Is technology in the classroom helpful or distracting? In the age of technology, the twenty-first century, in which we live it is impossible not to be surrounded by smart devices everywhere we go. At the train station the other day every single person, myself included was either listening to music on or looking down at their smart phones. Both the young and old are getting involved in the use of every day technology, more and more ‘digital natives’ as Prensky defines are becoming the creators and innovators of upgrades in tech (Prensky, 2001). More commonly now there is technology being moved into the classroom, from laptops to interactive whiteboards the more advancing technology is moved it. Considering that most children these days have technology in their homes it is probably very useful to teach them important skills about appropriate use and intricate ways to use it. It also offers opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds to learn and keeps their prospective career futures open, if a child does not learn to use a computer during school then how can they be expected to submit their assessments online whilst at university. Ashley Wainwright has similar points as to why technology is useful for as it can excite students and enhance the learning that is taking place within the classroom (Wainwright, 2013). However, it is understandable that some have reservations about the use of certain technologies in a community setting. For example, if there is more individual computer learning there may be less actual interaction between children in a class, especially if children are using smart devices during play times that were usually reserved for active play. Contrasty, I think the supervised use of technology is far more beneficial, at appropriate times, than harmful. It also can help teachers to create classroom environments that mimic the growing society outside of school. It can assist teachers in keeping up to date with the ‘digital natives’ even if they are ‘digital immigrants’ themselves (Prensky, 2001). References: Prensky, M. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants Part 1. On the Horizon, 9(5), 1-6. Wainwright, A. (2013, 24 September). 10 Reasons Today's Students NEED Technology in the Classroom.[article].Retrieved 27 August 2016, from http://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/10-Reasons-Today-s-Students-NEED-Technology-in-the-Classroom Gif: https://www.fractuslearning.com/2014/04/02/edtech-gifs/ What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.
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Courtney MorrisonAspiring primary teacher and hopeful blogger ArchivesCategories
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