Technology plays a major role in our everyday lives. Regardless of where we go, we see and interact with some type of technology. As our world evolves, people are increasingly using technology to ensure a more productive, quicker, safer, and easier lifestyle. Even in our daily jobs, we are required to have some basic knowledge of technology to perform our daily tasks successfully. So, when faced with the questions, should technology be integrated into the classroom? Does technology integration have more benefits than disadvantages? The answer is a solid YES!
Last year alone shows the importance of technology in education. When the pandemic hit, schools and other businesses solely relied on technology to continue functioning. Although we were not prepared for this hit, we made it work with technology. Students continued their studies, and teachers gain greater knowledge on using technology for interactive and effective lessons. Although we went through a time of isolation, teachers were able to stay in contact with parents, students, and all other staff members and continued their daily routines to ensure a successful end of the school year.
Besides the pandemic, there are many more benefits in technology integration in schools. For starters, it has been proven that when students are given the opportunity to learn with technology, schools have a higher success rate. When speaking on this topic, Dr. Mohammed explains that multiple studies have shown that when technology has been incorporated into students’ learning experience across our nation, there were better academic outcomes than classrooms that did not include technology (2019). One of the main causes of this is that teachers can use technology to individualize lessons and ensure each student is learning at their own pace. One of our biggest problems in education is that we at times treat education as a one-size-fits-all, and it has been proven that we all learn at our own pace and have different learning styles. Technology integration allows teachers to bring all lessons at each student’s learning level, leading to more learning gains and success in schools.
Technology integration helps teachers incorporate student interest in their lessons. As technology becomes part of our daily lives, children are becoming more fascinated by it. When given the option of learning through textbooks or technological tools such as a tablet, laptop, or SMARTboard, students are most likely to choose technology over textbooks. Teachers can use this to their advantage by using technology to plan more fun and effective lessons in their classrooms. They can do so by taking the most challenging lessons and creating engaging activities that require students to collaborate with one another. While in the classroom, students can participate in an interactive quiz, tech-enabled group discussions, educational games, and participate in science experiments in a virtual lab or taking a virtual field trip (Himmelsbach, 2021). As students engage in those activities, they have a greater chance of understanding even the most challenging lessons. This will also help them to remain focused and interested in their learning.
Technology integration also helps students take ownership of their learning. When discussing this topic, A writer in Edutopia states, “Technology helps change the student/teacher roles and relationships: students take responsibility for their learning outcomes, while teachers become guides and facilitators.” (2007). As daily lessons become more engaging and collaborative, teachers can take the back seat and serve as a guide as students take control of their learning. This leads to a more meaningful, memorable, and enjoyable classroom experience for all students. It also leads to students having a desire to participate and learn in school.
Technology has been a great gift to our nation and our educational world. Without technology, the pandemic would have been much harder to endure both personally and educationally. As technology continues to be integrated into each child’s education, students have a higher chance of succeeding in schools. They also have a higher chance of being prepared for their future jobs and interact with the outside world.
Mohammed, S. (2019, May 8.). Is Technology Good or Bad for Learning? Brown Center Chalkboard. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2019/05/08/is-technology-good-or-bad-for-learning/
Why Do We Need Technology Integration? The myriad benefits of integrating technology into the classroom. (2007, November 5). Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-importance
Himmelsbach. V. (2021, May 15). How Technology in The Classroom Can Impact Student Learning https://tophat.com/blog/how-does-technology-impact-student-learning/#:~:text=Technology%20can%20help%20students%20by%20making%20learning%20more,in%20class%20or%20participating%20in%20tech-enabled%20group%20discussions.