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