Technology can be used in the classroom in a number
of different ways. Teachers using technology as an aid for instruction, a
source of communication, and a way of record keeping are just a few examples. Students
can use it for projects, research, guidance, and a number of other instances.
When used appropriately, technology provides many opportunities for students
and classrooms teachers (Bucci, Copenhaver,
Johnson, Lehman, & O'Brien, 2003).
Technology in the classroom can range from a
device to a program to a website. New tools come out every year and these have
ways of benefiting teachers and students of all ages. Simple mediums, like
audio and video, allow students to use all sensory perceptions – auditory,
visual, and kinesthetic – during the learning process (Franklin & Peng, 2008). In the late 1990s, a study was
conducted in a 500-student classroom that found technology was valuable to both
instructors and students.
Kashy, Thoennessen,
Tsai, Davis, & Wolfe (1998) conducted a study that set up students
and instructors with network tools consisting of computer-assisted personalized
approach for assignments, quizzes, and exams and a conferencing and
bulletin-board system that allowed students to post and answer questions and
interact with other students and instructors. Kashy et al. found that the
network access created several pros that resulted in less students dropping out
of the class and more students passing the final exam with the target score.
The technology implemented gave students immediate feedback on work showing how
much they were understanding and the opportunity to get help at any time. It
allowed instructors more time on student accomplishments and less time grading
and record keeping and gave them access to students’ information that then
helped them focus on problem lessons in a timely manner.
Bransford, Lin, & Schwartz (2000) say that
teachers will teach more effectively if they rethink their role to include
learning, “teachers as learners.” To achieve this, the authors suggest three
areas to consider when integrating technology into the classroom:
- Learn what students are thinking about the course and content – Not understanding what the students are thinking could lead to mixed messages teachers are trying to convey.
- Students as teachers and learners – With the student teaching, not only are they learning at the same time, but also the teacher is learning and everyone in the classroom learns to functions as a group where everyone has contributed something.
- Teachers as pioneers – When a teacher takes on the task of a new technology, it may not always go according to plan, but it may provide the opportunity to teach students to appreciate the value of taking risks and overcoming difficulties.
The authors also suggest that teachers remain open
to the outside world. If they lose that connection to outside changes, their
courses can become out-of-date.
Technology does several things to help teachers
and students. It can be used to free up teachers’ time to allow them more time
to help students. It can be a source of communication between the two. It can
also be an aid for instruction used by both. In the end, when used
appropriately, technology has many uses to help teachers and students.
Resources
Bransford, J.,
Lin, X., & Schwartz, D. (2000). Technology, Learning, and Schools: comments
on articles by Tom Carroll & Gerald Bracey. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education. 1(1), 145-182.
Bucci, T. T., Copenhaver, J., Johnson, L., Lehman, B.,
& O'Brien, T. (2003). Technology Integration: connections to educational
theories. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 3(1), 26-42.
Franklin, T., & Peng, L.-W. (2008). Mobile Math:
math educators and students engage in mobile learning. Journal of Computing
in Higher Education, 20(2),
69-80.
Kashy, E., Thoennessen, M., Tsai, Y., Davis, N. E.,
& Wolfe, S. L. (1998). Using Networked Tools to Promote Student Success in
Large Classes. Journal of Engineering Education, 87(4), 385-390.
