to them if you come in with confidence yourself. The amount of technology at our fingertips at this day and age can keep a student engaged for a class period. Whether it is using games as a platform, or a research tool. If students can stay intrigued and interested in the material that is in front of them, they will put forth the effort to learn from it. " “Technology dramatically increases student engagement. As soon as you flash something on a screen or give them a computer, it’s a lot more appealing to them than writing a paper or creating a poster,” (Greene, 2016)
https://youtu.be/ug_LK98NcVk?si=S9cFc4HSQRAxLsiR
References
*K. Purcell, How Teachers Are Using Technology at Home and in Their Classrooms, Pew Research Center, on the internet at www.pewinternet.org/2013/02/28/how-teachers-are-using-technology-at-home-and-in-their-classrooms/.
†C. Blome, Increasing Learning With Technology, Walden University, on the internet at www.WaldenU.edu/connect/newsroom/spotlight/2017/increasing-learning-with-technology.
The cell phone battle. Managing cell phone use in the classroom is definitely a challenge! In our school this year we implemented a pretty strict policy, even purchasing cell phone lockers for our students. I thought it was interesting that you brought in evidence that suggests lower income districts have more of an issue with this than others. I teach in a lower income district and I just thought the fight we had was normal behavior because they are teens. But like you mentioned in your blog post, instead of an all-or-nothing approach, maybe we need to re-evaluate how we are implementing technology in our curriculums. I think do need to take advantage of this "necessary evil" and use it to our advantage. I think the most important piece of the puzzle is setting those boundaries. I know you mention taking risks, but are there any specific strategies that have worked for you in balancing cell phone use without it becoming a constant disruption?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post!
Lauren, I also teach in a low income school so I see the challenges of the cell phone use each day. We have cell phone pocket charts that the students have to put their phones in if we see them out at all. For some students, it is not a big deal, others, make it a big deal. Since I am a High School teacher we have allowed students to be able to have their cell phones out at lunch to sort of compromise with them. This always doesn't help a situation, but it still allows the students some time to be on their cellular device. I feel if the teachers are consistent in what they want in their classrooms, the students should fall in place to follow the rules. The ultimate goal is that students are in school to learn and not be distracted by their cell phones. The world of technology is booming, and I know the kids are only trying to keep up.
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