To Tech or Not to Tech in Classrooms?

 

 

 There is a lot of research and data that supports the benefits of technology in classrooms. Emerging trends in technology include: wearable technology, virtual reality, makerspaces, adaptive learning programs, flipped classrooms, and blended learning. However, some schools are not supportive when it comes to adopting technology in classrooms. In this blog we are going to take a look at some of the positives and negatives of technology in education.

 

 

Let's start with the Positives.

 

3 Ways Technology can improve the classroom.  

 "...digital devices, software, and learning platforms offer a once-unimaginable array of options for tailoring education to each individual student’s academic strengths and weaknesses, interests and motivations, personal preferences, and optimal pace of learning." (Herold, 2016).

Allowing students access to technology weather as 1:1 devices or even opportunities to use laptops, iPads, VR, etc. for portions of the day keeps them engaged in learning, allows them to be creators, and provides them with real time information. With technology advancements, students in this generation are able to "do", "see", and "learn" things that students in previous generations didn't. If we as educators have that capability at our fingertips, why not use it?


 Technology in classrooms allows for more OER's (Open Educational Resources).

What are OER's?
"digital education resources that are licensed in such a way that they can be freely used, revised, and shared." (Herold, 2016).

Teachers can not only access great online resources and programs, but they can customize them to better fit the needs of their students.

Put simply, technology in classrooms allows for personalized learning. Students can move through lessons on their level and at their own pace. Every learner has a unique set of strengths and weaknesses. A traditional lesson, isn't going to be able to meet the diverse needs of our students. Technology helps us take steps towards meeting those needs.


Also, check out this webpage to see more ways technology benefits classrooms.
10 Reasons Today's Students Need Technology in the Classroom

For ideas, collaboration opportunities and more like and follow the group Innovations in Technology on Facebook.
                            
                                  

    Now, let's take a look at some of the negatives of using technology in education.

A BIG concern educators have with technology is the cost of devices as well as the  connection/speed issues with wifi.

If we are going to have successful blended learning and flipped classroom models, then students need 1:1 devices and access to wifi outside of school. Overcoming these hurdles is what stops most schools from fully embracing technology infused learning.


Since integrating technology in education is still fairly new, and only certain schools are fully onboard with it, the data is unclear of its widespread effectiveness.


"Despite the massive investments that many school systems are making, the evidence that digital personalized learning can improve student outcomes or narrow achievement gaps at scale remains scattered, at best." (Herold, 2016).

Not only do blended learning and flipped classroom require the actual tech, but it also requires teachers to be trained in creating online courses and to learn what apps, and program are going to best meet the needs of the students in their classroom.

"The rise of “big data,” for example, has led to new concerns about how schools can keep sensitive student information private and secure." (Herold, 2016).

Although technology can be very beneficial, too much can set students up for failure. Children who are used to always having an iPad, TV, or Smart watch and the instant gratification that comes with it may struggle in situations where paper pencil and sustained attention is required. How often in classrooms are students required to sit for any length of time? Or brainstorm and compose a story? What about solving a difficult math problem that may take several minutes? How do they react when the tech isn't there and they are asked to do something by hand?

"Hard-wired for high speed, today’s young are entering school struggling with self regulation and attention skills necessary for learning, eventually becoming significant behavior management problems for teachers in the classroom." (Rowan, 2013).

For a closer look at the negative impacts too much technology can have on children check out....The Impact of Technology on the Developing Child

Like it or not, we can all agree technology is changing the face of education. We need to prepare students for 21st century jobs and paper pencil isn't going to cut it anymore.

I think the right amount of technology used in the right way will go far. Schools are at a disadvantage when they are expected to teach, train and prepare students but yet do not have the proper tools and training to do so.  

 

  Now that you have heard both sides, what resonates most with you, the positives or negatives of technology in education?


Resources:
B. Herold.(2016). Issues A-Z: Technology in Education: An Overview. Education Week. Retrieved Feb. 17, 2017 from http://www.edweek.org/ew/issues/technology-in-education/

C. Rowan. (2013). The Impact of Technology on the Developing Child. Huffington Post. Retrieved on Feb. 17, 2017 from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cris-rowan/technology-children-negative-impact_b_3343245.html

Unknown. Learning tools over the years.Online Cultus Retrieved from https://goo.gl/images/Ny86GH

A. Darash (2014). Pros and Cons of Technology in the k-12 classroom. Regpack Blog. Retrieved fromhttps://goo.gl/images/zKRvUk

S. Kar. (2015). Using BYOD in Schools: Advantages and Disadvantages. eLearning Industry. Retrieved fromhttps://goo.gl/images/1XlzOW

S. Killip. (2013). Technology in the Classroom: Beneficial or Not? Wordpress. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/images/IMLRSE

Dreambox Learning. (2016) Retrieved from https://goo.gl/images/p6yo1h