Why use technology in the classroom portfolio jm
- 1. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 1 Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom? Jasmine Miller Western Oregon University July 2020
- 2. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 2 Introduction The newest generation has often been called the digital generation. Teens have been using computers and the internet since elementary school, and some children as young as three years old understand how to scroll and open up apps on an iPhone. This generation has had more access to technology then any that has come before them and the technology industry has created a digital world that continues to grow every day. The internet, computers, social media, and digital devices are an everyday occurrence in the real world, and in education as well. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how incorporating technology in today’s classrooms can help to engage and enhance content being taught in education. What Does Integrating Technology Look Like? Before we discuss how to integrate technology, let us talk about what it means when we say “technology.” Technology usage in classrooms can range anywhere from the internet, computers, digital devices like smartphones and tablets, web 2.0 tools, social media, augmented reality, and multimedia. Integrating technology into classrooms means finding ways to use these various technologies stated to either instruct, engage, or enhance educational content. One of the most used pieces of technology is the computer. “No other instructional tool has been at the center of an educational revolution like the computer, nor has any other innovation been as invested in, supported, criticized, and researched as the computer” (Groff et al., 2008, p.22). Teachers and educators have the ability to research, prep, and plan lessons for their students with the use of computers. Computers also give educators access to the internet. DiBella and Williams explain, Internet use and access continues to expand exponentially. Just a short time ago, it was reported that approximately 142 million Americans used the Internet. These percentages
- 3. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 3 continue to rise, and Internet use continues to rapidly expand. More and more, people depend upon the Internet for much more than just information; it is now a place to collaborate (p.76). In other words, the growth of the internet and how humans use computers is evolving every day. The internet is a place that gives educators access to an abundance of online tools. Those tools are called web 2.0 tools and they have the ability to, “engage learners and maximize learning, while encouraging collaboration and providing a way for teachers to apply their knowledge” (DiBella, et al 2015 p.75). Web 2.0 tools, including blogs, social media, storyboards, visual presentations, and learning and digital applications, give teachers and educators the ability to design and create content as well as instruments to provide instruction through. Many students and teachers like using web 2.0 tools because they reflect everyday life. Almost all students in this newest generation encounter or experience some type of technology when they are not in school. When teachers or educators incorporate technology such as web 2.0 tools, students get the opportunity to utilize skills in both the classroom and in the real world. One student participating in a research study involving web 2.0 tools in the classroom, emphasized the value of technology by stating, ‘Students learn best when they can create something with the knowledge they’ve gained. Students deal with technology on a daily basis and educators should tap into that form of learning’ (DiBella &Williams,2015, p.78). In other words, many students enjoy the hands-on and creative experience of using technology in the classroom. Educators have also begun to implement technology such as virtual and augmented reality into classrooms. Augmented reality can be described as combining digital information with the student’s or user’s learning environment in real-time. What makes
- 4. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 4 augmented reality so special is how it is able to provide unique learning environments and experiences. Augmented reality creates a learning experience that promotes collaboration amongst learners. Augmented reality also provides students with hands-on and technical learning experiences. Integrating technology in a classroom does not have to look one specific way. Teachers and educators can pick and choose which pieces of technology to use, how much to use, and when to use them. However, it is essential for an individual in education to understand that adding technology just to add it is not always the best answer. Teachers must be educated themselves to understand the positives and the negatives of integrating technology into their own classrooms. It is imperative that teachers use technology to engage their students and enhance their educational content, not take away from it. What are Some of the Positives? One of the main goals for educators and teachers is to make sure that their students are equipped with the tools and skills to help them be successful in the real world. It is the responsibility of educators to empower their students, help them develop as learners, and harness their critical thinking skills. Integrating technology into the classroom can help educators do just that. It is extremely important that teachers and educators see technology as a tool to aid problem solving rather than just a prop. When they understand that technology is a tool that their students can use to enhance their problem-solving skills, the benefits are endless. The computer, for example, can be used as a tool for many things, starting with professional development. Teachers and educators alike can use the computer and the Internet to learn and grow, just like their students. Both teachers and educators can attend webinars, join networking groups, and
- 5. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 5 research and learn more about how to better use different technologies in the classroom. They also have the ability to create and prepare lessons and instruction through the computer. Moreover, for students’, computers are another great resource. Authors Ranasinghe et al, (2009) explains, one great resource to help teach problem solving and critical thinking skills is the computer. The computer provides various ways to visually represent real-world problems and the opportunity to identify patterns in data, thus enhancing problem solving skills and improving the learning process Illustrating just how effective the addition of technology can enhance content being taught in classrooms. What is important to keep in mind is that, “it is the teacher’s purpose to help students understand that the technology does not think for them, and the machine is only as smart as its operator” (Ranasinghe, et al, 2009, p. 1957). By emphasizing that technology is a tool and not a prop, educators can help foster a culture of growth and a safe space for failure. Technology such as web 2.0 tools promote curiosity and collaboration by allowing students to become more active learners. These online tools give learners the opportunity to share, engage, and collaborate with other learners as well as their teachers. Web 2.0 tools also help educators reach the various types of learners they have in their classrooms. Since all students do not learn the same way, it is important that teachers provide different ways to help engage their different learners and enhance their educational content. “Web 2.0 tools need to be effectively integrated into coursework and use of such tools needs to be modeled and time must be allowed for meaningful application” (DiBella, et al 2015, p.76). By using web 2.0 tools correctly, educators and teachers can use and create multimedia, podcasts, and presentations that can contribute to a better learning environment for their students.
