Technology in the Classroom: Helpful or Harmful?

http://www.education.com/magazine/article/effective-technology-teaching-child/

Using technology in the classroom can be a dilemma for teachers. If it is new technology, the teacher must first learn how to use it correctly and effectively. Questions the teacher should ask:

• Does the technology support class instruction and objectives? 
• What is the privacy policy for students who use the program? 
• Will it be helpful to student learning?

Think about how to integrate the technology with curriculum rather than a stand alone tool. Use reliable resources to critique the application. For math, many students would rather play a flashcard game on-line than practice with paper flashcards. Many sites provide feedback about the students level of progress and allows the teacher to track progress. O

Technology can enhance learning, but it cannot replace the role of teachers and parents.

~Jessie Meinke