Running Head: UNLEASH THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY

Unleash the Power of Technology in Education Alexa de la Torre Molloy College

UNLEASH THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY Abstract

The author discusses the various patterns in schools today regarding technology in the classroom. It is understandable that changes are occurring in the classroom as the years progress involving technology. Loertscher addresses a variety of valid points on the different views on schools and how technology can impact the classroom. It can be understood that technological advancements can greatly impact teachers and students in a positive way.

UNLEASH THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY Unleash the Power of Technology in Education In todays society it can be understood that there are many changes in technology that have greatly impacted the classrooms all over America. The devices offered for students and

teachers are becoming far more advanced than ever seen before. Years ago arrived the infamous and rare Smart Board. Now, Smart Boards are found in every classroom and it is more rare to not see one. However, Smart Boards are simply the starting point for where technologyy has begun to take off from. In todays world we see that there are more eBooks, kindles, digitalized textbooks, and student owned computers in the classrooms. Some may argue that this is a good thing; some argue that its a bad thing. As future teachers we are lucky enough to be informed by these changes and how they impact the teachers and students. Luckily, Teacher librarians and teacher technologists are in the best position in the school to watch the development and impact of technology in the lives of the teachers and students (David Loertscher 2011, p. 9). In David Loertschers journal article he talks about unleashing the power of technology in classrooms. It was clear to see that he was an advocate of technology in the education, however, addressed two major points that can greatly impact the success of technology. The first major point was access. Meaning, in order for technology in the classroom to be successful, there must be a reliable source of access for all students and teachers. He discusses that some teachers do not support technology in the classroom due to the fact that they do not want to rely on it. However, says this can be solved by a bandwidth wireless access to fast networks. If schools invest in this reliable bandwidth, then teachers can trust that the technology will work and there will be no setbacks during a lesson. Loertscher states, When reliability goes up and wait time goes down, there is a direct impact on the efficiency of the entire organization and on the individual learners. The next major point was the idea of maximized learning. What he says

UNLEASH THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY about this is that teachers do no want to take time to become technologically savvy if the learning wont increase, but rather become a distraction. Loertscher wrote that as long as the students, teachers, and technology team, collaborate then technology in the classroom can be easy and effective. Loertscher also discussed the different views of technology in education.

One of the views was that no technology should be used but rather old-fashioned textbooks, pen, and paper. Another view was that the teacher can use all the technology he or she wants, but the students cannot use their devices such as iPads or their own computers. Another view was that all students should be given their own devices as well as the teacher. Clearly there are several different perspectives on technology in education. After reading David Loertschers journal article about technology in the classroom it was easy to see that it, indeed, could be effective. He addressed a multitude of valid points on how it can work mainly focusing on access and maximized learning. I agree with what most teachers would say that it is only worth it if its going to benefit the students. Especially working with younger students in elementary schools it can be understood that certain devices can be rather distracting than helpful. However, with the direction education is heading towards, we can see that technology is going to be extremely important in the classroom. I agree with the idea that each student and teacher should have a reliable access source at all times so that there are no drawbacks during lessons. In addition, teachers and students must first learn to become technologically savvy before jumping right into it. With help from the technology team, this can be accomplished and can work. In regards to students having their own devices, I would say that if students were provided the devices by the school and could not have any apps or games downloaded on to them other than what the school provides then it would be okay. One point in the article that I did not agree with was that some teachers rely solely on their computers, the

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library, or Smart Boards, and then do not allow any student owned devices in the class. If certain devices are helpful for students to learn just as they are helpful for the teacher to teach it should be permitted. All in all, David Loertscher made extremely valid points about technology in education and about the different views of schools and their investments into it. Clearly, it is easy to see that technology in education is becoming something very common and popular in todays world. It can be seen all over America how technological advancements are currently changing the teaching and learning styles of students and teachers. David Loertscher, a teacher librarian, draws powerful conclusions about technology and the different views on using it in the classroom. Some schools will invest most of their money on new technology, while others will spend little to no money on it. It can be correlated that more technological advances in the classroom can impact a teachers ability to teach and a students ability to learn in a positive way. These advancements can provide an easier, effective, and more enjoyable way to learn. David Loertscher demonstrated in his article these different ways that if everyone works together to move forward with technology in education, there could be success.

UNLEASH THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY References Loertscher, D. V. (2011). Unleash the power of technology in education. Teacher Librarian, 39(1), 46. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/902627384?accountid=28