Technology is becoming an essential component of our global society and integration into the classroom is vital. Students today have exposure to technologies at much younger ages, and this can often be a benefit within a classroom. However, teachers must strive to stay updated and make use of this tool. Technology today is much more than learning the basic computer skills or using it as a communication tool. Technology can help create more meaningful education for teachers and students, increase parent participation, and better prepare our students for their future careers. These are only a few of the many benefits of using technology within the classroom that I will discuss.
Technology benefits teachers by helping to manage many responsibilities. Teachers have a difficult job to provide students with a variety of information, monitor and record student progress, reflect on each experience, and refine for future lessons. Easy access to information on the internet helps to research background knowledge and quickly answer student questions When we model this use of technology to our students, they will vicariously learn how to access information on their own. Keeping track of student data by using available software programs designed to help manage student files and assessments has elevated the level of professionalism in the teaching field. Using technology to create interactive presentations that can be refined and built upon for the following year saves time and energy. It also allows for greater creativity as we can make few changes instead of starting over again. Lastly, student motivation is increased when they have a more meaningful experience. Projects that allow students to discover their interests on a given topic are greatly enhanced by the use of technology. There are many ways that teachers can use technology, and the benefits continue to surface.
Parents and guardians also benefit significantly from the use of technology within a classroom. Parental consent forms, inquires, or general information can be sent out through electronic newsletters, posted on a classroom blog, or emailed independently. This increased communication can build a stronger classroom community that all participants can appreciate. Any way to simplify the logistics and the needs within a classroom helps to make a more successful environment.
The main goal of our classrooms are to help educate our children and to prepare them for their future. The reality is that our children are being introduced to technology earlier because it is so prevalent in our society. They will witness tremendous growth throughout their lifetime and helping them to have computer literacy as part of their education is critical for them to develop the needed skills-set for their future careers.
As with any topic, there is always a ‘flip-side.’ There are drawbacks to using technology, such as equipment malfunctions, miscommunications, falsely represented information, or access to inappropriate materials. We also need to teach our students proper computer etiquette and media literacy. But shouldn’t these ideas be included in the curriculum in order to foster knowledgeable and thoughtful young individuals anyways? Using technology as the platform to discuss these important skills allows us to enrich our curriculum even more. In conclusion, helping our students to learn how to use technology responsibly and successfully will continue to grow as a necessary component of each classroom.
