10 Reasons Today's Students NEED Technology in the Classroom

https://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/10-reasons-today-s-students-need-technology-in-the-classroom


Why do students today NEED technology in the classroom?  Well to put it simply, they will miss out on many opportunities without it.  The problem is, some schools are very limited on what they can provide for their students, whether it's funding for computers or tablets, or access to WiFi.  Another problem is that some administrators and teachers are very much "old school" and don't believe that technology is needed in order for students to learn.  Although this is a true statement, what these people need to realize is that many of today's students have been using tablets and mobile devices since they could crawl.  It would be unreasonable to assume that they would not be able to thrive with the technology they have available. 

By giving students technology, you open a whole new realm of teaching!  Will it be different than the way you and I learned in school?  Absolutely!!  I can't even imagine what the world would be like today had we grown up with all of this information at our finger tips!  We have only just begun on the journey.  Technology is still very new and there is still so much that we don't know.  What we can do as educators is to guide them on how to use this technology safely and prepare them for the digital age.  For myself personally, it will mean learning right along with them.........and most likely, having my students teach me a thing or two, because let's face it, they have probably taught themselves how to do most everything anyway, right?

This article is 100% correct.  Children NEED technology in the classroom.  Whether today's society wants to accept it or not.  Technology is here and it's available.  Information is one click away, right at your finger tips.  Why make what used to take hours of us searching through microfish, or library cards to find what we need to write a paper?  Ok, maybe that's taking it a bit too far, but for these kids making them learn the same way we did, may not always be the best way and it's certainly not the quickest.  Technology not only gives us multiple ways to teach, but it also saves a lot of time.

When Classroom Technology Impedes Student Learning

https://www.aei.org/publication/when-classroom-technology-impedes-student-learning/

This article reflected on a study in which high school students were given three choices prior to taking a three and a half hour final exam. The first being that they could take the test without any technology. The second choice was "technology-at-will", which allowed students to freely use a tablet when they wanted. The last choice was for students who were restricted to taking the test using only a tablet.

The final results found that students who took the test without the use of a tablet, scored higher than the students who used any form of technology. This study took place over two terms and it analyzed 726 students in 50 different classrooms. The article said that technology can be a powerful tool to engage students, but what matters is how it is used. Many schools are concerned with keeping up on the newest hardware and software when implementing technology in the classroom. However, schools should be more concerned with giving students the attention and support needed when using these technology devices.

I would have to agree with that statement. I think that technology allows me to engage students and facilitate learning in a different way. I think that most of us take our technology for granted sometimes. However, I think that instruction should be meaningful and intentional in nature. I feel that teachers sometimes implement technology games into instruction because it's "easier", but is it actually supporting student learning?

10 Reasons Todays Students NEED Technology in the Classroom

10 Reasons Todays Students NEED Technology in the Classroom

People are wary of technology in the classroom because its seen in a negative light. Technology is seen as a distraction rather than a tool or the cost and infrastructure needs seem too lofty a task to take on. However, our world is becoming more and more automated, in order to succeed students will need to know how to use technology as more than just an entertainment device and apply it to learning.

We, as educators, want to set our students up for future success as much as possible. Preparing them to use technology purposefully will help them succeed in future careers. Technology also allows to more differentiated learning for students of all styles of learning. And while they are given the opportunity to learn in their own way, they are able to stay on track with their classmates as well as interact or collaborate with them. Technology in the classroom could be used to create a more engaging environment and can connect students to richer and new content that couldn't previously be provided to the students. Technology in the classroom can also be a great catalyst for understanding and practicing responsibility. The student has to learn digital responsibility, the importance of an appropriate online presence, but also general responsibility for property. It also encourages the teacher to break out of a passive lecturer role and become fully engaged with the students learning.

The second concern that many have when talking about integrating technology into the classroom is the logistical concerns, wifi infrastructure and cost. The article advocates putting a lot of forethought into systems and technology chosen so it can be integrated seamlessly.

