Technology is something that should be incorporated into schools to help support and assess learning. In “Rethinking Learning in the Digital Age,” the author states, “Research has shown that many of our best learning experiences come when we are engaged in designing and creating things, especially things that are meaningful to us or others around us.” They go on to talk about how when students finger paint, they are learning about blending colors, and when students build houses out of blocks, they are learning about structures and stability. By this same notion, we can use computers as the medium for students to learn further. But we, as teachers, must view computers as more than just tools to access information. Computers aren’t just for typing out an essay or making a chart, they are for expanding creativity through making movies or music videos, by rethinking the way we tell a story with podcasts and expressing ourselves through interactive blogs. Also, by using technology like the iPad, we can move away from the traditional teacher-student model of the teacher continually lecturing to the group of students. If students had a tool like the iPad, they could become more independent learners. They would be able to try things on their own first before being told the “right” way to do something. Being an independent learner may lead students down a different, more bold and innovative road rather than the commonly walked on road teachers usually push students toward. Finally, by using technology, we can assess in different, more agreeable ways. For many students, it is difficult and stressful to take multiple choice exams. There is no room to explain or express your thoughts within these tests. Also, it is easy to guess the right answer. Because of this, we can never be fully sure and confident in these types of tests. Instead, we could assign projects that utilize programs to assess. For example, students could create a web using a program called Illumination to show how concepts relate to each other. By using all technology this way, we can support learning in ways only some are daring enough do try.
There are many advantages and disadvantages to using various technologies in the classrooms, but I believe that the advantages largely outweigh the disadvantages. For example, technology helps us as a whole to access parts of the world that we would not be able to otherwise. By using the internet, we can search for anything in any place. With technology such as Skype, we can talk and see people overseas. Another example is how technology can help people with disabilities. For example, there is an app for the iPad called Proloquo2Go that provides a full-featured augmentative and alternative communication solution for people who have difficulty speaking. Finally, technology encourages creativity. There are programs now that can help students and adults create movies and online biographies that incorporate multiple effects such as sounds and movement. Furthermore, we need creativity to improve. This can help teach students that creativity is an extremely important characteristic that they should hold on to for the rest of their life. Technology simply makes aspects of life more accessible. However, we need to consider the disadvantages as well. For example, by continually using technology, it is possible that human and social interaction will suffer. In “Is it Time to Unplug Our Schools,” Lowell Monke states, “In a society in which adults so commonly treat each other mechanically, perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that our youth are more attracted to machines.” This makes sense. Nowadays, instead of calling someone to talk on the phone or simply go to their house to talk to them, we send a text message. Yes, texting is still communicating with others, but the fully present and wholly human part of conversations is lost. Another disadvantage is that technology is constantly changing and expensive. To keep up with the latest technology, you have to be searching continuously and also have money to spend. Unfortunately, schools do not have excess money to spend on technology, so this can sometimes come out of the teachers’ pockets if they cannot receive grants.
I will be using technology in my own classroom in a variety of ways. First, I will always consider the pieces of technology that can help diverse learners succeed. For example, these learners could be English Language Learners, students who may not have their sight, etc. There are a massive amount of assistive technologies that can be used to help any type of learners. To help English Language Learners have an equitable education, I can provide a Reading Pen. This is a pen that can scan or highlight words or phrases in a text and tell what it means. This may be helpful for a student who is learning English because their vocabulary may still have gaps. By using a Reading Pen, students will have easier access to a definition rather than always having to look a word up in a dictionary or asking the teacher. Also, this Reading Pen can say the word or phrase aloud to help with pronunciation. Second, I will make sure to use technology with the class as a whole. Some specific technologies I hope to utilize are a blog or class website, Vorbeo, and if possible, an iPad. I hope to use a blog or class website to be able to communicate with students other than in the classroom. A blog or website would also be helpful in posting any information that students and parents may need to know. This may include homework, field trip information, schedules, etc. I would also be able to use Vorbeo to create polls I could post on the blog or website. Having an iPad in my classroom would be phenomenal. All of the apps available can work wonders with students. For example, there are interactive stories available, apps for creating pictures, educational games, and more. These technologies could be used a lesson in itself or just to support the curriculum with extended activities.
