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The Importance Of Technology In The Classroom

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In a world where technology consumes a great deal of what we do and how we do it, it makes sense that teachers should evaluate what role this tool should have in the classroom. What can be used as a very useful and beneficial tool to students can often become a hindrance to learning if not used properly. When done correctly, technology opens up a whole new world of resources for students in the classroom. For example, I have seen teachers use technology in their classrooms to do virtual field trips, interactive web quests, as well as math/reading games on the computer to supplement classroom material. Technology can also be used for instructing students as a provider of scaffolds for struggling students. Some students that do not focus well during direct instruction from the teacher can use technology (such as a computer) to do interactive activities that cover the same material as the lecture, only using a more stimulating medium. This concept is also true when it comes to supplementary work for advanced learners. Often students who are advanced finish projects and assignment early, leaving them with nothing to do but distract their fellow students. However, if the student is permitted to use technology (such as a computer) to do some supplementary academic work through a web quest, or educational games. Like Aziz states in his article, I agree that technology is a help to students, when implemented correctly. When implemented incorrectly, we see things such as teacher laziness, student laziness, low test scores, as well as apathy from teachers, as they expect technology to do the job of teaching for them, which is NOT its purpose. Overuse of technology in education runs the risk of "dumbing down" students (Berry and Postman) through over stimulation as opposed to actual productive instruction. ere, I will discuss my personal philosophy technology and look into its role in the teaching and learning process as well as to what extent it is used in my classroom. Technology's role in teaching and learning is a balancing game. It is imperative for the teacher in an elementary classroom (or any classroom for that matter) to understand that technology should never be at the forefront of

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