Using Technology in the Classroom

Technology in the classroom is an ongoing and controversial issue, especially today in the 21st century. Should we use this? Definitely! Should we use that? No way! Opinions flare across the globe on where and how technology should and should not be used in classroom settings.

I'm not one-sided. I think technology can be beneficial in particular classrooms; however, such use needs to be harnessed. A computer should not replace the personal role of a teacher. If a student is engaging more with a computer screen than with an actual teacher, there is something wrong. I don't believe a student should soley rely on or develop a stronger relationship with a piece of technology than his/her teacher. Computers are useful and I understand that many students today will be working with such instruments when they enter the workforce later in life. Still, more importantly, it is crucial that a student learns how to interact with other human beings and that is where the teacher needs to know when to draw the line when utilizing forms of technology.

PowerPoints, YoutTube clips, and other common uses of technology I think are great in small doses. Students like seeing their teachers working and integrating what they, the students, use a lot on their own. Video clips are great visual aids and PowerPoints help organize class lessons. I think these are excellent resources for history, science, and even math teachers. Physical education, art, and music teachers also can use these resources; however, I don't think technology is really a vital necessity in these types of environments. Pencils, paints, musical instruments, baseball bats, and soccer balls are the primary sources of learning in these types of classrooms/fields. Students need to actually practice, play, and experiment to learn how to enhance these skills. You can tell a student all about how to paint a particular portrait through a lecture or PowerPoint presentation but he/she will never really develop such a skill until he/she dives into it on their own.

Technology is definitely useful but use it wisely and in applicable areas.