Technology in the Classroom
Times have definitely changed in this technology driven world. Gone are the days that a child relied solely on encyclopedias, paper and pen to research for class assignments. Here are the days when an entire classroom full of students has the opportunity to use laptops at their desks.
A Few Examples of how
Educational Technology has Evolved
Chalkboard to Whiteboard Whiteboard to Interactive Whiteboard Pen and Paper to Computer Use Overhead Projector to Document Camera
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Slate chalkboards were developed in the 1800s and soon evolved as the most common and widespread medium of spreading education. The main component of the chalkboard is slate. Soon education service providers realized the health risks and allergies associated with chalk dust. And therfore in the 1990s, the traditional chalkboards were started getting replaced by the whiteboards. Whiteboards are a different from the chalkboard because the surface is glossy and you have to use special markers on them. These markers can be easily wiped off.
After realizing the added benefits to using a whiteboard in the classroom (can be used as a projection screen, easier to write on/read, etc) the interactive whiteboard was created. These boards combine the use of a whiteboard with the power of a computer, and allow both students and teachers a more active way to interact. SMART Boards have a touch-sensitive display that connects to your computer and digital projector to show your computer image. Teachers can then control computer applications directly from the display, write notes in digital ink and save their work to share later. Teachers can download a variety of different programs to use with their interactive white board. They can be used in all grades and learning levels. This technological tool has opened so many new doors for both students and teachers.
Before computers, everything had to be written down using a pencil or pen and a piece of paper. Classwork, homework, lesson plans, grades, pretty much anything that had to do with learning in a classroom was done by hand. Now in most districts across the U.S., teachers and students have access to a computer and even some have them in the classroom. So all the things that had to be completed by hand, now can be done on the computer.
Having a computer in the classroom is an asset to any teacher. With a computer in the classroom, teachers are able to demonstrate a new lesson, present new material, illustrate how to use new programs, and show new online media. For example, streamed video websites can be utilized to enhance a classroom lesson (e.g. United Streaming, Teacher Tube, etc.) The overhead projector displays images onto a screen or wall. It consists of a large box containing a cooling fan and an extremely bright light, with a long arm extended above it. It is an an easy, low-cost interactive environment for educators. Teaching materials can be pre-printed on plastic sheets, upon which the educator can directly write using a non-permanent, washable color marking pen. This saves time, since the transparency can be pre-printed and used repetitively, rather than having materials written manually before each class. However, with how technology has evolved, the document camera has slowly begun to replace the OP. A document camera is a real-time image capture device that displays an object to a large audience. They allow teachers to write on a sheet of paper or to display a two or three-dimensional object while the audience watches. ELMO is a company that produces a variety of document cameras. |
This video really makes you think about how important technology in the classroom can be.
Some Promises of Using Technology in the Classroom
Student Motivation: Students seem to be more willing to try new things if technology is involved. Computer-based instruction can give instant feedback to students and explain correct answers. A computer is patient and non-judgmental, which can give the student motivation to continue learning.
Subjects made easier to learn: Many different types of educational software are designed and developed to help children or teenagers to learn specific subjects.
Wireless Classroom Microphones: Noisy classrooms are a daily occurrence, and with the help of microphones, students are able to hear their teachers clearer. Children learn better when they hear the teacher clearly. The benefit for teachers is that they no longer lose their voices at the end of the day.
Higher Thinking: According to K. Gulley, computers are important in education because they force us to reconsider how people learn, how they are empowered, and what the nature of learning and useful information is. We cannot avoid the presence of computers in our schools because they are forcing educators to reevaluate the very nature of what and how we teach.
Subjects made easier to learn: Many different types of educational software are designed and developed to help children or teenagers to learn specific subjects.
Wireless Classroom Microphones: Noisy classrooms are a daily occurrence, and with the help of microphones, students are able to hear their teachers clearer. Children learn better when they hear the teacher clearly. The benefit for teachers is that they no longer lose their voices at the end of the day.
Higher Thinking: According to K. Gulley, computers are important in education because they force us to reconsider how people learn, how they are empowered, and what the nature of learning and useful information is. We cannot avoid the presence of computers in our schools because they are forcing educators to reevaluate the very nature of what and how we teach.
Some Pitfalls of Using Technology in the Classroom
Proper Training: Similar to learning a new task or trade, special training is vital to ensuring the effective integration of classroom technology. Since technology is not the end goal of education, but rather a means by which it can be accomplished, educators must have a good grasp of the technology being used and its advantages over more traditional methods. If there is a lack in either of these areas, technology will be seen as a hindrance and not a benefit to the goals of teaching.
Limited Resources: Some teachers don’t want to use a computer lab unless there are enough computers for each student. Others worry about the limited access for exploration which is often caused by the high cost of technology and the fear of damages.
Technology Implementation: This can be time consuming. There may be an initial setup or training time cost inherent in the use of certain technologies. Even with these tasks accomplished, technology failure may occur during the activity and as a result teachers must have an alternative lesson ready.
Limited Resources: Some teachers don’t want to use a computer lab unless there are enough computers for each student. Others worry about the limited access for exploration which is often caused by the high cost of technology and the fear of damages.
Technology Implementation: This can be time consuming. There may be an initial setup or training time cost inherent in the use of certain technologies. Even with these tasks accomplished, technology failure may occur during the activity and as a result teachers must have an alternative lesson ready.