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I imagine the ease of being able to pull out my fully typed lap report or essay and being able to send it to the teacher via e-mail. Thankfully, schools have been transitioning into a more technological era and are taking the steps necessary to implement technology into the classroom. There are many aspects a school has to consider when making this technological leap, but the most important factors by far are the engagement of the students, the ease of the technology in the classroom, and he relationship between the teacher and the student.
While some may argue that technology can decrease the engagement of the students and “may seriously mess up children’s informational metabolism” (Source C), if used in the right environment and context, technology can, in fact, engage students even more. When used in an educational way, a laptop or tablet can be exactly what a student needs to get their undivided attention. Kids already live in a day and age where the internet and its mountains of information are available at the touch of a finger.
When they go to school and are forced to use traditional contraries and encyclopedias, it’s like being transported back to the Stone Age. Why not build 2 that Empire High School in Arizona is making “the laptops the key ingredient of the cake”. By adjusting school to the student’s needs, you can make them more engaged. Some critics of this technology claim that the internet is a scary place that “it’s also full of lies, garbage, and pornography so revolting you can’t even describe. ” (Source E). Haven’t you ever heard of web filters? Apparently not.
However, despite their doubts, there are many ways to ensure that the students are kept on track and stay way from these oh-so scary websites. Besides, it’s not like this is a new problem; most schools have computers readily available for their students to use and have already solved this problem through previously stated methods. At this point there’s no arguing that technology would only serve to increase the engagement of the students in the classroom, not hinder it. Another aspect to consider is whether or not the technology will increase the ease of learning in the classroom.
By allowing students to access the internet to communicate with the teacher and other students, you make the learning process easier. Many schools are allowing students to post assignments online “so other students can easily read and critique them” (Source B). In a way, switching to technology is like switching to a different tool. Let’s say a farmer plants crops using the same tools his family has used for generations. When a new cheaper and more efficient tool comes out it would be irrational for the farmer to continue using his old tools for the sake of tradition.
By switching to technology we are changing a task that was once done using pencil and paper, but “today belongs to the zeroes and nest” (source D). Despite the facts, some people are still skeptical and question if this new technology will affect the children’s ability to learn. Writer Esther Tyson asks if the children “will… Be able to discern cause and effect, put together a coherent story line, think scientifically, [or] read a book with a single 3 argument rather than a set of essays? ” (Source C). This argument is falsified due to the fact that a child’s ability to learn isn’t solely dependent on the tools they use to do so.
This same situation occurred years ago when schools began to first put amputees into the classrooms and libraries of schools. These new computers would not be able to determine whether or not one student is better than another. If a student is smart and a hard worker, the different technologies they use to do their work won’t change those characteristics about them; it will only allow them to do what they do faster. While some cases might deter the learning process, it’s obvious that when considering the simplicity of learning in the classroom, technology is the way to go.
The last thing to consider when switching to technology is how it will affect the allegations between the teacher and the student. By becoming more technologically capable, the teacher is able to bridge the generation gap that once separated the old and the new. For many years there has been a struggle for teachers to feel on the same level as their students and be able to understand what they need in order to learn. With technology, they can become closer to their students and perhaps be able to bond with those that once thought of their teachers as nothing more than strangers.
Also, it allows students and teachers to communicate outside the lassoer through forums and blobs so that the student can get extra help and the teacher can understand what they need to work on. Through this process, “the educators are beginning to interact with students, parents, and each other in ways they never have before. ” (Source B). Through technology, we can better connect students and teachers to make learning more enjoyable. As time goes on the technology that humans develop seems to get crazier and crazier. With motion sensing and AD devices, it’s almost unbelievable that our generation will live to see these things established.
It’s also quite amazing what we eave been able to accomplish in such a 4 short amount of time compared to how long the earth has been around. Our efforts shouldn’t go to waste and we should continue to implement this new-found technology into our society and daily lives; and the classroom is no exception. Plus, it also makes my life easier as I won’t have to drag around piles of textbooks quite so often. Because of the advantages of an increased level of learning in the classroom, more engaged students.