- 6. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 6 Augmented reality also helps promote collaboration amongst students. Researchers have found that, users were more eager, interested, and engaged to deal with new technology as well as teaching and learning content compared to non-AR methods (Basten, et al 2014). When augmented reality in the classroom is planned and paired effectively, can help raise students’ intrinsic motivation to stay engaged and motivated to learn. Augmented reality also helps with students’ concentration and attention by aiding in more student-centered and student led learning. Augmented reality activities and lessons in the classroom help students interact directly with the educational content being taught. Students get to access important information and details during these interactive activities firsthand. The opportunity for collaborative communication and problem-solving among students that augmented reality creates is effective. (Basten, et al 2014) Why Do Some Teachers Not Use Technology? Even though there are multiple benefits that come with incorporating technology into the classroom, there are negatives as well. One of the biggest mistakes that teachers and educators can make is not effectively combining technology with their educational content. Simply adding a web 2.0 tool, multimedia application, or any other form of technology just to say you added technology does not mean that it will be effective at enhancing content or engaging students. “Teachers need to conceptualize how the use of various programs which facilitate teaching and learning effectively” (Bitner 2002, p.97). In some cases, however, teachers and educators do not feel confident or supported in their efforts to incorporate technology into their classrooms. Teachers and educators do not use technology for various reasons. Some simply do not like using technology or digital devices, some educators do not feel as if their content area or students will benefit from using technology, and some teachers are overwhelmed by the thought
- 7. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 7 of incorporating technology into their own classrooms. However, using technology in the classroom does not have to be scary. More often than not, educators and teachers shy away from using technology in the classroom simply for a fear of the unknown. Author Bitner, 2002, explains, Using technology as a teaching and learning tool in the classroom can make teachers anxious since it involves both changes in classroom procedures and the use of often- unfamiliar technologies. Those responsible for asking teachers to use technology in the curriculum should be aware that fears and concerns do exist. Helping teachers overcome their fears, concerns, and anxiety is crucial to the success of the program (p. 96). Telling a teacher or an educator to simply use some type of technology is not an effective strategy to encourage integrating technology in a way that will positively affect their students and the content being taught. Understanding the needs of students and having a strong understanding of what content is being taught is essential for choosing what types of technology to use. If an educator does not have the knowledge or understanding of those needs, then picking technology to incorporate can be overwhelming. Moreover, it is even harder for teachers if they don’t have support or the room to fail and learn from their mistakes. An environment where failure is not an option makes it even harder for teachers to feel either capable or comfortable incorporating technology in the classroom. Technology in the classroom can also be viewed as distracting to some educators. For example, imagine giving iPads to a classroom full 13-year-olds to use their classroom’s learning app. That could potentially lead to half the class getting distracted by opening other applications or using the Internet. Many teachers and stakeholders in education like the “traditional” look and values of a classroom setting, and that does not involve heavy technology use. Some educators
- 8. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 8 and stakeholders even feel as if technology devalues the teacher themselves. When more and more technology is used to instruct or teach the students, the teachers themselves become less valuable. (Usner, 2017). Many teachers feel as if they are not as important to the educational and classroom experience, because of technology. Some educators even feel as if technology makes students lazy. They fear technology is more of a “prop” that does not allow students to actually learn how to problem solve. (Ranasinghe, et al 2009). Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) says schools should focus on technology yet incorporating technology into classrooms can be expensive. The ESSA has promoted that schools and education in the U.S focus on well-rounded education, safe schools, and the effective use of technology. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) published a guide to help states and Congress determine how to allocate funds for technology and educational purposes. That figure was around $400 million for the entire country. (ISTE 2018). In order to effectively integrate technology in education, it is going to cost some money. It is important for educators and teachers to know their resources. Yes, technology is expensive, but there are handfuls of free web 2.0 tools, applications, and webinars educators can take advantage of to help cut costs. Educators also often shy away from technology when they do not have access to support or educational resources (Usner, 2017). Whether that be reliable internet access, access to computers or digital devices, proper IT training/support, or personal development in the basics of technology. If educators do not have proper resources, then their ability to effectively incorporate technology to enhance content is hindered. Moreover, if schools are struggling to get access to proper technology resources, then students in those schools may be affected as well.
