As with all classroom resources, technology has many pros and cons. While the world becomes more and more technologically advanced, the same is expected of our educational systems. With all of these advances, it is important that there is consistent and accurate research considering technology in the classroom. So much research is outdated as soon as it is published, that it is hard to keep up with what is truly effective in the classroom. Problem solving and active research are the most effective ways to insure current information and effective resources and materials for our students. List five pros and five cons of technology in the classroom. For each con state a possible solution.
Technology is here to stay, and with that, I definitely see pros and cons.
ReplyDeletePros:
1. Accessibility to mounds and mounds of information!
2. Ability to connect students to culture and people that they might otherwise never be able to experience.
3. Convenience and paperless aspect of assignment submissions.
4. Endless methods of formative and summative assessments using technology (i.e. Kahoot, Formative, NearPod, etc.)
5. Collaborative tools for students.
Cons:
1. Accessibility to mounds and mounds of information which at times limits the student's effort to actual think for themselves! Why think when you can Google it?
2. Easy means to cheating.
3. Distraction (i.e. students playing games or texting when the teacher isn't looking)
4. Plagiarism
5. Sometimes I think the students need a good ole fashion textbook/book to look at rather than a digital copy!
The majority of the pros can be fixed by the teacher consistently monitoring devices when used in the classroom. Cheating and plagiarism can be reduced through various programs that monitor for those things.
I completely agree that cheating is a major issue involved with technology in the classroom. This is why I strive to only use technology in a manner of which students benefit from the resource.
DeletePros for technology:
ReplyDeleteGreat for collaboration in the classroom.
Gets children engaged in what they are learning about.
Helps with researching topics.
Endless possibilities to connect learning to the real world.
Helps improves test taking.
Cons for technology:
Technology can be very expensive. ( You can apply for grants in your classroom to try and get more technology.)
Students already spend too much time looking at screens in their free time. (Limit how much time your students use the technology.)
Cyberbullying can happen in your classroom. (closely monitor your students and their work to be sure no one is bullying each other.)
Technology can be distracting to children. (Limit the time the students are on the technology and make sure they do not have it in their hands while you, the teacher, is talking.)
Technology makes it easier for children to cheat. (Before taking a test make sure all technology is put away and not out in a student's desk.)
If the internet goes down and you’ve planned a lesson or a test to be taken on a device, this can cause a problem. (Always have a back-up plan in case this happens.)
Having a backup plan is the most difficult part of teaching with technology. I feel as though I am not serving my students the best information if my original information is not able to be portrayed. This is why I have chosen to print any online materials we will use in each lesson. This will insure that whatever I have decided to use will be included even if we have technological issues!!!!!
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