Most K-12 public school teachers have at least one computer in their classroom. But far beyond the scope of simple desktop computers, most teachers also report a variety of other technology devices at school – LCD screens or projectors, digital cameras, and interactive whiteboards . But with the advent of classroom technology, and increasingly more options for teachers and administrators, the question must be asked: what are the pros and cons of having technology in the classroom? class ?
What is Class Tech?
Technology in the classroom is the incorporation of technology into school classrooms, laboratories, lecture halls and auditoriums, with the aim of supporting other learning and teaching initiatives. There are many types of technology used in the classroom that you might encounter in today’s modern school, including:
Software and applications enable various forms of teaching and automation and support and complement various forms of learning
Does technology in the classroom help students learn?
Although a few studies have been done, few have provided a sufficient baseline. Also, because technology in the classroom is relatively new (within the last 20 years for the oldest tools!) and it is difficult to quantify the real impact of technology on overall retention. What is relatively accepted, however, is that the use and implementation of technology in the classroom plays a very important role in the effectiveness of technology in the learning environment.
For example, if a teacher receives an interactive flat panel – like the Clear Touch 6000K – but only uses it to set up the morning schedule, it is questionable whether this technology is being used effectively or not. This is especially true when such a tool offers a huge number of possibilities, from collaborative learning to online research, to creative tools and applications, and much more.
In short, the first step to ensuring that technology in the classroom helps students learn and retain information is to ensure that technology is used to its fullest potential.
Disadvantages of technology in the classroom
While adding technology to classrooms has many benefits, the landscape has its own challenges. Here are some disadvantages (or perceived disadvantages) of having technology in the classroom.
Fight distraction
Although the introduction of technology in the classroom is intended to guide students in their studies, if left unregulated or unchecked, it can become a distraction. Imagine a 1:1 system where 20 elementary students each have their own tablet: Internet browsing will always trump studying for the next quiz. In this case, using parental locks or time when all technology is put aside can help keep everyone on task.
Less social interaction
The debate between digital and social has been very heated for some time now, but one of the main concerns of many people about the addition of new technologies in the classroom is that it will reduce social interaction. If this is not necessarily the case (as we have seen with products such as interactive multi-touch screens), the question remains for parents and teachers. Teachers can address these concerns by using apps and tools that invite collaboration, as well as ideas like small group time and screen sharing.
Greater availability for cheating
With today’s technologically savvy young people, the potential for access to information is significantly higher, although in many cases it is also completely avoidable. Most information these days can be encrypted and password-protected, and the use of monitoring software can be an extra help for busy administrators.
More time for lesson planning
As teachers and administrators add technology elements to their courses, it makes sense that at some point technology fatigue sets in, especially if they try to use each element to its fullest potential and his abilities. Keep in mind that having a technology doesn’t just mean using it – it also means teachers need to learn each platform, troubleshoot it if necessary, enter the required data, and train students to use it. Schools that implement these solutions can mitigate these challenges by distributing responsibilities – including IT directors and curriculum directors in the decision-making and implementation processes.
School equipment costs
Regardless of the type of technology implementation, there is one overriding concern: “How do I pay for it? Adding any type of technology can be costly. To avoid buyer’s remorse, be sure to do your homework, get the best price and the right solution for your school or classroom.
Benefits of technology in the classroom
Despite all the challenges technology in the classroom can reveal, there are a number of reasons why it’s good to keep our classrooms up to date with the best that technology has to offer. Here are some benefits of having technology in the classroom.
Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders and workforce, and in a modern world, technology isn’t just a work tool, it’s an essential life skill. let everyone understand. More so, students who can master this all-encompassing “understanding” of technology in general and adapt to any application or software that is offered to them, will be at the forefront of tomorrow’s businesses and organizations.
No more outdated study programs
Gone are the days of outdated history books or inheriting your father’s old geometry text. Thanks to technology, learning platforms are not only up-to-date, they are in many cases also. Additionally, there are a number of websites and software that can offer lessons on current topics for teachers and students.
The world (and more) is at your fingertips
When it comes to access to information, today’s technology options offer much more than you can learn from a book. For example, today’s students don’t just learn about spaceflight: they can experience a flight simulator, crack a rocket engine, align stars in space, and even learn to brush their teeth in anti-gravity, all without leaving the classroom.
Better student engagement
Although studies on this topic have been limited, one thing is clear: when learning is made fun, students are more engaged and more likely to learn and retain that information. By implementing technology – especially team-based learning and technology options – teachers can not only engage their students, but also provide them with a rich learning environment.
While it is true that more technology means more time for teachers, the reality is that there are a number of options (particularly software and apps) that can make teachers’ jobs easier, more efficient and more rational. Think online lesson planning software, grading built into the lessons themselves, and more.
Whether you are personally for or against adding new technologies to today’s classrooms, it is worth exploring the options available. After assessing the needs of your classroom (or school), do the research on the types of technologies you could use (hardware and software). You might determine that bringing something new is worth taking on the small challenges it may take to implement it. And yes, it can be overwhelming, but we Clear Touch are always here to help you along the way; schedule a demo with us to learn more about the solutions we offer.
