Classroom Technology Integration
Love it or hate it, it's here to stay. Get the facts.
How can technology integration in K-12 classrooms lead to greater student learning and success?
What's the big idea?
If you haven't noticed, schools all over the nation and globe are beginning to incorporate some kind of technology integration within their classrooms, school issued devices and BYOD programs are two of the most popular to date. But are these devices really making a differences in student learning or success? Research indicates educational technology does create more positive outcomes and skills for students than the potential negatives. Find out why below!
Research in favor of technology integration is showing...
Integrating technology in schools helps students develop 21st century skills that will be useful and necessary when they entire college or the work force. Such skills include critical thinking and problem solving, communication skills, collaboration and team work, creativity and innovation, and leadership skills. Students will benefit greatly by fostering these skills and abilities early in their school career and become healthy and productive members of society.
Students have an entire world's worth of information at their finger tips. Students with access to the internet and computer skills are able to gather information and correspond with people from all over the world, broadening their opinions and increasing their ability to see things from another person's perspective. The accessibility also makes it easier and much more convenient for collaboration between peers, parents, teachers, and other people out in the community. Group work and research projects are made a breeze with the help of classroom technology.
For digital natives, a phone, tablet, or laptop can be seen as an additional appendage. Children in this generation rely on technology for communication with family and friends, entertainment, and learning. Research shows that will the increase of technology in classrooms, more students are excited to learn! Because they are learning using devices they are comfortable and experienced with, students are happily completing more homework assignments, group work, and for some, continuing their education. The technology inspired excitement to learn is leading to a lower drop out rate for some areas in our nation.
Not everyone agrees
Of course nothing is ever completely agreed upon, especially a new topic like technology integration, that goes completely against the traditional practice of schools. Critics of technological integration of schools are voicing their concerns about possible negative effects for these digital natives.
Research opposing is showing...
Technology can be used as a distraction in class and from homework. Research shows that students that bring laptops to class are spending significant amounts of time not focused on class material.
Some students may have an unfair disadvantage if their family is not financially able to provide the new technology. Likewise, some districts are cutting faculty, programs, and extracurriculars in order to purchase mass amounts of devices for students.
BYOD vs. 1:1
There are two different types of programs that schools are using to incorporate technology within their classrooms. Let's look at the differences between Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and student-issued device (1:1) programs.
So, what have we learned?
It's been a fun and interesting journey learning about technology integration in K-12 schools. You may feel unsure about your opinion on the topic at this point, and that's perfectly okay. I've realized that there is no right or wrong answer because the issue is still new. There has not been enough research completed to support either side. Longitudinal research takes many, many years to complete and with how fast technology is evolving, it is difficult to track the progress and effects of technology integration of K-12 classrooms. So for now, do the research, read some testimonials and form your own opinion about the best way to learn!
Want More Info?
Email: rebecca.powers@uga.edu
Website: rjpedit2000.weebly.com
Location: UGA, Aderhold Hall