Classroom Technology: What's new for 2017? Kristi Neal

Classroom Technology:  What's new for 2017?

http://www.edudemic.com/classroom-technology-in-2017/

There is even more technology to use in the classroom in 2017 and it shows no signs of slowing down.  Sixty percent of teachers expect to use more technology in their classroom this year then they did last year.  Seventy five percent of teachers say they use some sort of technology in their classrooms every day.  The most popular technology that teachers use in classrooms are small laptops and tablets.  Chromebooks have recently become popular due to their low cost.  Teachers can control student activity on them and they can be preprogrammed with educational apps.  Some teachers have also been using smart boards.  These can be used in class and then the lesson can be saved so students can watch it again at home.

Some teachers are using virtual reality to teach lessons.  Students can use Google Glass or Google Cardboard VR Headgear to view virtual reality.  The headgear is inexpensive, uses free apps, and uses a smart phone to operate. 

The technology trend will continue beyond 2017.  Many of the future technologies are in software and apps.  Online learning is one of the biggest trends going forward.  This helps teachers provide students with quality teaching tools.  This technology will connect classrooms world wide for more diverse learning.  Another major technology that is coming is 3D printing.  Also wearable technology may be coming in the future. 

There are many technology devices that won't be making their way into school because they are too expensive, impractical, and dangerous.  Some of these include:  nanobots, drone engineering, cyber warfare, hoover boards, and crash proof cars.

Technology as a Tool to Support Instruction

Technology as a Tool to Support Instruction 

Link:  http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech004.shtml


    I found this article intriguing just based off of its title because I don't think everything has to involve technology, but it can definitely be used as a tool to support instruction. In the beginning part of the article, the author discusses that technology is a tool. Technology can be used as a tool to enhance learning and to encourage the creativity of many answers rather than relying on a single correct answer on a paper/pencil assessment. Although technology can potentially boost students learning, the article discusses that it can be a messy process so teachers must thoroughly model and practice exactly how to use technology in the manner that the teacher wants. That process in itself can take time, but is a major factor in having a successful experience with supporting your instruction with technology. A part in this section of the article that I found interesting was when the article shares that students don't "learn" technology, but rather technology provides the provides the tools for students to experience meaningful learning.

   The second section of the article discusses the importance of choosing how to use technology as a school. All teachers don't have to use technology in exactly the same manner, but the article discusses the importance of keeping all teachers informed and up to date how to operate using technology. For example, there should be staff developmental days focused on certain uses of technology if the school is expecting teachers to use certain technology. The article really makes a solid point while discussing this part of the article because more and more schools/administrations are utilizing technology so it is important for teachers to learn how to properly use it.

   The final part of the article is all about "working together". This not only means working together as a classroom and school, but as a community as well. Teachers need to keep parents and the community up to date about how they are using technology. Teachers need to share with parents how they utilize technology in their classroom so that parents understand why their child is doing what they are while at school. In addition to this, teachers should strongly consider sharing pictures/moments from how they have used technology in their classroom with the person who runs the school website. If a teacher shares how they are using technology in their classroom on the school website, parents and the entire community can begin learning the effectiveness of how technology is being used with their own children/school. 

A Quick Synopsis and Reaction to "In Classroom of Future, Stagnant Scores"

In the New York Times article "In Classroom of Future, Stagnant Scores" from September, 2011, Matt Richtel discusses how many classrooms with increased access to technologies have, despite our hopes and expectations, reflected no significant increase in student test scores. I was surprised and skeptical. Upon reading the title, I made immediate note of the publication date and searched for more recent articles on the same topic. Surprisingly, I found another article from 2015 that concluded similar findings. Then, of course, there are other articles claiming the exact opposite. Wary of the debate, I pressed onward with my original article and found some items worthy of consideration.

