Technology is everywhere. But, what role should it play in the classroom?

There
are many benefits to allowing the use of technology in the classroom. Technology can
be used to enhance the learning environment and supplement lesson plans. When
technology is used properly students will be exposed to a variety of different resources
that can be used to facilitate their learning. There are also a few downfalls when
technology is used in the classroom. There is always the risk of technology being used
in ways other than originally intended. Moderation is key to ensuring that teachers and
students do not become too dependent on technology.
As a teacher it is important that I am up to date on the latest technologies. This
allows me to incorporate them into lesson plans and keep students interested and
engaged in learning. In our classroom technology will be a part of our everyday
activities. The smart board will be used to enhance our instruction. The smart board
allows all of our lessons to become interactive because students and teachers can use
it to make notes, highlight, and even use various applications during instruction.
Computer and laptops will also be a big part of our everyday learning. Researchers
predict that when true universal access to portable technologies, such as laptops, is
created, the very ways in which we think about teaching, learning, and communicating
may change (Hill, Reeves, & Heidemeier, 2000, p. 4). My goal is to supplement
lessons with fun interactive activities that reinforce concepts that we have covered
during instruction. Sites such as spellingcity.com can be a fun way for students to
practice their spelling words. Spellingcity.com allows teachers to input the spelling
words and creates fun activities that students can use to practice at school or they are
even able to log on at home to practice. We will also use videoconferencing to
communicate with other classrooms throughout the country and even in other parts of
the world. We will use this opportunity to learn about other parts of the world and each
students will have the chance to be partnered up with one of the other students and
become e-pals. This not only helps their social skill but also gives them the opportunity
to use technology in a different way.
As with just about everything, technology also has the possibility of having
negative effects. When students have access to the internet there is always the
possibility that they may not use it properly. Clicking on links by accident or searching
for something inappropriate in a search engine are all concerns when using technology
in the classroom. Each child will be given a lesson in internet safety and will sign an
internet use agreement. In addition software has been installed on each computer to
prevent certain sites from being accessed. Children will be monitored when using
computers or laptops in the classroom. Another negative effect that technology has had
in the classroom is that some students have become too dependent on things like spell
check and word processor. Instead of learning how to properly spell words they use
spell check to fix it for them. Word processor is quickly taking the place of a pen and
paper. Because of this students are not getting enough handwriting practice. It is
important to use technology to enhance instruction and not replace basic concepts such
as spelling or handwriting.
With the increasing technology available classrooms have had to adapt. More
outlets to plug in laptops, and computers have been added. Also added were outlets to
charge other devices that require USB ports. Instead of having our desks lined up in
rows, they are grouped and on wheels so that they may easily be moved from one place
to another. This not only allows students to move around to work with one another but
also to move around to access devices better. Some classrooms are what is
considered as wired, meaning that in order to connect to the internet they need to have
a wire. Our classroom is wireless, which means that we can connect our devices using
a signal sent from one location and we do not require the use of wires. Wireless
classrooms (WCs) are mobile classroom environments consisting of laptop computers,
each equipped with a CD-ROM, large memories and disks, color screen, and most
importantly, a wireless network link (Griffioen, 1998). Being wireless enables students
and teachers to have the freedom move around the classroom and take our devices
from one are of the school to another without having to worry about losing our
connection.
Technology is a bigger part of our everyday lives than it ever has been in the
past. Most students already know how to use the latest technology available. In order
to be an effective teacher it is important to be open and receptive to new technology
and its use in the classroom. "Technology can improve the overall learning environment
of our schools and enhance the engagement of our students so that they feel
more connected to the school" (Lengel & Lengel, 2006). Being open to learning about
new technology and how it can be used in the classroom allows teachers to keep up
with the students and allows teachers to adjust their lesson plans so that they
incorporate the latest technology which helps keep the students interested and
engaged.











References
Hill, J., Reeves, T. C., & Heidemeier, H. (2000). Ubiquitous computing for teaching,
learning, and communicating: Trends, issues and recommendations. Athens,
GA: Department of Instructional Technology, College of Education, The
University of Georgia
James Griffioen, W. Brent Seales, James E. Lumpp Jr. (04/23/1998). Teaching in real
time in the wireless classroom. Retrieved from
http://www.dcs.uky.edu/~wc/publication/1296/1296.html on 10/05/2014
Lengel, J.G., & Lengel, K.M. (2006). Integrating Technology: A Practical Guide. Boston,
MA:Pearson Education.