Effects of Technology in a Classroom

The use of technology in a classroom changes a lot inside that classroom.  As this article from the U.S. Department of Education states, when students use technology in the classroom, students and teachers switch roles in a way.  Students are expected to be more active in their learning, as opposed to having the teacher do everything for them.  Teachers, on the other hand, are no longer the center of attention in the classroom.  Teachers become more of a resource for students if they have any questions while they are producing their end product.

With the increase of technology in the classroom, teachers have reported seeing an increase in motivation and effort from their students.  As a student who has been developing technology projects, I can definitely relate to the motivation that students have with these types of projects.  I take a lot of pride in the work that I put into these projects, because so many people have the potential to view it.  I also enjoy sharing the projects that I create with my parents, as it is a way to show them what I am working on while I'm away at school.

Article Citation:

U.S. Department of Education, Initials. (n.d.). Effects of technology on classrooms and students.  Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html.

Image courtesy of Iowa Technology and Education Connection and used here in accordance with the Fair Use guidelines as it pertains to the critical comment.

Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.

~William Butler Yeats

Technology in a Language Classroom

In teaching a foreign language to students, it's difficult to provide traditional authentic materials for students in a foreign language learning setting.  But, with the help of technology, teachers have more opportunities to provide those authentic materials with their students in the classrooms.  Some of the ideas that have been created for everyday use, but could be used in the classroom including Skype.  Skype is used by people all over the world to communicate with people using webcams, simply using the voice application, or communication through typing or "chatting" with each other.  Through Skype, students can communicate with students that are a part of the target language's culture, even if that culture is located half-way around the world.  Another technology option is Google Earth.  One of the units that nearly every foreign language student learns is about traveling and giving and receiving directions.  Through Google Earth, it is possible for students to give directions using a map of a city or area where the language that is being studied is spoken.  The video below gives an example of using Google Earth in a foreign language classroom.

Another beneficial piece of technology in a foreign language classroom is LCD projectors and Smart Boards.  Having either of these in a classroom would benefit students because as a teacher, I would be able to provide authentic visual examples via the Internet.  Overhead sheets don't always show images as clear or are as effective as the image could be. 

Finally, I think it's important for teachers to show students that using technology is additive to their learning, not subtractive.  One of the ways we as teachers can do that, is by showing students that we are capable of using the technology efficiently and without huge problems.  If students see teachers struggling with technology, the signal that students are receiving is that technology is frustrating and difficult to use.  One way to avoid these signals being sent to students is to ensure that we, as teachers, are adequately trained using the technology and are aware of the most basic technical support, in the case of a problem arising. 

Article Citation:

Reynard, R.  (2010, March 17). Real-Time Technology in Middle School Language Instruction.  Retrieved April 3, 2010, from THE Journal: http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/03/17/real-time-technology-in-middle-school-language-instruction.aspx. 

Image courtesy of Skype and used here in accordance with the Fair Use guidelines as it pertains to the critical comment. 

Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.

~John Dewey

National Educational Technology Plan=Reform in America's Schools

In March, the Department of Education  released a proposal of the National Education Technology Plan (NETP) it would like to put in place.  Included in this proposal is advocacy for schools labeled as K-12 to work with postsecondary institutions, and will then be considered "K-16."  One of the goals is that the postsecondary institutions will work with the K-12 schools to create and implement plans that will decrease dropout rates and allow more students to continue with their education past high school.

In regards to technology in the classrooms, this plan includes a principle in which technology would be the "driving force behind implementation of the education plan" due to the numerous advantages that are associated with it.  However, the NETP specifies that in order for technology to be effective in improving student learning, it will depend on every student and teacher having access to the Internet.  This could be a difficult task, I believe, because not every student or teacher has access to the Internet in their homes, due to monetary issues or the lack of a computer or technology device.

The NETP also outlines goals and recommendations for different areas of teaching.  One of the goals is regarding teaching.  It is a goal of NETP to transform teaching to include "teams of connected educators".  Some of the recommendations set forth include developing collaborative networks for teachers, promoting technology fluency among teachers and creating more learning resources for teachers through technology.  I think these goals are very important in discussing teaching. I think educators can learn a lot from one another, and through collaborative networks, I feel discussions regarding what works and what doesn't in technology can be helpful to teachers, and in turn, for students. 

Article Citation:

Nagel, D. (2010, March 5). National Ed Tech Plan Advocates Radical Reforms in Schools. Retrieved April 1, 2010, from THE Journal: http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/03/05/national-ed-tech-plan-advocates-radical-reforms-in-schools.aspx.

Image courtesy of U.S. Department of Education and used here in accordance with the Fair Use guidelines as it pertains to the critical comment. 

"Who dares to teach must never cease to learn."  

~John Cotton Dana