What do I know and think about technology in the classroom

“What do I know and think about integrating technology in the classroom”

     When I was attending high- school, technology in the classroom would go as far as having a computer lab that we would go to, and for no apparent reason or realistic application, we were introduced to computer programming and technologies. Fortunately since then, technology in the classroom means more than teaching basic computer skills and software programs and programing in a separate computer class. 

     There has been a lot of development in classroom technology and effective technology integration after researches showed that it has to happen across the curriculum in ways that will deepen and enhance the learning process. In particular, it must support four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world applications.

    Technology integration can be achieved when the use of technology is routine and transparent and when technology supports curricular goals. There is a myriad of resources online that can provide each classroom with more interesting, diverse, and current learning materials. The Web connects students to real world applications of technology that they will need to master depending their choice of profession but more importantly, provides numerous opportunities for understanding through images, sound, and text. 

     Technology in the classroom has great potential in promoting holistic and kinesthetic learning skills. The use of images and videos has been known as “visual aid” for some years. Now with the added dimension provided by the use of Interactive White Boards and computers in classrooms students have the opportunity to manipulate and/or change images, videos, texts, sources of information and participate in their learning process in a way that is more active and makes most of their unique individual learning channels and patterns.

 
I have worked in a Language Institute where we made use of the Interactive White Boards to teach English and I have seen the benefits in comparison with my private tutoring  sessions. Students, especially young children were excited and highly motivated to participate in activities, even such as practicing vocabulary, when they  could get to draw a colored circle around the object on the picture for which they heard the word. Seeing that in my classes led me to assign as homework for my private tutored students, online interactive games that practice vocabulary, math or geography and saw they had much more will to and actually doing their homework.

     There are many interactive websites that provide students with fun ways to learn and practice materials in almost every subject and to view results in graphic ways that aid in understanding. And, as an added benefit, with technology tools and a project-learning approach, students are more likely to stay engaged and on task, reducing behavioral problems in the classroom.

Technology also changes the way teachers teach, offering educators effective ways to reach different types of learners and assess student understanding through multiple means. It also enhances the relationship between teacher and student. When technology is effectively integrated into subject areas, teachers grow into roles of adviser, content expert, and coach. Technology helps make teaching and learning more meaningful and fun.