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 8th
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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It is true that technology for learning can be a disadvantage for students who do not have access to computers at home. A teacher cannot assume that everyone in his or her class owns a computer. However, if technology is made available to students through the school or other public places like libraries, then those students who do not own a computer can also get the benefits of using that technology.
ReplyDeleteI like the point you make at the beginning about the importance of technology in a teen’s life and technology with education as well. From the videos, I saw expression through technology was important to teens today. I liked how you brought up the fact and even suggested ways technology fosters creativity. Also, I enjoyed how you want to engage learning through technology. I think it was important how you brought up technology and working with kids with disabilities, what a good way to connect concepts through classes. I think it was interesting how you compared the positive and negative aspects of technology, by including technology as a distraction.
ReplyDeleteAllowing your student to do research is a great learning tool in itself. Yes, it can help to keeps them engaged. The act of looking up information will also help to solidify it in their minds.
ReplyDeleteI agree that we can use technology to reinforce our lessons as teachers. It is engaging if the appropriate content is utilized. This can be a challenge by add additional time to lesson planning and many more hours of lesson tweaking sessions. We have to be careful not to use technology just so we can say we are using technology. As nothing can take the place of a good teacher.