Meerschaert 1

Chelsea Meerschaert
DLL 4196
November 18, 2017

The Advancement of Educational Technology

Part I:

From the advancement of technology, the roles of both teachers and students have

drastically changed, and will continue to change as it further advances. Teaching styles and

methods are heavily influenced by this advancement, which in turn causes learning to be affected

as well. There are both positive and negative sides to the influences that the technology

advancement has had on education. Through field experiences, observations, and research it can

be said that technology influences the education system greatly.

The biggest influence I have seen is the positive side that the advancement of technology

has had on education. I feel personally, that incorporating technology into education, is essential

for todays learners and for future learners. According to a study by IT Trade Association

CompTIA just released this month, around 75 percent of educators think that technology has a

positive impact in the education process (Cox, 2016).

In my current field placement, I was placed in a group with a young boy who has a hard time

concentrating. He likes to talk to himself, make noises, and usually has a hard time sitting still.

The teacher, who understands it, allows him to do what he needs to do. However, when we

began a new project the teacher brought out tablets for the students to use. Immediately, this boy

was focused and able to participate in his group project, that five minutes before, he was having

difficulty with. The great thing about it was not that he was paying attention because he wanted

to play games, but it was something that stimulated him and got him involved in learning. In

many cases, I have seen students who do not use technology appropriately, or the way they
 Meerschaert 2

should be at the time. This boy was different, he was researching for his project, he was

participating with his group, and he was learning. Not only did the role of the student change, but

the teacher role changed, she became the learner as she observed him using the tablet.

More teachers are willing to take their teaching in a different direction to try and

incorporate different methods into their lessons (Green Garage Blog, 2015). In previous years,

this would not have been an option, but because of the advancement in technology and the use of

it in schools, the roles of teacher and students have changed for the better. Traditionally,

classrooms have been relatively isolated, and collaboration has been limited to other students in

the same classroom or building. Today, technology enables forms of communication and

collaboration undreamt of in the past (Purdue University, 2017). Technology has changed the

roles of everyone in education and it has had an overall positive impact.

The advancement of technology in education is not always a positive experience though.

For example, in a previous field placement I observed a class that had access to tablets after they

finished their work, like a reward. While the games that were available to them were educational,

there was a negative side effect to offering tablet time as a reward for completed work. The

teacher seemed to be going for differentiated instruction, where the students work at their own

pace, and the tablet apps can adjust to the performance level of the student (Ronan, 2017).

However, it resulted in the students racing to finish their lessons and worksheets, so that they

could have their tablet time. Because they were rushing, the work was sloppy and lacked effort,

some even left parts of their work blank and said, Ill take it home and finish it later. This

caused tension between the teacher and the students, it created an atmosphere that made the

teacher turn into the bad guy who took away their tablets and forced them to continue working.

The students were no longer motivated to learn, they only had one goal, to finish and get to tablet
 Meerschaert 3

time. Learning was not the main focus, and the technology, or the way that the technology was

implemented, caused strain on the teacher and student relationships.

Another disadvantage of the advancement of technology in classrooms is the training that

teachers must go through in order to use it. Many teachers have embraced technology, and many

are eager to see the positive side to using it in their classrooms. While many teachers may find it

much easier to teach, keep the students focused, and to keep them interested, they may also find

themselves in a difficult situation where they must censor and babysit their students to reduce

incidents of inappropriate material and cheating. The best teachers that I have seen using

technology to aid independent learning are the ones who have embraced the power that is already

in the pockets of students. Most students have powerful devices, primed and ready to go in their

pockets the dreaded mobile phone. If you're lucky like me, your school will see the power that

these wonders hold (Britland, 2013). Many teachers and schools are intimidated by the possible

outcomes that mobile devices can have, however if they are used in an appropriate way, they can

enhance the learning experience that goes on in the class. In order to allow technology in the

classroom, teachers must first know how to use technology and must be trained in the safety and

teaching of technology to their students. Teacher training: The teachers who didnt grow up

surrounded by technology are going to need to be taught how to use everything and evolve with

the updates (Ivy Bound Test Prep, 2016).

Part II:

Essay Question: List the best ways/resources to integrate technology into your future classroom.

Explain why you chose these as the best, and make sure to give specific examples of how you

would go about using them in your classroom.

