Article Blog 4: Technology in the Classroom (February 7, 2010)

Over the past few years, the education system in America has undergone some drastic changes in technology. Teachers and members of the school board believe that advanced technology in the classroom will help better engage students leading to more efficient learning. In the article, “Turlock Christian School Upgrades Technology to Better Engage Students,” (see link: http://www.modbee.com/life/faithvalues/story/1038768.html) Sue Nowicki explains the use of a Promethean board in the classroom. It is a combination of a large computer screen and a white board which supposedly will make students more excited to learn by allowing the classrooms to be more interactive. Sherman Glenn, a superintendent in the public education sector, was quoted saying, “When I got here, we had the opportunity to upgrade their technology. There were several ways we could have done that; I chose to engage the students, because that's where learning occurs.” Nowicki also explains other techniques for students to get involved in the classroom, whether it be plotting a graph of the board in class or using hand-held devices to answer questions similar to texting on a cell phone. This Promethean board kept track of which students had answered the question and of those who were correct. This new device now makes sure that everyone participates in class which furthers the learning process.

With technology becoming a major facet in the educational system, it will allow for classrooms to be more interactive, and students will be more inclined to participate. Since we are living in a technological age and children from a very young are familiar with computers and other technology sources, some methods of teaching such as simple lectures and copying notes from a chalkboard are possibly becoming outdated. Take for example, this online class Science, Technology, and Society where the students complete all assignments online and are asked to communicate with others by using computers. This is a different style of learning that is adapting to our technological society. In the Washington Daily Globe column, “Students Using iPods to Further Education,” (see link: http://www.dglobe.com/event/article/id/32502/) Becky Duehn writes about how kindergarten and fourth grade classrooms at Prairie Elementary in Washington, D.C. are exploring new technology as a means to educate, most notably Apple’s iPod Touch. “Students are having the opportunity to learn and enjoy the curriculum in an innovative way.” New technology allows for students to be more actively engaged in their own learning process in a more fun and up-to-date teaching style. As technology continues to improve, new methods and strategies for teaching will continue to develop, ultimately reshaping society and the learning process.