Last week we discussed how there is no “silver bullet” when it comes to inequality with technology. Technology is dependent on the person that is using it. One of my favorite quotes from the readings is “In education, technologies amplify whatever pedagogical capacity is already there.” (Toyama, 2015) Educators must seek to include technology in the classroom for technology to reach its full potential. With this in mind the articles this week addressed what technology looks like in the classroom and what can make technology successful or unsuccessful.
Yaël and I have worked hard to explore the use of technology in the classroom. Many teachers are looking to integrate technology in the classroom in an effort to level the playing field but the question of how to implement it is constantly on my mind as an educator. In my last post I noted that the key to a successful technology program is “training teachers, creating software and digital content, delivering maintenance and support, and sustaining a long-term commitment.” (Kraemer, Dedrick, & Sharma, 2009) The articles that we worked on this week focused on the implementation of technology. Another article, Note Taking with Technology, focused on the benefits of technology and how it allows students to support their needs, save their notes, search for important information, and share with peers. (Holland, 2014) The article 3 Tips for Managing Phone Use in Class, they addressed phone use in the classroom. Teachers often have a no cellphone policy. Student consistently try to get around this rule regardless of age. In my elementary school classroom, I take away about cellphones a month from students who are trying to text or play games during school. The main issue that I had for this article was that by having control or allowing use of cell phones the teacher takes responsibility for their use. This article seemed to make more sense for a high school classroom. The article discussed how teachers should establish ground rules in the first week of instruction and make sure that they have open dialogue about the use of cell phones. (Kolb, 2017) This is something that I completely agree with regardless of the subject. When students are asked to be up front with their questions there is less confusion and the students feel more comfortable with asking when the answer is not apparent to them. In my elementary classroom cell phones are not permitted, however I established rules with the students in class the first few weeks of school and discussed why these rules were there. I have far less issues with this proactive approach rather than relying on the students to remember the school’s policies. In a high school setting I can see how technology will assist learning. Using tips for managing phone use and applying these tips to technology is important for educators. Allowing students to use technology in ways that are useful to the students is key for creating networks for learners and creating skills that the students can use in their careers. The real question once the use of technology has been established is what makes it successful. According to the guide on what makes it successful the technology must be accessible and ready to use, support the curriculum, and be routine and transparent. (Marian, 2007) This I agree with completely. If technology isn’t easy to integrate then it can’t be successful in the classroom. Technology should be an extension of learning and not simply used for the sake of technology. In the college environment we use many of these skills. It is second nature to have a cell phone out to use for class either to fact check information or to quickly add up information on a calculator. It makes sense that we should begin to integrate technology in this way earlier than the college environment however many educators are hesitant. What makes technology “good” in the classroom and what makes it “bad” is typically the same thing. It allows for quick communication and access to information. When this is used appropriately in the classroom this creates a wonderful environment for learning. If students are taught to use this technology appropriately in early school years then this use of technology will become more seamless and intuitive which will create a successful environment for technology. When a pro-technology environment is created students will be able to better use technology in the classroom. Though this will not allow for students to magically obtain a level playing field it does allow for students to become familiar with appropriate uses for technology in the classroom which will prepare them for college and future careers. Works Cited Holland, B. (2014, October 4). Note taking with technology. Edutopia. Kolb, L. (2017, September 11). 3 tips for managing phone use in class. Edutopia. Kraemer, K., Dedrick, J., & Sharma, P. (2009, June). One laptop per child: vision vs. reality. Communications of the ACM, 73. Marian, S. (2007, November 5). What is successful technology integration? Edutopia. Toyama, K. (2015, June 4). Technology won't fix america's neediest schools. It makes bad education worse. The washington post.
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AuthorEllie E. Archives
November 2017
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