The first item I had not considered fully is that technology is a significant investment. More specifically, technology is an investment that can drain from all the other investments schools need to make for their students. In his article, Richtel refers mainly to the Kyrene School District in Arizona. Despite purchasing a significant technological upgrade, Kyrene saw no improvement in test scores while neighboring districts, who did not receive these upgrades, saw noticeable improvements. From his research, Richtel suggests that one of the main contributors to this discrepancy in scores may be that Kyrene was no longer investing in many important things it once had. With the tech requirements draining the budget, the district had not given their teachers raises in three years, had not hired new teachers despite an increase in classroom size, and had slashed their budgets for subjects like art, physical education, and music. As class sizes increased, students had lessened accessibility to teachers. Also, many teachers reported being in need of basic supplies like Kleenex and pencils.

Another proposed contributor to the stagnating scores, according to Richtel, is that many teachers allow the technologies in their classrooms to become distractions rather than instructional tools. He contends that many students, although assigned a task, end up just playing around. As an example, Richtel discusses a student he finds playing an alien math game. To do well in the game, math is required. If you perform your addition correctly, then you shoot the spaceship. However, the student Richtel observed was selecting answers at random just to take shots at the ship.

A few other interesting points Richtel made: tech supporters prescribe to the idea of "upgrade first and ask questions later," many students reported no preference between doing a class activity on paper or online, there was no significant research on the efficacy of online courses, and the tech companies profit more than any other group.

In the article's defense of technology, Richtel appeals to technology's capacity to inspire and engage students and its value in providing students with skills outside of the main core subjects. Unfortunately, neither of these values are easily quantifiable. Evidence that students are engaged requires behavioral observations, and we have yet to develop a standardized test that shows student mastery over skills like: internet resource literacy, organization, confidence with professional writing tools, and collaboration. I would agree that all these skills are important.

After reading this article, my hugest concern is that school districts are not investing in technology at appropriate times. I would hope that more school districts are realizing that technology can only be an effective tool when all the other needs of the students and teachers are met first. Then, I would be really curious to see the progress of this district after six years. After introducing a significant learning curve, as technology could be considered, I would expect little to no improvement in other educational areas. If students are busy learning to navigate all their teachers' new technological requirements, focusing on core subjects may be a challenge. Thus, I would be curious if they now show improvement.

However, even if students' core subjects reflect no sign of improvement over six years of intensive technological implementation, I do not think it really matters to the question of what we as teachers need to do. Students have to learn how to navigate responsibly through all the technology that develops, so teachers must teach with it. As an English teacher, I can probably wait to make it the center of my own classroom, but I need to show my students how someone using my discipline uses computers and devices and internet to learn and contribute.

Integrating Technology in the Classroom: It Takes More Than Just Having Computers

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech146.shtml

While reading Integrating Technology in the Classroom, the first line stuck out to me.  It stated: Technology has become part of the educational process, but too often it is separate and not integrated into the learning experience. This article talked about the many ways you can incorporate technology into the classroom for learning.  The article gives the example of the morning weather. Many primary teachers check the weather during calendar time.  This article suggests using the IPAD to learn about the weather instead of just looking out the window. 

The article also references several great learning sites to use in the classroom such as: Spellingcity.com.  Its very important that technology is used appropriately to enhance lessons.  After all, some of the kids we are putting through the school systems right now, will be in jobs that aren't even created yet.  It's crucial that we show children how to use technology appropriately because the internet has so much information at their finger tips. 

Technology as a Tool to Support Instruction

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech004.shtml

"Technology is a tool that can change the nature of learning."  This article stress the importance of appropriate technology use within a classroom.  In order for technology to be used properly or beneficially in the classroom, the classroom teacher must review the form of technology being used, design activities and lessons around the specific form of technology and instruct the students properly on how to use it before turning them loose.  Not all technology is beneficial to in individual classroom, what works for one teacher may not work for another.  Each teacher needs to be educated on the forms that he or she chooses to use.  Technology is to aid, assist or walk along side of our regular classroom teaching.   In a world where technology continually is growing, developing and ever changing.  It is our job as educators to be mindful of the overwhelming amount resources around us and make decisions based on meeting the needs of our students.

