Technology in the Classroom-- Week 6

 Throughout my postgraduate degree, I have heard various views on implementing technology in classes.  Many teachers are scared that students may get distracted, and lose focus when given technology to use during lessons.  However, I have also heard of many benefits involved with implementing technology in the classroom, and various methods to promote on-task behaviour.   For example, in one of my placements, a teacher told me that one of her strategies to ensure students don’t engage in off-task behaviour with regards to their mobile devices is to have students place their phones face down on the desk.  She found that this worked for her class because it then became obvious when a student would reach for their phone.  She also told me that when she incorporated handheld devices in her teaching, students would be far more likely to engage in learning. 

I believe that incorporating technology in the classroom has outstanding potential to aid in student learning.  One reason to use technology in classrooms is because it forces teachers to keep up-to-date with their teaching, as well as provides countless resources for them to use.  Technology allows for varied assessment, and more engagement because it provides students with new ways to respond to questions, participate in discussions, ad show their learning and understanding.  I also think that using technology in class promotes the skills necessary for this digital age, and helps prepare students for successful futures.  i.e. technology could help teach students skills such as collaboration, listening, problem solving, communication, etc.  Student learning, through technology, has the potential to be interesting and engaging because it allows more interaction.  I also think that implementing various types of technology in the classroom could help teachers cater to all learning styles, as well as position the teacher as a supporter of learning rather than at the center of learning.  i.e. the teacher would be in the position of an advisor, and would help encourage and direct students in their learning rather than simply filling student’s brains with information.   This would allow students to become more responsible of their learning, and encourage them to take ownership for their work and decision making.  Another benefit of technology in the classroom is that it reduces the quantity of heavy books students are required to carry around.  I also feel that technology could help reduce math anxiety because it encourages students to participate and makes mathematics more fun. 

Although technology seems to be overall beneficial to learning, it can take time and money to ensure teachers are properly trained in successfully and comfortably using technology.  I also believe that implementing technology in schools is expensive, and at times these technologies are un reliable.  Another big issue I have with technology is that many students may not have access to technology because of SES, which could potentially hinder their learning. 

When I practice teaching, I plan to incorporate technology by combining it with traditional class instructions.  I also believe that in order to successfully implement technology into the classroom, it is important for me to establish clear expectations and rules regarding the use of technology among my students.  I will also dedicate some class time prior to lessons involving technology in order to ensure students understand how to properly use the technology and applications.  This is because I feel that even though students use technology daily, they may not know how to use it for learning.  During my lessons, I also plan to use a variety of technology, including, but not limited to: Smartboards, mathematical applications, graphing calculators, online resources (i.e. games and quizzes), etc.