Impact of Technology in Elementary Classrooms

The article, "Impact of Technology in Elementary Classrooms" explores the differences in the ways today's students learn compared to traditional classroom methods. According to this article, traditional methods do not always provide children with a fun, engaging learning environment. However, this is where the wide variety technologies comes into play. Though technology is a great enhancement to regular teaching practices, the article emphasizes the importance of proper use of technology in the classroom in order to reap the benefits (that research has proven) technology has in learning. "Impact of Technology in Elementary Classrooms" listed the following statistics about technology use by children to show the great influence technology has on elementary aged children:

According to an infographic published by Everyday Family,

54% of 21^st century kids start using mobile devices when they are 5 to 8 years old.

30% of the apps on parents’ mobile are downloaded specially for their children’s usage.

77% of the parents accept that usage of tablet increases children’s learning & creativity.

72% of iTunes top selling apps are designed for pre-schoolers and elementary students. 

One of the major benefits of technology (mobile devices such as iPod, iPad, tablets and computers) in the classroom is the way in which it engages students. Technology engages students more than a traditional lesson because it is something that they are familiar with and interested in. Rather than it being a typical worksheet, educational applications make learning interactive through the use of games and activities. It is also a way to make the presentation of the lesson much more engaging and interactive with the use of animations and presentation tools. The use of professional social networks in the classroom allows students, teachers, and parents to communicate from anywhere at any time. According to the article, social networks (used in education) also helps students develop their social skills, research skills, and communication skills.

Although the article recognizes that there are many negative sides to the use of technology, they emphasize that "technology has the ability to overcome its negative impacts when used properly." An example of this is that some people suggest technology reduces physical activity, whereas there are games being developed that require physical movement through motion-sensing technology. Overall, this article believes that technology is a way to reach a wider group of learners within the elementary classroom setting.

http://edtechreview.in/trends-insights/trends/658-impact-of-technology-in-elementary-classrooms

Amanda Wall--technology post

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/technology-tips-younger-elementary

I really appreciated this article that gave tips for younger elementary with technology.

One of the tips was to train one of your tech savy students so that if other students struggle with the technology you have introduced that student can be a helper!  At the first grade level, other students will become jealous that that student got to e the helper so I will have to give many students the opportunity to be the helper.  This article gave additional tips such as setting a learning goal(s) when introducing technology, not teaching too much technology at one time, and playing around with the technology and getting to know it before you introduce it to your students!

I look forward to using these tips this upcoming year in teaching!

Advantages of Technology in the Classroom

There are many benefits to integrating technology into the classroom setting.  As children become increasingly digitally literate, integrating technology into the classroom will prepare them for a future that will include worldwide computer usage.  Integrating technology in the classroom helps students remain engaged in their own learning.  Interactive learning increases a students attention span and involvement in the learning activities.  Different websites that teachers can use allow student to work individually at their own pace, with teacher guidance via the web interaction.  There are also websites where students can learn and participate collaboratively where they will learn valuable skills that will help them grow and eventually enter the workforce and be ready to collaborate with coworkers.

https://www.boundless.com/education/technology-in-the-classroom/edtech/advantages-of-using-technology-in-the-classroom/

Why Integrate Technology in the Curriculum? The Reasons are Many?

In this article the author discusses the importance of building technology across all levels of curriculum as opposed to how some schools may be set up where they teach like a computer technology course, but do not incorporate it into other classes. The technology in the classroom must his on four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real work experts.

Using technology in the classroom can allow students to not only be engaged in products, but in can also give them a glimpse of what it looks like to work in a modern day office. Using technology in the classroom the students can build on their problem solving skills individually or in teams. They can also use online information and synthesize and process the information.

With all the online information the classroom can become more interesting, diverse, and current. Students can connect to online experts and can be more engaged in the classroom. Technology also changes the way we teach. It gives teachers the opportunity to reach students in different ways. When integrated correctly technology can allow the teacher to to move into the role of a coach, adviser. Technology can make teaching more interesting and fun for the teacher as well.

After reading this article it has made me think about technology use in the classroom. It made me think how helpful it can be to both the teacher and the student when used correctly. It can engaged students and make learning more applicable to the students. However, we cannot use technology and not be active with it. We need to make sure we are using it to help us connect with the students and not just to make our jobs easier. We need to stay engaged as the teacher even though our role will slightly change. I want to start thinking about all the times I use technology and make sure it relates to the four components listed at the top of this post: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real work experts.

http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction

Technology in the Classroom: The Benefits of Blended Learning

This article/blog focused on four specific benefits to using technology in the classroom.  First, technology can keep students focused for longer periods of time.  It is a tremendous time saver when used to conduct research.  Second, it makes students more excited to learn.  Students are more likely to be interested in, focused on, and excited about the subjects they are studying when technology is integrated.  Third, technology enables students to learn at their own pace.  They are able to get direct, individualized instruction from the computer.  Fourth, technology prepares students and teachers for the future.  Both students and teachers will develop skills essential for the 21st century.  This article concluded by stating that yes, there are cons to technology, but when used correctly technology can help both teachers and students soar to success!

After reading this article/blog I am more committed to integrating technology into my classroom because of the tremendous benefits!

https://nms.org/Blog/TabId/58/PostId/188/technology-in-the-classroom-the-benefits-of-blended-learning.aspx