 Meerschaert 4

There are many ways and resources that todays teachers can integrate technology into

their classroom. Teachers and schools approach technology in very different ways from each

other. Some schools or teachers choose to believe that technology only causes a distraction, and

cannot be used as a tool for learning. Others, who embrace technology and the vast advances that

have been made, have a good chance at connecting and engaging their students in learning. The

ways and resources I would use in my future classroom are, first explaining the importance and

teaching safety when using technology at any time, sharing resources that will help students dig

deeper into their curiosity, and using technology that enhances learning rather than distracts.

First, I would begin introducing technology in the classroom slowly. Before actually

using technology, I would want to ensure that I properly teach my students the ins and outs of

technology, and how to be safe when using it. It is important for students to know how their

words can affect others, and can even be harmful when not intended. According to statistics

compiled by the National Crime Prevention Council, approximately 160,000 children are absent

from school each day because they are concerned about being bullied (Redmond, 2017).

Educating students on cyberbullying and what to do when it happens is so important when

introducing technology into a classroom. Before they can actually use the technology, they must

understand the appropriately and safest way to use technology, because if they are not using it in

this way, then there is no reason to use technology.

After this, I would share multiple resources with my students. I would teach them how to

use their devices, and what websites, games, apps, or learning programs are the best to use to

enhance their learning. This is a process that I would call the how to. Before fully allowing

students to be independent and trust them with using the technology on their own, I would want

to teach them where to go and what to do when they are using their technology. I would want to
 Meerschaert 5

gradually introduce my students to technology, first by using it myself and demonstrating the

ways I use it (Starr, 2016). Students who are given guidance when learning how to use

technology will have a better chance of using it in the appropriate and intended way. Students

may also feel more motivated to learn, they can feel free to ask questions that are not normally

addressed in school. Once the students understand how to use the technology, I would allow

them to have access to different types of technology and online resources.

One example of a type of resource or online tool I would use is a WebQuest. Students

work in teams, learn to cooperate and collaborate because they not only access the Internet for

information, but they also apply the information in a new way. This leads students to use their

higher thinking skills for a deeper understanding and more independent learning (Deutsch,

2015). WebQuests are a great tool for teachers and students. They provide authentic situations

and help students form a deeper connection with what they are learning. The process of the

WebQuest also helps the students become more familiar with advancing technology. Another

resource I would use is an app that promotes learning and adapts to students current education

levels. Learning is no more a passive activity, its active with applications. Lessons

transforming to games can change the face of education. Children will enable a kind of interest

in learning. Level based apps instill determination to pass each level (Edsys, 2017). Apps that

engage students and promote the want to learn, help students associate positive outcomes of

learning.
 Meerschaert 6

Works Cited

Edsys. (2017, July 24). 12 Benefits of Using Apps in Education. Retrieved November 18, 2017,

from http://www.edsys.in/12-benefits-of-using-apps-in-education/

Britland, M. (2013, June 18). How has technology transformed the role of a teacher? Retrieved

November 18, 2017, from https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-

blog/2013/jun/18/technology-transform-teaching-students-schools

Cox, J. (2016). Benefits of Technology in the Classroom. Retrieved November 18, 2017, from

http://www.teachhub.com/benefits-technology-classroom

Deutsch, D. N. (2015, March 08). Why Use WebQuests for Today's Learners. Retrieved November

18, 2017, from https://blog.wiziq.com/why-use-webquests-for-todays-learners/

Green Garage Blog. (2015, July 01). 10 Top Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology in

Education. Retrieved November 18, 2017, from https://greengarageblog.org/10-top-advantages-

and-disadvantages-of-technology-in-education

Ivy Bound Test Prep. (2016, June 28). Pros and Cons of Technology in the Classroom. Retrieved

November 18, 2017, from https://www.ivybound.net/blog/academic-success-articles/pros-cons-

technology-classroom/

Purdue University. (2017, April 25). How Has Technology Changed Education? Retrieved

November 18, 2017, from http://online.purdue.edu/ldt/learning-design-

technology/resources/how-has-technology-changed-education

Redmond, J. (2017). Cyberbullying in Elementary School. Retrieved November 18, 2017, from

http://kids.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Cyberbullying_Elementary_School

Ronan, A. (2017, January 16). The Pros and Cons of Technology. Retrieved November 18, 2017,

from http://www.edudemic.com/technology-pros-cons/
 Meerschaert 7

Starr, L. (2016, October 5). Integrating Technology in the Classroom: It Takes More Than Just

Having Computers. Retrieved November 18, 2017, from

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech146.shtml