Technology in the Classroom

Technology in the Classroom

 COMPUTERS 

Over the years, our school technology has changed immensely. As technology has picked up so has our addiction to all the latest gadgets and inventions. Whether is using the chalkboard, white board, smart board or ipad, everyone’s experience has been similar. Technology in the classroom has both improved and hindered ones education. Sarah Kessler believes that, “Technology is helping teachers to expand beyond linear, text-based learning and to engage students who learn best in other ways. Its role in schools has evolved from a contained “computer class” into a versatile learning tool that could change how we demonstrate concepts, assign projects and assess progress” (8 Ways Technology Is Improving Education). Students with particular learning disabilities may find the technology extremely helpful, especially when the student is a visual learner. After being diagnosed with a disability when I was in 3^rd grade it became obvious that I had an extreme weakness when it came to math. By using different types of math software with a tutor I was able to improve my math skills. The idea of using computers is supported in Conrad Wolfram's speech saying, “I believe that correctly using computers is the silver bullet for making math education work”. At 1:05 in the video above he supports the use of computers in classrooms, explaining that kids simply lose interest in math because it does not connect to the real world, especially when students are doing tedious computing my hand. At Lexington High School there were multiple computer labs and carts of lap tops, however these are being used constantly, causing most students to see math as a painful class period. 

TELEVISIONS

In addition to using computers almost every classroom had a television or access to a television at any time. I found that using the televisions was beneficial is almost every classroom setting but only if it directly correlated to the class. For instance in English class, after reading a book we would often watch the movie. This helped with clearing up any confusion about the novel and put a face to the characters, making the tests or paper that followed much easier to write.

 When an abstract idea was being taught in class, like molecules or the reaction between two different chemicals videos were extremely useful. They were able to teach lessons that cannot be seen and warn us of the dangers that we never want to experience. These videos can also be instructional, giving demonstrations to the visual learners in the room. Things like learning the periodic table became easier after watching informative videos about the different properties. 

                

Overall, my experience with technology in the classroom was what I considered to be average for public schools in my area. Televisions, smart boards, and and computer labs were used rarely in my education. White boards were used daily along with older projectors. Lesson plans were always based around the technology that was available. Due to my lack of exposure to technology I feel it has put me behind when beginning college.