Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students

A Research Project Sponsored by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement
U.S. Department of Education
Conducted by SRI International

Title of Article:  Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students

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

I read “Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students”.  In this article there were 7 key points that were discussed.  Change in Student and Teacher Roles, Increased motivation and Self Esteem, Technical Skills, Accomplishment of More Complex Tasks, More Collaboration with Peers, Increased Use of outside Resources and Improved Design Skills/Attention to Audience. 

This article discussed how students are more engaged and have an active role when they can use technology.  The teachers roll changes to being more of a facilitator instead of just an instructor.  With the teacher being the facilitator he or she has more time to help support and have conversations with students about their learning.  This piece of research also states that students of all ages are eager to complete tasks that they would normally struggle with if they were not using technology.  By allowing students to use expensive tools such as computers and iPods,. teachers are showing students that they are valued and so is their effort to learn.  It is also mentioned that students are more aware of their audience when using technology.  Students have an active choice in how they want their project to look.  However if the teacher is not careful students can get so wrapped up in how the project is looking (font, color, etc..) that they pay less attention to the content of the project. 

Reflection:  I agree with everything this article is saying.  I have seen reluctant and developing readers be more engaged when they have a technology tool that will help assist them in their reading.  Some of the games students can play with makes them not even realize they are practicing a math skill or practicing their spelling.  Technology is a “must have” in today’s classroom.    Everyone needs to come to terms with the fact that this generation of students thrive on using technology.  If teachers do not give students technology to enhance their learning they are going to lose their students focus and desire. This could potentially minimize their students future success.