  

Pros and Cons of Technology

http://www.edudemic.com/technology-pros-cons/

Like many things technology in the classroom is about balance. When reading The Pros and Cons of Technology, it states many believe you can’t dive in 100% when using technology in the classroom. The article discusses the technology used in a Kindergarten classroom when the students used technology in an authentic way. The beauty of technology is its way to engage learners to dive deeper into their academic material.

Pros to the use of technology include data and analytic reporting which allows teachers to see where students are at and gives us a chance to use assessment data to share with other school adults. There have been several times in my classroom where I have been able to share and discuss data with administrators and parents by using technology. It also allows for just in time learning which helps to solve problems immediately. There are many pros to technology being used in the classroom, differentiated instruction which is huge in the school where I work which has immense diversity both of culture and academic needs, different learning modalities, as well as assistive technology which aids those with special needs. I have seen great benefits for students with special needs in my classroom- they are able to practice skills and learn at there level and pace through using assistive technology. 

We must also look at the cons, some think it is replacing teachers- it has happened in other professions such as manufacturing industries. Technology can also be distracting, which I have seen first-hand in my classroom- learning a balance has been something I have need to perfect. Plagiarism is also a concern with technology because of the accessibility of others work.  Many students do not have access to internet outside of the classroom, last year in my class about 1/3 of the students were not able to use internet outside of the school building. Lastly, there is also the issue of privacy of student information.

The article states that there truly no right or wrong when looking at this dilemma, I think a constant start of the pros and cons allows us as teachers to utilize it responsibly in our classrooms. I have mentioned multiple times that balance is the key to success in many ways and using technology in this way is no different.

Technology does a wonderful job of helping to create an even playing field for students while allowing teachers to enrich learning without spending hours upon hours used on preparation and development of activities. It holds a wealth of knowledge at our fingerprints which assist us and help us do our job more effectively and efficiently. The question we must consistently ask ourselves is, are we using this resource to make my life easier- or is it to truly create a deeper level of interest and understanding of the content for the student? 

New Stage Technology

“Contrary to popular belief, people don’t always like new things,” or so asserts an American Theatre publication article, entitled “New Stage Technology Changes the Game Behind the Scenes, and in the Classroom” (http://www.americantheatre.org/2014/01/15/new-stage-technology-changes-the-behind-the-scenes-routine/).  As a teacher of Theatre, I find technology, both on and off stage, to be incredibly beneficial, and, sometimes, a bit daunting.  The sound board, wireless microphones, moving lights, lighting software, and more require students to learn the basic function of each, and then really become experts of all aspects of each task.  While the concepts are not “new,” the way each task is performed is ever evolving.  I found it interesting when John Huntington mentioned that the number of stage hands is about the same now as it was in the past.  He says, “You need the same number of bodies (as decades ago)….the skills have changed.”  As a teacher, I have to try and keep up with technology, in order to  better prepare students for a possible future in technical theatre.  This is difficult, because it is very costly, and something new is always being developed.

The article goes fairly deep into the potential complexity of mastering all technical aspects of Theatre (not for the casual hobbyist!), and underscores the idea that this is how we experience life- in a multimedia, interactive environment.  In short, computers and technology help us control what happens on the stage, and how it appears.  

In a high school setting, a very practical, and more easily-understood application of technology is with social media.  Social media help create buzz for marketing purposes,  create awareness of your theatre program, and share your art. So, while people may not always like "new" things, it is the way that live theatre better mimics real life, and more closely represents how viewers are used to experiencing messages.

