Making Use of Tech in Class

Christian Martinez

ENG 113b

Prof. Lawson

2/26/13

Making Use of Tech in Class

Schools today should start utilizing modern technology in the classroom to not only help students learn in a faster pace but also to get students used to using technology in an early age. Incorporating technology in the classroom has many benefits, such as preparing elementary and middle school students by teaching them how to use computers and the Internet so that by the time they get to high school they will already know all the basics. If the internet and other technology are used within the classroom it can benefit students and teachers a lot more than it can harm them.

Some teachers say that Technology will replace them. Teachers have a reason to be concerned because it is a big change and it might seem like with technology doing all of the work then teachers will be left out. Teachers that believe that they will be replaced by technology actually have it backwards, “teachers will not be replaced by technology, but teachers who don’t use technology will be replaced by those who do” (SherylNussbaum-beach). Teachers have a lot of classes to deal with and using technology will help to reduce the work load by staying organized via apps found on the internet. Usually naysayers argue that technology is distracting for students and lowers their attention spans, and others say that the internet is only for wasting time on social networks such as Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter. Though it may be true that there is a temptation to use these social networks but instead of restricting them we should use them to our advantage and use these social networks for educational purposes (Teachers). With the help of technology students will be able to search for current information and take notes at the same time in the classroom. Professors and teachers usually spend a lot of time grading essays, and with the use of technology students can just do their essays and tests on their computers and just send it to their instructors. Peakview elementary is a good example that we should all eventually work up to following one day, “Peakview is a new school that is implementing a number of…teaching strategies…Among those strategies is the infusion of more than 80 networked microcomputers and related technology and software” (Wilson)A good example of a successful integration between technology and schools is Peakview Elementary School in Aurora Colorado.

This type of technology may not be accessible to students with low income but there are ways we can make it accessible to them. In the documentary Zeitgeist: Addendum it is explained that most of the money that the government has and is spent on is in the military (Zeitgeist). When the U.S. goes to war the first thing they cut in budgets are schools and hospitals (Zeitgeist). Instead of wasting money in the military we could be spending it on making technology accessible to every student in school. This movie explains how it’s the fault of corporations and the elite for budget cuts on Education and Health Care.

One benefit to using technology such as the Internet in schools is that students would not only learn what they need but also acquire computing skills that will be needed in the future. Teachers would be killing two birds with one stone if they would just incorporate computer use for kids into their everyday lessons. Important computer skills that one needs to know in order to get a job in today’s technology based society is to know how to use Microsoft word, PowerPoint, and Excel. These are just a few examples of what employers are looking for in an employee. It is believed that while students are developing their minds for the future “they also become active learners as they become proficient in gathering, organizing, and publishing knowledge” (Conte). Learning these skills at an early age will actually make it easier when those students are in college and need these skills every day for projects and homework. If we can make this technology accessible to students then we can just get that out of the way in the very beginning so that students don’t have to suffer in the future.

 Other technologies such as the new Smart-board that can be used to engage students in class as well as computers or laptops for example “It can store teachers’ written notes, show a video, and allow students to express their own ideas in class” (DiPardo). There are many different apps and organizers such as calendar, planners, memo pads, and even post it notes, found in the internet that can help teachers and professors keep track of what they’re doing, and with the help of technology teachers can vary the activities of the day so that students can pay attention and not be bored. There are also tablets that are specifically made for certain activities such as the nook or kindle. These can be used for reading instead of carrying heavy books on your back. Teachers can also use technology to help kids that have A.D.D by using different teaching methods and activities to keep the students engaged.

Schools should be taking advantage of modern technology and using it to help students become active learners. In today’s society it is becoming mandatory that a student knows how to navigate the web whether it’s in elementary, middle school, high school or college. We might as well just get students started on using today’s technology at an early age so that when they get older they will already be tech savvy. Teachers will always be needed for teaching positions but not in the same way as they are needed now. With technology in schools students will become super learners and will raise the standard for everyone in the world. Technology might be distracting for some kids but if teachers and parents use these as tools to help them stay focused then possibilities are endless. We don’t always have to make education sound boring, we can find ways to make it enjoyable. Schools should be viewed as an excellent opportunity and a privilege. With the help of technology we can get students to develop a hunger for knowledge.

Work Cited

Conte, Christopher. "Networking the Classroom." CQ Researcher 20 Oct. 1995: 921-44. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.

DiPardo, Liz. “Functions and Benefits of the Smartboard,” eHow. 5 July. 2012. Web 27 Feb. 2013.

Top 10 Reasons to Use Technology in Education: iPad, Tablet, Computer, Listening Centers. YouTube. YouTube, 31 Oct. 2011. Web. 27 Feb. 2013. 

“Teachers & Technology." Education Week 17 Mar. 2011: 40. Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.

Wilson, Brent G. “Successful Technology Integration in an Elementary School: A Case Study,” Denton TX: Texas Center for Educational Technology 1995. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.

Zeitgeist: Addendum. Dir. Peter joseph. GMP LLC. Oct, 2008. Film.