The Importance Of Technology In Education

The biggest problem with today’s education is how rapid technology is advancing. So rapid, in fact, that schools are attempting to keep up, but are sadly falling short. Teachers are being required to incorporate new technology into their everyday methods of teaching. The use of IPads or laptops in classrooms can be helpful to both teachers and students(edreform online classes)”. If a teacher is not overly familiar with the new devices, then the students will lose what little time they have to learn. As a teacher is attempting to fix technical problems in one class, the class that has a tech savvy teacher will be advancing far ahead. On the other hand, if a classroom is full of students who are very unfamiliar with the technology will have to be taught how to operate it, which wastes valuable time. In today’s society technology usage is so much more widespread than it was just five years ago. The new toys can allow schools to broaden their curriculum. Since most work can be done on a single device, kids can work at their own pace and potentially reach heights they could never reach with book, pen, and paper. The benefits of this new tech greatly outweigh the downsides. The biggest problem with technology in classrooms is their lack of use. So few schools have jumped on board with these programs, and therefore are holding their kids back. These products are readily available, but “the use of new technology

“By 2009, 97% of classrooms had one or more computers, and 93% of classroom computers had Internet access. For every 5 students, there was one computer. Instructors stated that 40% of students used computers, often in their educational methods, in addition to interactive whiteboards and digital cameras”(Educational technology). The country is on the threshold of the most radical change in American education in over a century. It is clear that technology is increasing and is now woven through education as well.

Nearly 20 years ago when the World Wide Web was released, many people in society had no idea what type of advances were in store for the technological world. Endless opportunities became available worldwide in every avenue of approach, one of those being education. Education has blossomed in the light of technology and will only continue to do so for many generations to come. Although it can be argued that technology is negatively effecting the education system, more innovative ways of learning are becoming available and society has no choice but to conform to these advances.

With the right restrictions placed, technology is a good way to teach and learn in a classroom setting.Technology now more than ever is expected to be used in some way shape or form when it comes to learning in any particular subject. Because of this, it is hard to ban or use little of any technological objects that contain any internet access. The world seems to accept the use of technology anywhere more and more. This perspective change influences the way technology is used for any reason.

The most basic principle of technology is a piece of paper and pen. Due to the abundant usage of applying technology like: tablets, computer desktops and laptops, programs, and websites, they are individually affecting the traditional forms of learning in negative ways (Black, 617). Although, technology can have some forms of promoting positive learning abilities, there are very mixed concerns with everyday usage versus it only being applied when needed for the curriculum. For example, computer literacy is accepted as an integral and crucial part of learning class materials, especially for childhood class projects. Most information is obtainable online via children scholarly websites and school databases. Without an essential school district website, many parents would not be able to view certain important dates, upcoming events for their children to attend; whereas children whom learn to use computer databases for school projects will have the ability to find sources and an abundance of information. Nowadays, it has been proven that children who are much more literate with navigating the Internet, all of its properties, and how computers work in general will be expected to know how to use computers in their near future (Black, 617). Studies also have shown that amongst many educators, using technological tools for educational purposes may be considered a hindrance in regards to adapting and learning the new ways of technology compared to the traditional ways of educating. But, since children are now brought into a society that is extremely literate in operating and navigating these technological devices inside and outside of the classroom, teachers ensure that they are using these devices and programs inside the classrooms for educational purposes throughout the entire curriculum (Black, 617).

Many are misled regarding technology in schools because they fail to realize the difference between technology usage and technology integration. Technology usage focuses on the physical device, delivering information, and majority conduct comes from the teacher; whereas, technology integration supports the physical device to promote learning objectives, constructs knowledge, and allows students to operate it themselves (Harris 7). This is what separates technology efficient schools from the rest, technology is not their goal, education is (Levin and Schrum 51-53). Instead of taking a “one size fits all approach”, schools are able to succeed because they make learning relevant, provide opportunities, and promote important skills by integrating technology with curriculum. After using that method, and providing a laptop for every student in the school district, Mooresville, North Carolina dramatically improved high school standardized test proficiency from 68% to 88.5% (Levin and Schrum 51-53). However, Robert Kozma argues, ‘“What are the actual and potential relationships between media and learning?”’ (qtd. in Harris 2). Other critics have also stated concerns that technology does not influence achievement, teachers need training to effectively administer usage, and making sure every student has access. On the other hand, proponents of classroom technology say it allows creativity and is better fit for today’s society. Public schools across the United States, from low to high

Supporters of technological advancements and advocates of expanding the use of technology would have us believe that the continual expansion of technology and support of its usage in school systems is a clear betterment of humanity. They explain its effectiveness and ability to level the playing field for millions of civilians. However, these advocates fail to acknowledge the obvious downfalls and stagnation, or even reversion of societal advancements. Technology diminishes skills, encourages the demotivation of children, and steals away precious time. What is often viewed narrow mindedly as an obvious good that solely progresses nations is concurrently becoming an inhibitor and its implementation in educational curriculum should be viewed with a wary eye.

