When in Doubt Bring Technology Out!
By Alex Damon, Ashlynn Baker and Kelsie McCafferty
About Our Mission
Technology and students use of it are evolving at incredible rates. Many believe its emergence has created a great distraction for students. Just as it is important to download updates on a computer, it is also important to update our resources in the classroom. For some education settings technology is seen in a less than positive light. However, it is crucial to change these misconceptions and prepare students for a world of technology in which they can be productive. Turning technology into an educational resource versus a distraction is only one step of the process. Integrating the efficient use of technology goes beyond the classroom.
Several studies have shown the effectiveness of technology in the classroom. According to The Impact of Education Technology on Student Achievement, it has allowed students to learn more in less time and has helped to develop more positive attitudes within the technology based classrooms. Not only was productivity increased, but studies also show that students who used computer-based instruction scored higher than those who did not on achievement tests. Though the level of effectiveness of technology was dependent on many different factors; it provided positive experiences and increased self-concept among students. (Schacter)
It is the role of the educator to use technology in a way that enhances learning. It is a powerful tool, according to a survey conducted by PBS, 74% of teachers believed that technology helped them to be able to dive deeper into content and also allowed them to demonstrate concepts that they would otherwise not be able to.
In a world dominated by technology, it is important to for students to know how to use it effectively. Bringing it into the classroom not only extends learning resources and tools, but it also helps center learning around the learner. When in doubt bring technology out.Alex's Interview
Bio: Cassie Ladenburg has been teaching in the Columbia Falls School District since 2008. Her experience using technology of all sorts to enhance learning provides an excellent perspective on technology’s effectiveness in the classroom.
In what way have you found technology useful in the classroom?
We use technology to play music throughout the day, smart boards, and ipads for stations. Students can use iPads to write, record interviews, and plot sequencing, and use many other educational apps. I have the students use the iPads and create their own story sequencing using “Puppet Pals” to check for individual understanding. It is also very self-reflective for the students, they can create something using technology and reflect on what they have created. It is also helpful for incorporating movement into the classroom using GoNoodle.
In what way do you think technology could hinder productivity?
The students definitely need a chance to play and explore new apps and technology before they are asked to create using it.
In what way do you think technology could increase productivity in the classroom?
By having students go on to the IPads individually, I can see how they are using them and check on their learning and see what I need to focus on. We also use Plickers, which are cards that each student that can be used to answer multiple choice questions quickly. The pictures are so similar so students have no idea what the person sitting next to them is choosing.
How can technology be used to enhance learning outside of the classroom?
There is a misconception where technology is seen as an arcade, however there are copious amounts of educational apps out there for kids such as razkids, educreations, and popplets.
How can technology be used in a classroom to enhance learning?
If you look at Bloom’s Taxonomy you can see creating involves a higher level of understanding of a subject matter and helps create a sense of pride in students work. I believe students should be able to create any chance they can.
Do you think students should be required to take a course on online etiquette?
Yes, each year when a student enters a class we remind them of the correct etiquette. We actually have a blog that students use and remind them how powerful words are, making sure they are using language that is not hurtful. You can even see them editing their words when on the blog.
Ashlynn's Interview
Bio: Zachary Baker is a senior at Columbia Falls High School. He is planning on attending the University of Montana Western in Dillon, MT to play football for the Bulldogs, and to major in Secondary Education with an emphasis on physical education with a minor in coaching.
What is your use of technology in the classroom?
Typing papers and such, googling stuff and notes in some classes a lot and in other not at all. I also have classes that allow me to use my phone.
Do you think it is important to incorporate technology in the classroom, why or why not?
Yes, because it is easier than writing and looking stuff up, which makes the classroom more productive because the kids don’t have to work as hard and don’t as get as bored.
What is your favorite activity using technology in the classroom?
Texting. (He said jokingly) Probably research and notes because sometimes I cannot read my handwriting.
In what way do you think technology could hinder productivity?
Texting.
In what way do you think technology could increase productivity in the classroom?
Googling is way easier and it’s quicker. You can do your slides and then you can present. Mrs. Lovering has a fancy doohickey that you can plug into the presenter and you can present.
How can technology be used to enhance learning outside of the classroom?
It makes everything more accessible. I can do everything that I need to do on my phone. I have all the googles, the google apps and such.
How can technology be used in a classroom to enhance learning?
You can give your students responsive programs. Especially with a spanish class if the teacher cannot pronounce English very well. So you can have the program tell you how it is supposed to sound in español and inglés.
How do you think technology impacts student communication skills?
It does and it doesn’t. It can increase it because everyone is so accessible to talk to that you would need to.
Do you think students should be required to take a course on online etiquette?
Yes so they don’t get all those creepers coming in saying “Hey girl,” and you saying “I’m twelve,” and really the guy is forty-eight.
Do you think students should be able to use SOCIAL MEDIA as a means to enhance learning and communication in the classroom? Why or why not?
No, because it is too much distraction. Because you can go into Facebook, scroll through your news feed and look at things not class related.
Kelsie's Interview
Bio: Brandi is a 22 year old step-mother of two elementary girls. She offers a unique perspective to the conversation as a parent, as well as a former student who grew up with technology emerging in the classroom.
Do you think it is important for your child to use technology in the classroom?
I think it is. They say in 10 years all the jobs we are learning now will be outdated by technology. They need a head start and need to know how to work it correctly.
Do you think it is important to incorporate technology in the classroom, why or why not?
I think it is important to learn balance of having technology but still being a functional social person and it is good to learn that early in life and practice because it is easy to get pulled into technology.
Do you think technology hinders productivity? If so, how?
Yes, If it is not monitored correctly because there is a lot you can do as far as distractions. I think that if it is monitored correctly there is no bad effect though if you are being lazy about it then it becomes a problem and they get pulled in.
In what way do you think technology could increase productivity in the classroom?
I think there is and lot of programs that are geared to help kids learn and people do stuff. It provides a different type of productivity than we have seen in the past.
How can technology be used in a classroom to enhance learning?
I think it is a different type of learning, and I think in certain areas it is more efficient. It is easier to do research they are able to access more resources when they are not at school. I also think that the cloud is great for kids because everything is in one place.
Do you think students should be required to take a course on online etiquette?
Yes. I think it is important first of all from a business perspective to know how to communicate professionally, to be able to send a professional letter or email. I think it will be beneficial for them as they get into the professional world as well as how to communicate online.