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.