Rehana Seedeen-Vargas
EDL 635
Richard Jones
July 4th, 2021
Technology Issue Blog
As we view technology integration within the classroom we identify critical elements that support student achievement. Achievements can be measured by engagement, several scales of assessments, classroom grades, teacher input, and overall performance in their academic setting. Technology has been integrated into the classroom to support student achievement and meet the trends of a society that has advanced with the use of modern technology.
Companies like Microsoft were founded in 1975 with the founder Bill Gates, and Apple in 1976 with the founder Steve Jobs. These pioneers identified a need and supported these needs with technology to support the everyday person. They provided tools to support day-to-day tasks for humans, to make things faster, and to provide information at the touch of a button. As the world was keeping up with these advances we had to utilize these tools in the classroom so we can support these global citizens with the skills necessary to be successful.
In the article, “What is successful technology integration?” (Edutopia. 2021), they discuss the importance technology has in the classroom. They state, “ Successful technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is: routine and transparent, accessible and readily available for the task at hand, and Supporting the curricular goals, and helping the students to effectively reach their goals” thus leading readers to believe when students interact with technology in planned, standards-based supported scenarios they outcome will be successful and support the learning experience. We want our students to be prepared to advance in technology and understand how to navigate around technology to support their learning and day-to-day needs so they can ultimately be successful.
Technology in the classroom can be viewed as an alternative experience for the student to enhance the lesson and experience. This extends an opportunity for teachers and students to explore methods and apply appropriate technology to support their learning experience. As technology is trending we need to ensure we are keeping our students up to date with the advancements.
This past year with the pandemic, I believe everyone got a crash course in technology and how vital it was to keeping connections to each other to support the needs of our students. At the same time, it showed the true value of personal interaction and how important it is in the learning process. To be once removed by a screen was very difficult for many educators and students. But the world was resilient and we utilized technology and resources to support our students the best way we can. During this time we relied on technology to make the connections not only at school but through zoom calls with family, friends, and work. I believe due to this global pandemic we were able to start redefining the role that technology plays in our everyday lives.
In my experience within the school district there were many students that suffered and were not able to succeed within the virtual earning setting and as a federal, state, and local government we need to make adjustments to support our learners to ensure they are given the opportunities within the classroom to support this deficit.
In all, my advice to educators is to utilize technology within the classroom to enhance the lesson but try to keep as much of a human touch as possible. Support the logic behind the use of technology and give your students the means but don’t forget to take the time to understand individual needs and customize learning around each student. Technology can be rigid and very one-dimensional and not all of our students learn best in this setting. Hopefully, as we move forward and adjust to our “new norm” we will be able to utilize all that we have learned in the past year to enhance and support our students to enhance the educational experience.
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