Jessica Croy:

Article:  Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students

http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html

            The article “Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students” focuses on the positive impact that technology has had on the classroom.  First, they describe the change in the teachers’ and students’ roles when technology is used in the classroom.  Teachers become facilitators of learning.  They are no longer a distributor of information.  They are able to work with individual students and small groups and are able to dialogue more easily with students are discuss how they are showing what they have learned.

            With technology, students are expected to take a more active role in learning, rather than a passive role.  Since there is usually a protect or expected outcome when technology is incorporated in a lesson, students must put the effort into showing exactly what they learned, which is definitely different than a regular assignment or test.

            The article also points out that the use of technology in the classroom can increase the motivation of students, as well as their self-esteem.  Many students are highly skilled in using computers and different software and can shine when using technology; even students that don’t necessarily shine in other aspects of the classroom.  Personally, when I mention a project using the computer lab or laptops are all very excited and are ready to get to work.  I definitely agree that using technology can improve students’ motivation and self-confidence.

            Using technology also allows students to improve their ability using computers and other technical skills, as well as learn more complex tasks.  This prepares them for the future when technology will play a larger role in higher levels of school and in the workplace.  Although technology will change during this time, students will build a strong background and be more comfortable learning new elements of technology.

            Lastly, the article discusses how students’ ability and willingness to collaborate increase when technology is incorporated in the classroom.  Some students step up as peer tutors and help others with their projects.  Also, many group projects involve technology.  Students with different amounts of prior technological knowledge and creativity levels can push each other and share knowledge.