Technology in the Classroom

I found two articles tweeted through my feed this week that I found particularly relevant and interesting in the continuing debate over technology in the classroom: “Emerging Technology Has Positive Impact in Classroom”” (http://education.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/education/high-schools/articles/2011/07/14/study-emerging-technology-has-positive-impact-in-classroom?PageNr=1) and “6 Reasons Tablets are Ready for the Classroom”
(http://mashable.com/2011/05/16/tablets-education/).

In general there are two camps: technology is here to stay and teachers need to learn to use it effectively vs. teachers are here to stay and technology is secondary. While both sides have valid arguments, you cannot deny that students are growing up in technological world and are using technology on a daily basis. They use phones, apps, video games, computer games and programs, ipods, mp3 players, laptops and desktops, web 2.0 tools, and so on. If teachers need to be culturally relevant and find ways to connect to their students, then there is no easier way than technology.

The US News article cites several instances where proper technology integration has helped manage time and support learning in classrooms. Increased technology has also coincided with better attendance and enthusiasm from students. Perhaps this is due to the fact that schools are using tools and methods that are relevant to students.

The article on tablets’ usefulness in classrooms also indicates the increasing advantage to integrating technology. The article suggests that tablets can function as textbooks, only better because it would allow for the most up-to-date information and access to useful multimedia like video and sound. The increasing availability and competitiveness of tablets also suggest that they are not just the educators dream, but can be a reality (and have been in CPS). One final advantage: tablets are lightweight, have a long battery life, and limitless access to information. They are a clear advantage over textbooks.