Edutopia

This article begins with an interesting question about whether technology is even necessary in education. I don't think technology is useful for every grade level or every subject but I do think there is some use for technology in almost every classroom.  I observed a variety of different classroom over the  past month and noticed that almost every one used some kind of technology. This is such a broad subject thought that we would need to address the issue in parts.

The most common use of technology I observed in the classroom was the use of a projector. I think there is a use for a projector in every classroom and this will probably be the norm in the future if it isn't already. The positives of using a projector are that teachers can show their lesson plans, access the internet, and show video clips when necessary. The disadvantages of using a projector are that they are sometimes difficult to see. In one classroom I observed the teachers was showing a document that was very hard to see on the screen. The biggest disadvantage of using this type of technology for instruction is that it has a short life and often malfunctions. I know because I used them for many years. When they malfunction your lesson for the day may be ruined.

The use of computers was the second most common use of technology I observed in the classroom. The computer can be the most useful tool for students in the classroom. It allows student to write papers and do research on the internet. To me its more valuable to teach a student how to use a computer than merely allowing students to use them. Students need to learn how to use a computer outside of work and often in the workplace so learning how to maximize the use of the computer is to me most important.

When we talk specifically about internet use for students, I think teachers should set strict limits. Most of what's on the internet is not useful in any way to students. The article talks about social media and I really find no use for social media in the classroom. I think it can be a big distraction and do more harm than good. I don't think many students are mature enough to appropriately use social media in the classroom. Many adults still aren't.