Benefits
What are the benefits to using technology in the classroom for the teacher?
There are so many resources out there for teachers to use in regards to shaping their classroom. Some teachers may use a grid method connected to an online tool such as Freckle to enhance students learning. It can be useful for formatively assessing students and keeping track of their progress. The greatest thing about technology is that if one source is not giving you the results or material that is felt necessary to have, there are generally a few more just like it that can provide the right support.
What are the hold backs for using technology in the classroom?
Technology can be distracting and interruptive at times. Internet connection is not a guarantee in all schools and neither are 1:1 computers to bring into the classroom to use when needed. Some schools have carts that they have to sign up to take out on certain days, but with a whole school looking to use them too, it can be difficult.
Overall, what is the purpose of using technology in the classroom?
Generally, without a premade handout or worksheet, the majority of students work is being done and typed out on computers. The reason I see behind the growing usage of technology being used is because it is what keeps the students interested. This generation is attached to their mobile devices and internet access so to centralize learning with an integration of support from technology is a great way to strike up interest amongst the students. Great online tools are a way of doing this.
Technology's impact
In today’s society, we are privileged with our access to technology and the continuous advancements made since the up rise of it. Children are interacting with technology at younger ages essentially growing up alongside with technology. It has become a huge part in education as well over the years. The integration of smart boards in classrooms, projectors such as Elmo's, and one to one laptops are just a few examples of commonly found technology in the classroom. This is also only the beginning of integration of technology in the classroom as more devices and tools have already been discussed in my clinical settings.
What benefits does technology have for the students when used in the classroom?
Students are surrounded by technology in this day and time, so why not bring that into the classroom? Some technology can be utilized by the students to inform instruction and engage in their work such as Poetry Analysis Interactive, Emaze, and JeopardyLabs. Emaze is a source that will help students with creations of presentations, but with the access we have today, Prezi, GoogleSlides, Canva, etc. are all options as well for the students to explore and use. Carefully supplementing technology into your classroom can be highly beneficial for the students and the teacher.
What are some down sides to using technology for the students?
Students who have most of their assignments or work to be done on their computers, if lucky enough to have them, might not have a way of using it at home. Internet connection is a big factor I have found all students absolutely do not have in their houses and can't afford it. Assigning work for students to take home can be problematic if not given time in school to work on it.