Referenced Article: Edutopia Staff, “Why Integrate Technology Into the Classroom? The Reasons Are Many,” The George Lucas Educational Foundation, March 17, 2008. Accessed December 4, 2011.
After nine weeks of posts involving technologies for classrooms of the future, I have compiled a thorough list of strategies and ideas for improving learning by somehow altering the role of technologies such as computers and cell phones in schools. While some choose to resist dependence on technology among students, most schools look to the future with the intent to augment student learning with computer work. Ultimately, technology has proven itself important enough in today’s society and in the future that students as young as elementary school children are most often encouraged to become familiar with new technological material as they study throughout grade school and in universities. After thoroughly examining the many options for integrating technology into the classroom, I thought it would be appropriate to step back and look at the overarching question behind my entire blog: Why integrate technology at all? Edutopia’s article answers just this question, providing numerous reasons why reading the articles presented in my earlier blog posts has been so worthwhile.
Edutopia’s article elaborates on technology’s “ubiquity” and “true potential for teaching and learning” today and in the future for all students. Assuming it is “properly used,” technology is vital in providing students with the “skills they need to survive” in today’s world economic system. The most important part of using computers and other technical materials successfully is ensuring that they “support curricular goals” and enhance learning when used. Technology is also important in its ability to help students have a “realistic snapshot” of a working environment. The Internet exposes students to “interesting, diverse, and current” information and news, keeping them informed and aware without watching television or finding a newspaper. “Visualizing and modeling” on a computer provides its own reward, encouraging more engaging scientific learning and keeping students focused. Finally, technology serves as an effective aid for teachers and “enhances the relationship between teacher and student” as teachers become guides and instructors for students using unfamiliar tools.
The Edutopia article provides clear, logical insight behind the reasons that technology should play a role in the classrooms of today and in the future. Not only can computers, Internet, and technical tools encourage students to learn the skills necessary for a successful working career in the future, but they also provide numerous new materials for learning and studying. Technology is even a great way for students and teachers to connect when traditional communication methods may not suffice. Although technology may have its difficulties, this article truly reminds us how important it is to appreciate the advantages of a technological education. Therefore, when looking towards the future and at the structure of future schools and classrooms, we must always consider technology and incorporate it effectively into student learning.
No comments:
Post a Comment