The Use Of Technology In Education

With the integration of technology, students get direct, individualized instruction from the computer. This form of supplemental teaching allows them to engage with the information at times that are most convenient for them and helps them become more self-directed in the learning process. It also gives the teacher more time to accomplish classroom objectives, while freeing them up to help the students who might be struggling with certain lessons.

The education system around the world has progressed and changed in a plentiful amount of ways, and the concept of knowledge and learning has changed in modern day. For example, certain schools around the globe are moving on to implementing technology in classrooms because it provides many benefits and statistical research that states how students are improving their academic readiness because of the instant access to information, a greater engagement and interactive process in learning, and the personalization that instructors can do towards the educational experience that students receive. The benefits of technology in class can be rather debatable, for there are people who think it's a distraction, but it certainly seems to be beneficial according to the increase of passing percentages in schools.

Due to the escalading burden to increase student achievement on high-stakes or state-mandated assessments combined with the notion that educators should increase the use of technology within their classroom, a study was conducted to determine the impact of technology on test scores. To be more specific the study was conducted to determine the impact that the use of technology had on a select group of at-risk students in 9th grade English Literature.

The speed of technology is growing at an exponential rate. In this digital age, students have more opportunities through electronic products such as computers, tablets, and mobile devices.  The average student graduating from college in the United States has spent less than 5,000 hours on studying, but 10,000 hours on computer games or social networking. Moreover, since 2012, as many as sixty-three percent of universities offer online courses. Educational leaders throughout the U.S. are using electronic devices to try to engage students in a classroom setting through familiar technology. But are electronic devices good for the growth of education? Low standardized test scores show that students that use electronic devices for schoolwork

In the last several years, college, administrators, faculty, and staff have observed the growing number of adult students enrolling in classes. Since these nontraditional students have recently come back, they are struggling more with technology-dominant classrooms compared to their traditional counterparts. These institutions have initiated methods to work with this problem, such as implementing beginner computer courses and encouraging them to be proactive in practicing their new found skills. Contemporary education research has observed numerous obstacles that adult student encounter returning to school. There is a learning gap that educators must close between traditional and adult students. While adult students bring valuable life experience and practical skills, they lack a background in modern programs and navigating access to technology tools. Working together hand-in-hand adult students and instructions through training in technology and time management, adult students will have a better outlook on achieving their goals and dreams.

When implemented technology properly, the tech can produce substantial gains in student achievement and increase engagement among students most at risk. Replacing teachers with technology is not a successful formula. Instead, strong gains in achievement occur by pairing technology with classroom teachers who provide real-time support and encouragement to underserved students. Technology has made a positive difference in the learning outcomes of students at risk of failing courses and dropping out.

The production of technology as increased, allowing the output of information to exponentially increase, thus setting the need for 21st century skills at an all-time high. In the past, there have been two sources of information, the encyclopedia, and the dictionary. Our education system’s foundation has been built through the knowledge, and information handed down by each generation. The learning, and memorization of facts was the ultimate goal in a child’s education. As a country, it is important to evolve as our culture evolves. Everything must continue to grow in unity, and progress together. Having the technology that produces a vast amount of information, but no students who can decipher the information, ends up being a waste of time, and resources.

In recent years, the use of technology in schools has become a debate in many school districts around the world. This debate could definitely go either way, and both sides have very good reasons to support their claim. Schools should allow technology for three key reasons: the first reason is that technology could be used to educate students if used appropriately. The second reason is because people can use them to contact the police, or family in the case of an emergency. The final reason why technology should be used in the classroom is because it can help students to communicate and exchange thoughts and ideas and develop their social skills.

Technology is changing at such a rapid pace that it is extremely difficult for any one person to keep up with the latest developments. However, just like doctors or marketers, teachers are also expected to keep up with the latest research and technology that will result in the best possible outcomes. It is much easier for educators to do this if they have a social community, with whom they can exchange ideas, share experiences, and ask questions together. The first two ISTE Standards for Educators, “Learner” and “Leader,” encourage teachers to become life-long learners and leaders in their practice. Data patterns from the teacher survey show that there is room for improvement with these two standards at McNicholas High School.

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.

A child’s mind is always growing, with the advancement of technology, it will raise to new heights. Finding the most efficient way to teach and learn, has been an ongoing debate since the beginning of education. Since then, education has gone a long way. Students have gone from learning on chalkboards and memorizing all the information they learned, to having individual computers where they have access to tools to write, learn and communicate. But with all these new tools, many essential skills may be lost. Being reliant on online communication means that real face to face interactions will be gone. Children will not learn the valuable social skill that they will need when they grow up. Although this may be true, incorporating more technology into learning can lead to a more efficient and passionate education. Environmental technology will hugely enhance future technology.

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

How important is technology in this day and age? I am sure we all agree that technology is one of the most important resources in this day and age. Now, how many people actually took more than just a basic typing class in K-8th grade? Or maybe even up to 12th grade. If you went to school more than 10 years ago, I am sure that all you were able to take was a basic typing class. So my question to you is, why is it so hard to implement technology into the school system? Teachers not willing to be trained? Parents thinking technology will be a distraction? Governments not willing to do away with standardized tests? Everyone pretty much uses mobile phones, tablets, and laptops on a daily basis. As digital natives, today’s students have grown up with technology integrated into every aspect of their lives. Education cannot be an exception. Yet, we are trying to fit 21st century students, into a 19th century system. We need to implement the effective use of technology into all of our education systems. I know this is not something that can be changed overnight. However, if we can get the educators, parents, and the government all to agree, then the effective use of technology should, and will be implemented in our school systems.

The Impact Principle states effective practice yields evidence of learning. The look on each student’s face will provide evidence as to whether or not they are learning. An educator should assess the faces and student work samples to check for learning. If learning is not present, the educator should accept responsibility for not being impactful, and begin implementing a more effective practice so that the students demonstrate new knowledge. I have discovered this first hand in my practicum placement. I taught a lesson, and as a whole class my students understood the content. However, when I was reviewing their individual work, it was obvious that the students missed the point of the lesson. Therefore, I took responsibly for not teaching the objective in an effective way, and I retaught it in a more relevant manner. Then, my students were successful on the next sample of student work. Due to all of the factors in students’ lives that can hold their interest, an educator must gain and maintain their interest to be impactful. It is then the child will learn. If the educator’s delivery of the content is effective and impactful, evidence will be produced.

John Dewey, a leader for the progressive movement in education in the United States once said, “If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.”