- 9. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 9 Digital Divide: Integrating technology in the classroom also has an effect on the digital divide. The digital divide can be described as, “the gap between people who have sufficient knowledge of and access to technology and those who do not- can perpetuate and even worsen socioeconomic and other disparities for already underserved groups” (Moore, et al 2018, p.1). Not all schools have access to the same resources. When some schools, districts, and cities cannot provide the same technology resources or support, it makes the digital divide even harder to close. The digital divide is even affected by students having limited access to one or no digital devices at home. Many students from rural or low-income area do not have access to high quality internet access or do not have access to internet at all. “Computer usage is mainly at home, with 67% using the computer almost every day at home” (Pena-Lopez, 2010, p.24). So, if students do not have access to computers, digital devices, or the Internet at home, and these things are not being used in the classroom, ultimately, they will suffer. If a student is on the disadvantaged side of the digital divide it begins to hurt their data literacy skills, digital navigation skills, problem solving skills, and critical thinking skills. Those skills are essential to surviving and being successful in the real world (Moore, et al 2018). Which is why educators and teachers today should view technology as a tool and a resource rather than a hinderance. Technology is a tool that can engage and enhance education as well as be a resource for students to learn how to think critically on their own.
- 10. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 10 Integration of Technology: Technology does not have to be scary. Integrating technology into classrooms does not have to be scary, either. Educators and teachers may feel anxious about technology or trying something new, and that is okay. Technology integration necessarily alters the traditional paradigm of the teacher providing wisdom and the student absorbing knowledge...and for good reason. The knowledge needed for tomorrow’s jobs will change before many of today’s students enter the job market. Students today must learn to search and discover knowledge, actively communicate with others, and solve problems so that they can become productive life- long members of our society (Bitner, 2002, p.97). It is important for teachers to educate themselves and invest in some personal and professional development so that they are able to understand how to effectively use and incorporate technology in their own classroom. Creating a system of support around themselves within their schools and amongst their peers will encourage schools to foster a culture of growth and support. (Ranasinghe, et al 2009) Teachers should not be afraid to fail because it will happen. Conclusion Teachers investing in their own education in tech are investing in the futures of their students. Understanding how to effectively choose technology that engages their students and enhances their educational content will directly benefits their learners. Students who experience technology in the classroom experience a positive learning environment and are influenced to be successful both in school and in the real world. Effectively understanding how to incorporate technology in today’s classrooms can help to engage and enhance content being taught in education.
- 11. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 11 References Bitner, Noel & Bitner, Joe. (2002). Integrating Technology into the Classroom: Eight Keys to Success. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education. 10. Cortez, M. B. (2017, October 16). Augmented Reality in the Classroom: Transforming Education Through Technology. https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2017/10/how-will-ar- transform-education-infographic. DiBella, K., & S.|Williams, K. (2014, November 30). Beneficial Web 2.0 Tools to Engage Learners and Maximize Learning. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1139476. Diegman, P., Schmidt-Kraepelin, M., Eynden, S., & Basten, D. (2015, March 6). Benefits of Augmented Reality in Educational Environments- A Systematic Literature Review. https://aisel.aisnet.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1102&context=wi2015. Groff, J. & Mouza, C. (2008). A Framework for Addressing Challenges to Classroom Technology Use. AACE Journal, 16(1), 21-46. Chesapeake, VA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved June 3, 2020 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/24421/. ISTE, I. S. for T. in E. (2018, December). Integrating Educational Technology into all Areas of ESSA Title IV-A. : Guide to Implementing the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant. . https://id.iste.org/docs/advocacy-resources/title-iv-a-guide.pdf?sfvrsn=2.
- 12. Why Incorporate Technology in the Classroom 12 Moore, Stawinoga, Vitale (2018). The Digital Divide and Educational Equity https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED593163.pdf Moussa, N. M. (2014). The Importance of Learning Styles in Education. Tyack, D., & Cuban, L. (2000). Teaching by machine. The Jossey-Bass Reader on Technology and Learning (pp. 247-254). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Pena-Lopez, I. (2010, January). From Laptops to Competences: Bridging the Digital Divide in Education. https://www.redalyc.org/pdf/780/78012953010.pdf. Ranasinghe, A. I., & Leisher, D. (2009). The Benefit of Integrating Technology into the Classroom . http://www.m-hikari.com/imf-password2009/37-40-2009/ranasingheIMF37- 40-2009.pdf. Tyack, D., & Cuban, L. (2000). Teaching by machine. The Jossey-Bass Reader on Technology and Learning (pp. 247-254). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Unser, C. E. (2017). A Study on The Positives and Negatives of Using Technology in the Classroom. https://digitalcommons.liu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1012&context=post_honors_th eses.