Most of our students today have technology at their fingertips. According to an article on Edutopia, “More and more studies show that technology integration in the curriculum improves students' learning processes and outcomes. Teachers who recognize computers as problem-solving tools change the way they teach. They move from a behavioral approach to a more constructivist approach. Technology and interactive multimedia are more conducive to project-based learning. Students are engaged in their learning using these powerful tools, and can become creators and critics instead of just consumers” (Edutopia, 2007). Our students have to be equipped to handle the technology world we live in today. Technology integration in the classroom allows students to be more responsible for their learning, stay engaged in the learning process, conduct research, interact with the lesson being taught, and open up a new way for the students to learn material as well as a new way for teachers to assess the learning that is taking place. Ashley Wainwright gives her top ten reasons of why schools need technology in place in the classroom. They are:
References
Wainwright, A. (n.d.). 10 Reasons Today's Students NEED Technology in the Classroom. Retrieved from http://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/10-Reasons-Today-s-Students-NEED-Technology-in-the-Classroom
Why Do We Need Technology Integration? (2007, November 5). Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-importance
- Technology that is implemented correctly will help our students be better prepared for the wireless world around them.
- Technology allows for a multiple of learning styles and modalities to be met in one lesson.
- Technology encourages students to work together which in turn teaches them how to collaborate with their peers and be team players.
- We are a technology dependent world. Almost everyone has a social network account and a smartphone. Integrating technology in the classroom will help our students be aware of and be able to use technology when they reach the real world. We need our students to be technology proficient so they can be able to compete with others who are also technology proficient.
- Technology helps students stay engaged because it allows them to interact with their learning and keeps them involved in the learning process.
- Students are excited to use technology and therefore behavior problems are reduced. Students are excited to learn because they have technology to help them learn the material.
- Technology keeps us connected to the real world and allows the students to have access to live information with the touch of a button. Students can access information from all around the world quickly and easily.
- Technology brings the classroom environment into a student centered learning environment verses the teacher centered learning environment. The teacher then becomes a mentor to the students and encourages them as they learn.
- Technology allows students to become more responsible for their learning which helps them become lifelong learners. It enables them to become better problem solvers and critical thinkers.
- Technology allows students to have access to eBooks so they are not having to lug around book bags that are weighed down with outdated textbooks. Plus eBooks or digital books are cheaper than traditional textbooks. (Wainwright, n.d.).
References
Wainwright, A. (n.d.). 10 Reasons Today's Students NEED Technology in the Classroom. Retrieved from http://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/10-Reasons-Today-s-Students-NEED-Technology-in-the-Classroom
Why Do We Need Technology Integration? (2007, November 5). Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-importance