Critical Review: Teaching With Technology

Over the last couple of years there have been massive debates and arguments about whether technology should be used in schools. Before someone could make up their mind about which one should be chose here are some example of why technology should be in schools. Technology benefits and aids in many areas of education, such as economics, learning, and teaching.

The question is: “Are computer’s truly effective in learning?” Many would argue that computers are an essential component while others believe that while a computer or technology will be able to function in ways that mimic human such as walking or talking, they have not mastered many other skills that human being possess. In article titled, Wire All Schools? Not So Fast” by Michael Dertouzos, Dertouzos argues that we (America) should perhaps look to our neighbors and possibly take on their ways of learning. This article was written in 1998 and we have now reached a different level of technology use here in the United States.

This case study will assist stakeholders with making informed decisions on utilizing technology based resource within their curriculum. The XYZ district is a very small school system. Only 20% of teachers are currently trained and instructing with various technology tools, which are problems created by mistrust of technology or hesitation born from frustration or lack of confidence and adequate training and funding (Ruggiero & Mong, 2015).This study is essential because it can supply an example of teaching and learning with one-to-one computing and establish a comprehensive understanding of ways to maximize diverse technology tools within the curriculum. Although teachers within this school district have access to the Internet and online subscriptions, many teachers are not utilizing the potential of educational benefits that technology resources offer (Blau & Peled, 2012). Teacher technology support within the XYZ school district is essential to integrate available technology tools into the curriculum effectively (Helms, 2014). While this school district is making considerable progress in incorporating technological resources within the curriculum effectively, a need exists for further development in leveraging technology within the curriculum (GaDOE, 2008). In 21st Century classrooms, electronic hardware and software can support numerous resources for differentiated lessons to students with access to these resources

The school must work to include all children in the main activities in the class where ever possible and encourage the participation of all pupils in the curriculum and school life.

believe the positive learning environment, the increased responibility of the students, and the improved safety at the school are reasons to support an overall improved learning

In today’s modern society technology plays a huge role in everyday life. Technology has a big position in education. Today students use laptops for school on an everyday basis to take notes, work on assignments, and research. Many people agree that, when it comes to education, technology can either be very harmful or very helpful. Timothy D. Snyder, a history professor at the University of Yale has written five award-winning books. In Snyder’s article, “Why laptops in class are distracting America’s future workforce”, he believes that “removing laptops from the classroom gives students a chance to focus, and a chance to learn” (274). Thomas L. Friedman, who is a known author and reporter for the New York Times, would disagree with Timothy Snyder. Friedman, also an award winning author, wrote six bestselling books. Friedman argues in his article, “Come to Revolution”, that “online-only education is the solution to the problems of higher education”

Computers will help the Students to go beyond the textbook to gain knowledge of complicated themes on real-world disorders, such as the water exceptional of their communities or the historical past of their city, examining expertise from multiple sources, together with the internet and interviews with authorities. Computer based classwork is more stressful than traditional guide-based guide, where students could memorize tips from a single supply. As a substitute, students make use of common documents and information, studying concepts covered in common courses however studying them in additional meaningful approaches. Projects can last weeks; multiple tasks can cover complete guides.

In my past 23 years I have had a number of “big moves”, either moving between schools or moving between countries. For the purpose of this essay, I will speak about my first “big move”, which was when I was 12 years old. Although I wasn’t aware of it then, I realise now that I was subconsciously using elements of the ADKAR theory. According to Hiatt (2006), the ADKAR Theory focuses on change down to the individual. The ADKAR Theory of change can be broken down into 5 steps, Awareness – to create an understanding for the need for change, Desire – to create a desire so people support the change, Knowledge – to provide information so people know how to change, Ability – to provide training so people get the skills in order to implement the change

Validity: This source is suitable because it give the general facts of technology and the perceptions and impacts in performance of learners and the adaptability and teaching of teachers. This fits in with the topic chosen which means that it is valid for this research task. It also contains one of the aims in the research

Technology use in classrooms is often employed for all the wrong reasons—such as convenience, pressure from school administrators, the belief that students need to be entertained, and so on. It presents the opportunity to employ powerful cognitive tools that can be used by students to solve complex and authentic problems. In order for this to occur, however, technology needs to be used in theoretically sound ways, and it needs to be used by students rather than teachers. Practical ways are presented for technology to be used effectively and meaningfully in school classrooms that are based on principles of authentic learning.

Regarding attitude and behavior, and the relationship between them, one of the most influential theories is Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) proposed by Ajzen&Fishbein (1980). According to TRA, user’s attitudes influence his/her behavior or action. If a student or teacher hold positive attitude toward using computer in the teaching and learning, he will seek different ways to incorporate technology in the classroom. Soon afterwards, relying on Theory of Reasoned Action, another attitude-behavior theory was proposed, called “Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)”.

When new technologies are integrated into the classroom both teachers and students need to become accustomed to it before they can fully reap the benefits. Because of this, "teachers' first technology projects generate excitement but often little content learning. Often it takes a few years until teachers can use technology effectively in core subject areas (Goldman, Cole, & Syer, 1999)."

Kolb's experiential learning style theory (1974) is typically represented by a four stage learning cycle in which the learner 'touches all the bases', as presented in figure 1 below.

As information and communication technology access expands in the developing world, learning technologies have the opportunity to play a growing role to enhance and supplement strained educational systems. Goal to promote an understanding of prevailing conditions that impact preparation, these latter conditions include the academic and professional development components of preparation, including their emphasis on multicultural and international issues (Oakland et al, 2014).

Looking up from my reading my history book I realize something I have become so accustomed to: the amount of technology being used in the classroom. Everyone is on their school issued iPads. Some appear to be glued to the screen like they’re watching something, and others look like madmen with their fingers flying across the keyboard, trying to keep up with the lecture. The lecture is on a laptop which is connected to a projector, putting it up on a Smartboard. Long gone are the days of blackboards and chalk. This is the new age. The age of technology. Some students find the introduction of technology beneficial to their lives, and others find it detrimental. Nevertheless technology should still be welcomed into the school system, but should