Technology in the Classroom for ELL Students

The article I chose to reflect on is about how to use technology in an ELL classroom. http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/preparing-ells-be-21st-century-learners

The author starts out with a story about an ELL teacher who struggled to get students to keep up on computer-based assignments. It turned out that many of them were falling behind or simply gave up because they had never used a computer before and had no idea what to do with the instructions they were given. As you might guess, the best answer to the teacher's problem was to teach ELL students how to use computers and other electronic devices before even assigning anything technology-based.

The best way to teach ELL students how to use technology is to have them practice during class, make simple step-by-step instructions, illustrating the instructions (or providing screen shots), presenting the information in small chunks, and making the lessons practical for their immediate lives. To finish, each task should have a short exercise where the students practice what they have just learned.

Later on, the author discusses various specific points about teaching technology to ELL students, like providing them with handouts with instructions for technology-based assignments (to ensure they don't miss anything you might have said verbally), and have students pair up or get in groups to learn and practice (since many students learn socially).

I think the author makes a good point by saying that students need to learn about technology hands-on and then practice several times right away. When learning a language, students need to practice the language how it would be used, otherwise there's no point in learning it - they would just forget it or not know when or how to use certain terms or phrases. Making tasks/lessons simple and chunked is also important because there is only so much information they can learn at a time, and simplifying it means they will master it quickly and be able to move on to the next task.

What I think is funny, however, is that these teaching strategies are not really new. When teaching students anything they have no familiarity with, they need information to be chunked and practice to be hands-on so the information sticks with them and they don't feel overwhelmed. The author also discusses finding out how much the students know about technology before learning it, which is essentially access prior knowledge, and differentiating instruction. There are so many strategies that apply to students of all grade levels and abilities, it's just a matter of adapting them to new material.

Technology in the Spanish classroom

The website that I chose comes from the following link: http://www.santillanausa.com/spanish-classroom/3-ways-to-use-technology-in-the-foreign-language-classroom-free-resources-for-spanish-teachers.html

Because I teach Spanish, I chose an article about how to use technology in a Spanish classroom. In Spanish, we do not just teach a language. We also teach aspects of culture, music and accents from all over the world in Spanish-speaking countries. If we added more technology into classes, we would be able to provide more authentic examples for students.

With the implementation of audio, students would be able to hear songs, poems, literature, interviews, etc in the target language, in different accents. This will help students so that they will be able to understand people from different countries. Students could also have the opportunity to skype or video chat with people from other countries.  They could practice communicating in the target language along with comprehention.

Other useful resources are things like online activities. I have used sites such as kahoot and quizlet to practice vocabulary and grammar points in Spanish. I use google classroom to post short quizzes or assignments for students. This allows the cutback on paper and students have the opportunity to get almost instant feedback or comment on other people's posts. The final use for technology in a Spanish class is being able to access ebooks. This is great! Many times, ebooks allow the reader to pass over uncommon words and it provides the reader with a definition. This also saves us from printing so many sheets.

The article chosen for the blog can be found at the following web address: http://blog.capterra.com/gym-classes-go-digital-how-tech-changes-physical-education/.

What I really enjoyed about this article is that I was able to take away how PE educators can take away from the modern world of technology and apply it to lesson plans in the classroom.  Growing up, it was indicated that video games are setting a standard that kids are becoming lazy and non active.

With todays technology and use of mapping of the human body, video game systems are able to pick up body movement and are also able to give feedback.  Games such as Dance Dance Revolution, and systems such as the Nintendo Wii involve movement of the body which in turn results in physical activity.  The use of technology though does not stop there though.  With many main steam video devices available to all via internet students can visually see what and how mechanics of a physically ability work.

Besides videos student can watch, they are now able to access their own records by simply wearing modern and technology enhanced watches.  Pedometers and trackers are of great use, and now many watches are engineered to obtain physical activity and how the body is processing progress and offers quick feedback on the activity at hand.

With such technology, only those who are mentally able to understand it is it best suited for.  To ask a group of elementary students to track such facts may seem unfeasible.  But for middle school and high school students, in which the culture and socials trend is shifting these sort of devices may be best suited.