Technology involves using tools to solve problems. From the perspective of a teacher, technology helps present information to students. A smart board or a Promethean board is a form of technology that helps present materials during a lesson. Students with visual impairments and visual learners benefit from the usage of smart boards and Promethean boards. For example, while doing observations for a second-grade class I noticed a teacher using an electronic version of their math textbook. Students had their textbooks out and the teacher had it up on the smart board so that they could all work on problems together. When I was in elementary school there were only black boards. However, I did take computer classes all throughout elementary school and all my classrooms had computer centers. I was not exposed to a smartboard until I reached middle school. One goal of adding the smart boards was to make both students and students more technologically savvy. Another goal was to increase the interaction and interest of students within the classroom. Midway through the seventh-grade, the classrooms got Promethean boards. At first, they were confusing to use, but by the time the year ended I was able to use them, so I achieved the goal of being more technologically savvy. Despite the initial confusion, they were fun to use in the classroom. My reading teacher would get electronic books and put them on the board as we read a story. At the end of a unit, this teacher would create Jeopardy

As a teacher, we must learn how to achieve academic success in the classroom and with our students. The educator philosophers Borich and Wong have different points of view of how learning should be taught. Borich focuses on how technology integrates in the classroom, also on how questioning strategies help with targeting inquiry, and how teacher directed strategies help improve learners to actively respond. On the other hand, Wong focuses on everything you need to prepare for when you as the teacher have your own classroom such as: having a well-managed classroom, how to introduce yourself to your class, seating arrangements, grading systems, discipline plans, and how to achieve opportunities to learn. Consequently, the teacher should be able to balance the way the classroom acts expressively, and the same time encourage them to be culturally responsive to learning.

When it comes to the topic of technology in schools, most of us will readily agree that the internet is hard to stay away from. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of its necessity in school through devices. Whereas some are convinced that technology is beneficial in the education of the future generations, others maintain that it debilitates them instead. Although internet access is important in today’s world, there are several important factors to consider before incorporating it into an educational setting.

“Education is evolving due to the impact of the Internet. We cannot teach our students in the same manner in which we were taught. Change is necessary to engage students not in the curriculum we are responsible for teaching, but in school. Period”(Chamberlin). The fact of the matter is not that technology is needed because everyone uses it; instead, it is that technology’s needed because it is the necessary form of learning in today’s world. Many say that even despite technology being the more modern way of learning nowadays, that does not mean it is the best way to learn as it can pose as a big distraction for kids and can lead to them not getting any work done. Although technology can be a burden in the classroom due to distraction, it also poses as more of a benefit towards the students learning than a disadvantage.

The learning place has been invaded by the ability to know anything and everything. While this picture shows promise, it is actually more complex and distorted with regards to the receivers; these would be the students of today. What makes us capable of distributing the infinite amount of information that can be labeled “anything and everything” is truly remarkable, and that is precisely what technology has allowed us to do. Being that, it is safe to say that technology has expanded to heights worth exploring, and while this brings good resources to the pupils of today, it is the way students will explore and discover through the internet that should be taken into consideration by their teachers before introducing it to the curriculum.

It is a well-known fact that today, technology has had a significant impact on the way individuals work, play, learn and even communicate. Some of the technological advances being used widely in the modern day include but are not in any way limited to personal digital assistants, the world wide net, cell phones, digital cameras as well as computers. With that in mind, education is being seen as one of the areas that stand to benefit greatly from the use of technology. In this text, I review current research regarding the use of technology in today's school system. Further, in addition to highlighting the various ways in which emerging technology can be utilized, I also address the challenges which may be occasioned by the integration of technology into the education system.

Technology can divide the contemporary classroom. For example, Berger (2009) claimed, “In 1995, only half of all U.S, public schools had The Internet capacity; now just about all of them do” (p. 458). In a short amount of time Internet became part of our school’s learning lesson plans and students welcomed it. For example, students prefer to search on a computer for their writing papers topics than to use books and the education system accommodated these preferences by creating online books, articles, and journals databases. As a result, this

The world has been advancing drastically over the years and will continue to do so. Technology is a big part of every individual's life in the way they might put it to use for their daily activities. It is changing the way people work by making it simpler to do their tasks. It can be especially an important method in schools education. Many schools provide technology in their classroom to make the students feel less overwhelmed with their assignments. The internet is a perfect example of a crucial means for the classroom. The internet is beneficial for schools because it encourages student interactions, makes grading assignments easier on teachers, and information accessible at their disposition.