Pros and Cons of Technology in the Classroom!

Technology is obviously a big part of teen’s lives and is a big part of education as well.  There are many positives with having such heavy use of technology, but there are some negative aspects as well. Technology definitely fosters creativity because there are so many things that students can do and create on the computer. Even creating Power-Points can foster creativity.  For teachers, it helps us create varied lesson plans. Instead of just standing and lecturing, we can use the internet in a number of ways. Lessons are more engaging if we can use games and videos to reinforce what we are teaching.  As a history teacher, I will have my students at some point do research for papers. Students can explore the internet and do research. The negative side to that is that the internet can be extremely distracting. I know that I get distracted from social media sites, like Facebook and Twitter.  From my class at Montclair about students with disabilities I learned how helpful assistive technology could be. Students with disabilities often use computers and other devices in order to keep up in the classroom. Microphones have become useful in classrooms with students who have hearing impairments, this way they do not fall behind in class. Even teachers can use technology to help students with disabilities keep up in class! In addition, as a history teacher, I want my students to keep up with current events and they can do so with the internet. As I said however, the internet and other technological devices like cell phones are distracting. I teach Religious Education to 8^th graders and I make them put their cellphones on a separate table because they cannot stop using them during class. Then they miss what I am saying if someone texts them. Many schools are now using things like Ipads in the classroom to enhance learning. The problem with this is that not all schools have the money to do so. This puts other students at a disadvantage. Like Olivia, other students do not have access to computers and other technological devices. It is not fair that all students do not have the luxury of all the benefits of technological devices. They are definitely a positive part of learning. Smart boards really enhance a child’s learning experience. These boards make learning more fun and interactive, making students interested in what you are teaching!

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Technology In Our Lives

The three technologies that I chose were; my cellphone, laptop, and tablet. I am constantly using all three of these items especially during the semester. My cellphone is my constant communication to the outside world, without it, I feel disconnected. It is the way I contact anyone at any time, which is really important.  My laptop is my main source for homework. My classes require a lot of writing and research so my laptop is the best tool for that. I use my tablet during class to take notes and to stay connected through email. Also, having email coming to my phone is really useful. I never miss an email from a teacher communicating with me. Using the internet on all of these sources makes many things easier. Being vice president at an organization at Montclair requires me to answer emails frequently. My laptop has definitely contributed to me learning new information. As I said, doing research is a big part of my classes and I would not be able to get information as fast without my laptop and the internet. I also enjoy using PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Publisher. All of which I learned to use from constantly doing projects and essays.

Olivia learned a lot from using the technology that she has. In the first scene, she is listening to music on her MP3 player. Technology is a big part of young peoples’ lives. It seems her cellphone and computer are extremely important to her. She does not have one at home, but either uses one at school or at a friend’s house. Teachers definitely have to be aware of this and cannot expect that all students are on the same level when it comes to technological experience. I will definitely want to use technology as much as I can, while still helping students see they do not always need to rely on it. The problem is that technology is so useful and can help students learn. At her continuation school, they say about one-third of the students have access to a computer. They do, however, know how to use computers extremely well. Olivia is a whiz with the computer even though she does not have one all the time. She can do almost anything on MySpace and can create websites. When I had a MySpace I knew had to edit it and do some of the similar effects that she could. Using a computer, even if it is for MySpace, helps students learn and understand technology. Like Olivia, texting is a big part of my life. When her mentor commented on how fast she could text I recall having heard the same thing. From using keyboards so much I am fast at typing and texting. This is extremely useful when it comes to writing papers.  

In the second video, Learning to Change, I could relate to all of these young people. They said how technology is convenient and can be used in so many ways. Writing and reading is being taken over by technology, which I agree with. These students talk about how their laptop is one of the biggest technologies they use. Using technology helps these students be creative, like through sound production. One student says that video games actually help him in school because in the video game you work with others and you have to be collaborative. The same goes with school projects, being able to coordinate with other students. In the video someone said that we are moving forward through technology, which I also agree with. Technology helps society learn new things and become more advanced. One young girl said she makes websites on her laptop. For her, technology fosters her creativity which can help her in school as well. She most likely strives in craft or visual art classes. The students in these videos use technology in more advanced ways than I do. I use it for homework and connecting with people, but in the Learning to Change video I noticed that technology can be used in an infinite number of ways. I think that technology is imperative if everyone’s lives. I believe that each generation will begin to rely on technology more and more. I know that my phone and laptop are so important to me as they are too many other people. Technology is definitely changing society and for students it is benefiting them through learning new information.