I think that Technology Integration into the classroom can
make a positive impact on a student’s education.Technology in the classroom can be anything from computers to Smart Boards; basically any electronic device that helps a student succeed better in the classroom is a form of technology. Technology allows for all
students (with all types of needs) to be apart of a classroom setting; it
essentially levels the playing field for students and paves the way for full
inclusion. With technology students who would be limited in a classroom setting
before are advancing in the classroom now. I have seen many students progress
in all subject areas because of the use to technology. For example in my
practicum at Fairhaven Middle School I saw a student use an iPad to help him
complete his reading assignments. This student had a very difficult time
tracking words as he read across the page of a book; but when the iPad was able
to read the book to him, his comprehension increased and all of a sudden the
text became meaningful. I also saw a student using a speech to text device in
order to write an essay.
Technology can be used in all subject areas as well as in
all classrooms; however there are certain circumstances when technology should
not be used. For example if the technology does not help but rather hinders a
student’s learning than it should not be used. (i.e. becomes distracting and/or
progress in learning is not being made) Unfortunately all students may not have
access to technology at home; in this case technology can become a frustration
for students and may not be the best thing to use to meet their learning needs.
(However I would encourage the use of technology at school.) I believe that it
is very important to establish guidelines and rules (which are understood and
acknowledged by students) prior to using technology in your classroom so that
the technology is as beneficial as possible.
I think that Technology Integration is a wonderful tool that
should be a part of all classrooms. With Technology Integration all students are able to learn in a
classroom that is diverse in teaching methods and exciting . As technology continues to develop so will our
classrooms.
I really like your point about technology not being used if it hinders someone's ability to perform well, like if it is a distraction. I totally agree that technology can help all students to learn in a classroom, especially with the diversity we experience in the classroom with our learners!
ReplyDeleteAlso, your point about leveling the playing field was spot on! Especially in special education, the students all learn in such unique ways that helping them with technology, such as iPads, helps to include them in the classroom, and help them to exceed just like their typically developing peers! I could not agree with you more!
Great point about technology and how it puts everyone on the same playing field in the classroom. Definitely we all learn differently. So, it would make sense to deliver instruction as many ways as possible in order to accommodate the different learning styles. It's not a perfect system mind you, but I think technology today and how it is being integrated in the classrooms is a far better progress than say when I was in school.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you that technology is considered a deficiency when it distracts and/or hinders a student's learning. I saw that at one of my practicums, in the resource room. Unfortunately, the teacher allowed the students to go on the computers to play games rather than focus on catching up on their homework. So, in essence, the students fell further behind.
You made some really great points ... thanks for sharing them!