Technology in the Classroom: The Constant Change, Variety, and Cost.

Technology in the Classroom: The Constant Change, Variety, and Cost.

      1.        Why is it important to learn about different technology tools when they are constantly changing?

Our world is constantly changing and teachers need to help their students learn how to adapt to an ever-changing world.  Technology is a large part of our world and if teachers are to help students acquire adaptation skills that are necessary to function in today’s society, then they also need to keep up with the changes in technology.  Because technology is continuously changing, people run the risk of becoming obsolete by not keeping up with the changes.  It’s as simple as Darwin’s “Survival of the Fittest” theory.  Adaptation is the key to success in the modern world and educators are responsible for assisting students in learning how constantly adapt in a world that is in a state of constant change.

2.       Most desktop computers do the same things as mobile devices, so why do teachers need to use both?

While it is true that mobile devices and desktop computers are able to do most of the same things, there are two things that sets them apart mobility and accessibility.  Laptops, tablets, and cell phones can all be used on the go, whereas a desktop is stationary and the user must travel to it.  Also, nearly everyone has a cell phone making them a tool that teachers can utilize easily (Barseghian, KQED.org).  Most students are attached to their phone which can provide an educator with a method of connecting technologically with their students.  Embracing this technology and using it in the classroom can help the students learn important skills and ethically concepts.  Also, this technology is cost effective for the schools because they are not responsible for the costs of the phones or data plans.   

3.       How can the cost of digital devices be justified when the functions they perform are often limited in number and scope?

Adding technology to a classroom changes the dynamic completely, students become active learners and teachers become guides to aid in learning (Richtel, nytime.com).  This active role the students take in their education helps to keep their interest as well as inspire curiosity (University of Delaware, udel.edu).  Students will have a deeper understanding of concepts through student-centered active learning methods and technology is a great tool to aid in this process.  Also, technology is a large part of society today and is a required skill to function outside the classroom in the real world; students must be prepared for this if we expect them to succeed.

 

References

Barseghian, Tina.  Amidst a Mobile Revolution in Schools, Will Old Teaching Tactics Work?  (2012) http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/03/amidst-a-mobile-revolution-in-schools-will-old-teaching-tactics-prevail/

Richtel, Matt. In Classroom of Future, Stagnant Scores. (2011). http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/technology/technology-in-schools-faces-questions-on-value.html?pagewanted=all

University of Delaware.  Student Participation: Learning About Active Learning. http://cte.udel.edu/publications/handbook-graduate-assistants/student-participation-learning-about-active-learning.html

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