Laptop computers have replaced paper and pencil, the Internet has replaced textbooks, and electronic slide show presentations have replaced the chalkboard in many classrooms. Course web pages provide the class syllabus, reading materials, and student grades. In our education system technology increases productivity, delivers content dynamically, supports students’ individual learning styles, increases access to educational resources, and facilitates communication and collaboration. In the classroom, teachers use multimedia presentation tools to facilitate large-group learning and to engage their students’ senses. Software programs tutor students in problem areas, give them corrective feedback, and let them complete lessons at their own pace. The Internet makes low- and no-cost content available to students. E-mail, blogs, wikis, and social networking sites promote student communication and collaboration on group projects. Students use Probeware and software analysis tools to conduct otherwise too dangerous or costly experiments.
By using technology, students can engage their course material and use newly acquired information to process questions and participate in solving problems. Students become active learners and learn to cooperate with others in collaborative problem-solving activities. Technology, such as student response systems and software programs, provide instant corrective feedback tailored to each individual student’s problem areas to improve learning. The use of desktop and electronic publishing increases students’ reading and writing skills. Internet webquests and research projects improve students’ ability to process and evaluate information from multiple sources. Simulations and computer games encourage non-linear thinking and improve spatial reasoning.
Technology also helps teachers in their planning. Teachers can produce lesson plans and presentations electronically and easily archive and edit them for future use. Online resource sites for teachers provide examples of successful lesson plans and classroom activities and provide a forum for teachers to share ideas. Through the integration of simulations, virtual experiments and field trips, and webquests, teachers can present their content in multiple and more effective ways.
A technologically-heavy curriculum presents numerous challenges, as well as benefits. Incorporating technology into the classroom requires high recurring costs. Schools must be wired for broadband Internet access. Computers, projection systems, hand-held electronic devices, software, and subscriptions to online content and tools are all costly investments that must be replaced in order to avoid obsolescence. Technical support staff and ongoing teacher education in new technology are additional costs.
Teachers can use technology to present complex topics too quickly and eliminate the reflection time students need to assimilate new information. The technology itself may require too much class time or personal time for students. Technology based lesson plans require backup plans in case of equipment failure, resulting in increased teacher preparation. Teachers may become more impersonal and distant from students if technology replaces interpersonal interaction. Technology-supported projects may be used to fill time and not as meaningful learning experiences.
Technology has advanced education standards. Student productivity has increased with the ubiquity of computers and word-processing software. Increased access to research material has prompted raised expectations for student assignments. Interactive assignments and online access to course materials have increased student responsibility. Increased use of technology will facilitate student-centered and student-led learning, allowing students to engage material in more real-world contexts and promoting life-long learning.
Resources for educators
Constructivist Teaching with Technology: Explanation of student-centered approach to teaching and learning with links to online texts, videos, and wikis.
Education Technology Resources: Links to online journals, government resources, educational standards, and curriculum resources for educators.
Educator Resources: Links to research on technology in education, podcasts explaining Web 2.0 tools, and a database of best practices.
How To Guide To Technology Use: Information on basic equipment operation and more advanced topics.
How to Incorporate Technology in the Classroom: Definitions and explanations of how to incorporate instructional software, social networking, assistive technology, and data base lesson plans in the classroom.
Multimedia Articles on Education Technology: Multimedia articles related to instructional design and education and training for novice to intermediate practitioners in these fields.
Technology in the Classroom: Journal on computer technology in middle school with links to K-12 resources.
Webquests: Webquests are an online activity that requires students to synthesize new knowledge by accomplishing a task such as solving a hypothetical problem or address a real-world issue. Website includes example webquests and information on how to create a webquest.
Webquest Links: Links to sample webquests and tutorials for teachers.
Cost-Effectiveness of the Intelligent Classroom: Capabilities and costs of a smart classroom.
Cost of Basic and Advanced Technology: Cost estimates of basic technology, such as projectors and screens, and more advanced technology, such as motorized screens and computers.
Smart Classrooms: California State University Taskforce on Smart Classrooms includes cost of set-up and operation.
Case studies
Case Studies of Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students: Effects on Teachers and Students.
Effective Uses of Technology-Assisted Instruction: An Investigation of Student Performance, Attendance, and Satisfaction: A comparison of technology-assisted and traditional Psychology classes.
Instructional Practices of Two Primary Grade Teachers When Integrating Technology with Literacy Instruction: Integrating technology into literacy instruction in primary school.
Student Response Systems: Links to discipline-specific studies of student response systems in the classroom.
Successful Technology Integration in an Elementary School: The impact of networked microcomputers and related technology and software on the school community.
Technology in the Math Classroom: Compares technology-assisted and traditional algebra instruction.
The Impact of Educational Technology on Learner Interactions: A look at the effects of technology on learning and education.
Technology, the Catalyst of Education: A look at the difficulties technology has created for education.
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