Advantages of Technology in K12 Schools

The use of technology in the classroom is an important tool to utilize as an educator. Technology allows for educators to have instant access to a plethora of resources that would not be available if technology was not used in the classroom. Teachers have the ability to plan lessons, create presentations, and have interactive games for students to use as a learning tool through the use of different digital devices. Modern day technology is rapidly advancing and providing teacher with many different tools to use in the classroom to enhance the students learning experience.

From personal experience, I can say that high school students are going to have cell phones in class regardless of the punishments associated with getting caught; the main reason is that they seldom get caught. With one teacher and roughly thirty students, it is easy to sneak by the teacher’s gaze and send a text message here or there or find the score to the big game that you missed. Michael Rich, pediatrician and media expert, says, “Pandora’s box is open here… What we need to do is take control of them instead of them control us” (Teachers vs. Texting). To help reduce these disruptions from occurring, we need to incorporate cell phones into high school classroom with the other technologies to promote interactive and kinesthetic learning.

The use of cellphones in school has brought up debates all over the world. While some believe they are an advantage, others believe that they are a hindrance to the learning process. Despite the fact that smartphones can be used for important school activity such as research and time- management, they are also one of the main sources of classroom distractions. As a current student, I can attest to the fact that students often play games or text friends instead of listening to what is being taught. Students often argue that they need their phones to listen to music because it helps them focus. This has been vigorously studied and the results vary, but are not fully supportive. Not only have students made arguments as why they should be allowed to use their phones in school, but parents have as well. Most parents are in support of the having phones in school because they want to always have a way to contact their child. One thing parents do not realize is the ways their children are misusing their phone. Teachers should not have to fight the distraction caused by cell phones in the classroom. The use of smartphones in school causes too many distraction and there is a multitude of ways this privilege can be misused.

Technology in the classroom is important for teachers, parents, and students alike, because technology use has become a necessary skill for survival in today’s vastly expanding technology driven global economy. Research has shown an increase in student’s success rates when exposed to technology in the classroom. Also technology has opened lines of communication between educators and parents to keep students on track, and help teachers educate better.

The distraction caused by cell phones are different in every classroom, it is the teacher 's job to regulate the cell phone usage to maximize the amount of learning that takes place. This article relates to the opposing side of the argument. The article provides a real-life example and informs the reader in a different method about how cell phones do not belong in schools.

Teachers have been known to discourage the use of technology in the classrooms. It seems odd that so many teachers would stick by the fact that texting actually helps students’. Technology has actually been innovated into schools nationwide. Some teachers are having students use their phone in the classrooms to play games like ‘Kahoot’ and to find research. Some schools are even providing computers to students.

As technology has progressed over the years, it has become a greater source for information. Students should be able to use it to their advantage.

Many people believe that bringing cell phones to school may cause distractions. However, a recent study leads more and more people to believe that mobile phones could in fact be a “powerful learning tool” (Docksai), serving as a mobile computer ("Cell Phones in the Classroom” ). Elizabeth Hartnell- Young, a research fellow from the University of Nottingham tracked 331 students from 14 to 16 years old, for learning through cell phones. They used cell phones to make short videos, set homework reminders, record poems, and transfer files from home to school (Docksai). Students described their learning experience as “motivated” (Docksai). Many experts pointed out that students have a “deep comfort level” with mobile phones (Docksai). In other words, students could learn more if they enjoyed what they were doing. An increasing number of teachers have changed their point of view towards cell phones, many now believe that cell phones would exert positive effects on education. For example, some teachers have already started to collect homework online and answer questions through text- messaging. A school in Saskatchewan encouraged students to read and share thoughts about books through their cell phones (Docksai). Furthermore, according to a recent survey, the majority of students could refrain from using cell phones and not be distracted by them in class. In fact, over 71% of students didn’t

I understand the fundamental risks involved in terms of lost productivity, but with the sheer percentage of people who already use them discreetly, I feel the risk is mitigated. Since numerous students use cellphones in class, I feel it’s important to take true advantage of them for learning opportunities. Through cellphones, students can, for example, research facts applicable to a lecture and use them to foster debate, edit their work through the use of e-learning resources and programs such as Word Online and Google Docs when commuting, and use cellphone apps such as RemindMe to be made more aware of deadlines. There are inherent flaws with cellphones, but I believe there is great educational value with them if implemented into the curriculum. As for those without cellphones, other personal electronic devices such as laptops and tablets work in this instance as

Technology is everywhere, it is involved in almost every part of our culture. It affects how we live, work, play, and most importantly learn. With technology being such a fundamental part of our lives and growing each day, it only makes sense that schools incorporate technology in the classrooms. Even though many people support the use of technology in schools, there are those that have concerns about the effectiveness of technology and whether or not it undermines education to solely prepare students for the workforce. Despite the concerns, technology is being integrated with classroom lessons daily, and proving how beneficial it is for student success.

Many teachers believe that cell phones don’t belong in a classroom because there are several disadvantages. An example maybe a student who uses a cell phone in class has no intension in listening or paying attention to the teacher. This student has a short attention span who cares about socializing more than his/her education. Cell phones can be very disruptive; they can invade people’s privacy and can also be used as harassment or bullying. The usage of cell phones is creating a huge problem particularly when they are used in school.

The next topic of discussion is cell phones in classrooms. The article being summarized is entitled The Only Thing We Have to Fear is…120 Characters. In this article, Kevin Thomas and Christy McGee (2012) make arguments for the use of cellphones in classrooms in spite of the fact that 69% have banned them. This paper responds to the many reasons for disallowing their use, and then it goes on to highlight some ideas about why cell phones should be used as educational tools. Both sides of the discussion certainly make valid points.

Having technology in a classroom helps students and teachers become more successful. “Technology is quickly emerging as a catalyst for changing the ways in which we think, gather information, and especially the ways in which we are educated.”(Garner). This will allow teachers and students become successful inside and out a classroom. Online classes are becoming

Across the U.S., technology used in education has been increasing exponentially. Every learning institution ranging from elementary school to college have incorporated technology into their teachings. Online textbooks, quizzes, notes, and classes are all examples of how education has been utilizing technology. While technology has a place in education, not everything in education needs to involve technology.

Over the years, technological advances have afforded all of us great opportunities and have granted us access to certain things that we otherwise wouldn't have had. One of the most popular forms of technology that is used worldwide is the use of cell phones. Although they are very useful, the creation and development of cell phones have been both a gift and a curse. Having a cell phone in class can be beneficial for the student when it comes to urgent communicating. Cell phones provide a swift way to reach out to a person if a problem occurred in someone's family. However, the downside of having a cell phone in class is that it causes many distractions for the student, classmates, and the teacher. The usage of cell phones is creating a