Integrating Instructional Technology
Technology should
be used to enhance learning in the classroom. According to Beatty, Children who
do not use computers in their learning experience have been found to show
smaller gains in intelligence, problem solving and language skills compared
with those who do use technology (Beatty). There are numerous forms
of technology specifically developed to enhance classroom instruction, with the
number of new technologies increasing almost daily. This paper will discuss specific technologies
designed to enhance classroom instruction, compare the pros and cons of using
technology to facilitate learning and discuss the difference between a wired
and a wireless classroom.
(Interactive Whiteboards)
Even the youngest children can benefit from the use of Interactive Whiteboards
to enhance classroom instruction. Studies
have found that children who use this form of interactive technology have a more
complex understanding of specific subjects than children in settings where the
technology is not incorporated into lessons (Linder, 2012). A teacher could use an Interactive Whiteboard
in the classroom to introduce a topic, stimulate discussion, and connect
concepts with real-world situations.
Interactive Whiteboards can be utilized to enhance instruction on a
broad range of topics, from math to social studies to science.
(A
Classroom Blog)
A Classroom blog is a
valuable way to get students excited about writing. Students are given the
opportunity to not only develop their traditional literacy skills but also
their digital fluency when teachers combine writing with online technology (Beatty). Studies have found that students are more motivated
and remain focused longer when they are able to utilize a computer
(Beaty). A teacher could use a classroom
blog to teach and encourage free writing skills, literacy and digital literacy
skills. A classroom blog is a valuable
platform where even the most timid student’s voices can be heard through the
written word, thus giving every student an equal opportunity to express him or
herself.
(Presentation
Graphics Software)
Microsoft’s PowerPoint
is a popular type of presentation graphic software. Presentation graphic software can be used to
create presentations, which are used to communicate ideas, messages, and other
information to students in a classroom.
The presentation is projected onto a screen for the whole class to
view. Presentation graphic software is
an exciting alternative to the traditional lecture-only teaching style (Gunter
& Gunter, 2014). A teacher can
create slides using digital images, documents, video, audio and links to
websites. The presentation can be custom
tailored to enhance any subject or curriculum topic a teacher would like. Presentation graphic software is a powerful
teaching and learning tool.
Pros
and Cons of using Technology to Facilitate Learning
The
use of technology in the classroom can greatly enhance both the teaching
experience and the learning process. It
is important to use technology to enhance and enrich a lesson or subject.
Technology can bring subjects to life through the use of virtual tours, on-line
museums, and interactive websites.
Technology can be motivating and exciting for students to see and
experiment with. Technology is an
important part of the 21st century and as such, must be an important
part of the 21st century educational experience. Technology must be used properly. A teacher should not rely solely on
technology to do the teaching. Technology will inevitably break or
malfunction. Technological malfunctions
could be due to user error, or technical problems. Technological malfunctions can be a
frustrating situation for both the teacher and the student. It is important for teachers to have a back
up plan when using technology.
Technology takes time and experimentation to master. Teachers will have to spend valuable time
learning new technologies and how to implement technology in the
classroom. Technology can be
distracting. The improper or overuse of
technology has the potential to detract from the lesson material a teacher is
trying to get across. When early childhood teachers design lessons
by integrating valuable forms of technology with the essential characteristics
for teaching early childhood learners, children are more likely to develop
conceptual understandings and positive dispositions toward subjects at a young
age (Linder, 2012).
Wired and Wireless Classrooms
As
classrooms transform from wired to wireless, many new and unique teaching and
learning opportunities are discovered. “At
one time, computing abilities were limited by the length of wires; now
communications and computing have no physical limitations. Wireless communication and tablet computers
have opened the door to any place, any time communications and connectivity –
creating an instant world without boundaries and a world without wires that
will forever change the way (teachers) teach and the way… students learn” (Gunter
& Gunter, 2014, p.350) A wireless classroom has the benefit of utilizing
many beneficial forms of technology to enhance the learning experience, from
tablets and apps to note taking and interactive textbooks to image and video
projection. “Wireless communications
make technology more accessible and flexible.
Fundamentally changing the way students and teachers communicate and
collaborate with each other” (Gunter & Gunter, 2014, p. 338)
A classroom that is wired will not
have the great variety of technology to choose from. A wired classroom will be more restricted.
Conclusion
A 21st
century classroom should use 21st century technology to enhance the
teaching and learning process. A teacher
must carefully study new technology and analyze the benefits of utilizing that
technology in the classroom. The proper
use of technology in the classroom will enhance instruction, motivate students
to participate and bring subjects to life.
References:
Beatty, Mia. Integrating
Google Blogs into the K-6 Language Arts Classroom To Promote Interactive
Learning Communities. Department of
Educational Technology. Retrieved from:
http://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstream/handle/10125/27119/Beatty.pdf
Gunter, G.A. & Gunter R.E. (2014).
Integrating technology in a changing world.
Retrieved from: http://gcumedia.com/digital-resources/cengage/2014/teachers-discovering-computers_integrating-technology-in-a-changing-world_ebook_8e.php
Linder, S. M. (2012). Interactive
whiteboards in early childhood mathematics. YC: Young Children, 67(3),
26-35.
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