By: Jessennia Hernandez
June 27, 2020
Technology is so important to have in a classroom because it provides instant access to information. Students are so accustomed to using tablets and smartphones to play that when they are using technology as a learning tool they are actively engaged and do not even realize they are actually learning and not playing. By using technology in the classroom you are able to implement differentiated instruction and meet the individual needs of your students.
WHAT IS TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION ?
The use of technology devices in the classroom provides a meaningful learning experience for students. Technology should not replace teaching but should be used to enhance learning and to provide a better understanding of the content that is taught. Using technology in the classroom will create learners that are actively engaged in their learning. Technology integration can provide students and teachers with:
- “Access to up-to-date, primary source material
- Methods of collecting/recording data
- Ways to collaborate with students, teachers, and experts around the world
- Opportunities for expressing understanding via multimedia
- Learning that is relevant and assessment that is authentic
- Training for publishing and presenting their new knowledge”
(Edutopia, 2007)
HOW TO INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY?
When first introducing technology into the classroom it is crucial for educators to not assume that students know how to use it for learning and not only play. “It is dangerous to assume that they know how to use it for learning – this is commonly referred to as the ‘myth of the digital native’.” (Edutopia, 2007). Students must get be guided on how to use technology for learning. Technology integration in the classroom not only keeps the students engaged but it also motivates the students towards student-centered learning. Not everyone’s technology integration is the same. Some educators are fortunate to have more tools than others but no matter what, technology integration can happen in every single classroom. Not all students need to have their own laptop or tablet in order to integrate technology into a classroom. Using a smart board or a projector during whole class instruction is enough to engage students. All you need to be able to integrate technology into a classroom is simple power points or online learning games. Graphics and links to videos can be used in a PowerPoint presentation to capture the students attention. Online learning games can be done including the class as a whole. Students can also use the interactive games to reinforce skills that have already been taught. As students get older, they are able to use technology for research to expand their learning whether it is for personal growth or for a school assignment. If you are one of those lucky educators to have a tablet in your classroom, you can implement differentiated instruction for your students. This will allow an opportunity for students to work at their own pace and give the teacher flexibility to work one-on-one with the students to identify where further assistance is needed.
HOW TABLETS IMPROVE LEARNING
The biggest benefit of using tablets in a classroom is that teachers are able to adapt their teaching to fit the needs of all students. Tablets tend to motivate and engage students as well as promote independent learning, while making learning more entertaining for students. Tablets are a great tool for students with special needs as they can be adapted to provide these students with tools that are specific to their needs. Text can be made larger for the visually impaired. For students that do not write well, kids can speak into their tablets to write papers. For learners that are non verbal, they can use their tablet to communicate their wants and needs. These programs also allow teachers to track their students progress and be able to target the areas needed. Tablets are also great for learning because they make learning fun by making things come to life through applications such as videos and games. The best part of using a tablet for learning is that you feel as though you are playing.
Tablets are very user friendly. Even a toddler knows how to swipe and select on their favorite game or you tube video. “In the Journals of Computer Assisted Learning, a review of studies found that they majority of children showed positive gains in ‘literacy development, mathematics, science, problem-solving,’ as well as a few other factors.” (Mytechclassroom). Textbooks are about to become extinct, a thing of the past, as a lot of schools have opted to use digital textbooks given they are more cost effective. Having all of the textbooks on your tablet also helps students not have to carry so many things around in their backpacks.
Whether we like it or not, technology is taking over the world as we know it. Technology is driving over our lives while at the same time constantly searching to improve efficiency. Technology provides an endless flow of information that we must now take advantage of…the sky is the limit and the possibilities are endless.
REFERENCES
My TECH CLASSROOM – Emily’s ideas for using technology in the classroom. 10 Benefits of Tablets in the Classroom. Retrieved from: https://mytechclassroom.com/benefits-of-tablets-in-the-classroom/
Edutopia. (2007). TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION – What is Successful Technology Integration? George Lucas Educational Foundation. Retrieved from: Https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-description
Edutopia. (2007). TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION – How to Integrate Technology. George Lucas Educational Foundation. Retrieved from: https://www.edutpoia.org/technology-integration-guide-implementation