Running head: TECHNOLOGY PAPER 1

Technology Paper

MaKayla Newell

Reinhardt University
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Technology Paper

When students begin school, they have a “success toolbox.” The tool box may have a few

little techniques in it, but generally it is empty. It is the teacher’s responsibility to give students

the tools to put in their toolbox. One of these tools is technology. In the 21st century, the infusion

of technology in the classroom is vital to student success. However, there needs to be a balance

of technology and physical teaching and learning. Society is so immersed in technology that to

have none in the classroom would hurt the students more than it would help them. There are

several vital technological components that are a necessity to a technology-balanced classroom,

including a smartboard, iPads, and computers. Additional technology can be added, depending

on the level of student understanding and need.

Benefits

In a world so saturated with technology, it would only make sense that technology is also

integrated into the classroom experience. The benefits of effective technology use include active

participation of the students, boost in confidence, motivation for learning, and ability to work at

one’s own pace. On a typical school day (without drills, assemblies, book fairs, etc.), there are

roughly six hours of actual learning time. During those six hours of learning time, researchers

have found that “classroom engagement is at an all-time low and lecturers are competing against

countless diversions from phones, tablets and laptops” (Himmelsbach). This statement seems

counterintuitive because technology is the cause of lack of engagement. However, if the

distraction becomes part of the lesson, technology can be used to enhance the learning

experience. Many experts believe that “incorporating technology into education still has proven

benefits, especially when it comes to personalized learning” (Education 2014). Before the radical

change in the education system, all of the students would learn the same concept, at the same
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time, at the same pace. If a student fell behind, that meant he/ she was unable to learn. The

education system today is vastly different from that concept years ago. Now, teachers

differentiate, know each student has the capability to learn, understand the different types of

learners, and include many different levels of learning. A teacher can effectively personalize

learning to individual students with the use of technology. Apps, videos, and word processors

allow students to work at their own pace and at their own level of knowledge. Students no longer

have to complete the exact same 50 problems in their textbook. They have the opportunity to

work at their own level of understanding. According to research, “when technology is used as a

tool to support students in performing authentic tasks, the students are in the position of defining

their goals, making design decisions, and evaluating their progress” (International n.d). By

design, students are able to take control of their learning. A successful citizen of society is able to

define his/ her own goals, make decisions, and evaluate his/ her progress in any situation. In the

past, these aspects have been teacher controlled. Now a student can determine how to accomplish

tasks and learning objectives. It is imperative to remember that “technology can be a highly

effective tool, but that’s all it is – a tool” (Himmelsbach 2018). A single hammer cannot build a

house. Likewise, technology alone cannot build an effective learning environment. There are

other tools required to create the best learning environment for students. These tools include

“creating assignments in class that use both technological tools as well as oral presentations and

group collaboration” which helps “students . . . learn to be dynamic in how they learn and

interact with others” (Himmelsbach 2018). Technology is an increasingly important aspect of life

outside of the classroom. However, interacting and effectively communicating verbally with

others is still vital to a successful career and life. If a classroom is so plugged in that students are
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not aware of their surroundings, including other students, teachers are hindering the chances of

success rather than helping.

Side effects

With every potential remedy to cure the education system come side effects. Technology

can be a very useful tool to engage and encourage students to learn. Unfortunately, if technology

is used incorrectly, clear boundaries are not established, or consistent accessibility is unavailable,

technology can hinder learning to such a degree that students are unable to thrive in the world

outside of the classroom. The number one problem “is access. It becomes a vicious cycle. For

[teachers] to plan instruction and leverage the power of the internet or a piece of technology, they

need access constantly and consistently” (Davis 2018). If a teacher has to race to check out a

piece of technology each day, he/ she is not guaranteed to have it for his/ her lesson. Likewise, if

students are able to have use of the technology only once in a while, the teacher must reteach and

review the proper use of said technology. From observing different teachers and schools, I have

observed a consistent conversation about the time it takes to incorporate technology in the

classroom. Some teachers feel that time is wasted logging onto a device, signing into a program,

and going over instructions on how to use the technology and program. Especially with

departmentalized grades, those tasks can eat up half of the time during that period alone. One

teacher says, “one of my big concerns is that we are simply digitizing what we have always

done” (Davis 2018). Improper use of technology can turn those 50 questions in a textbook into

an online format of those same (or similar) 50 questions. Likewise, teachers can use specific

apps that grade multiple choice assessments, causing the knowledge level to be on the surface or

not present at all, as in the case of guessing.

On the student end of technology use, “it is possible for students to get so caught up in

issues such as type font or audio clips that they pay less attention to the substantive content of

their product” (International n.d). Some students are so focused on making their assignment

physically appealing that the important content is pushed aside or ignored. It is also possible for

the student to succumb to off topic experiences such as a “super exciting clip they found about a

kitten playing the piano” or the like. The teacher is unable to keep a constant eye on the students

and ensure they are staying on task. Another problem that has become exceedingly prevalent is

cheating. It is said that “while students have always found ways to cheat, the digital age makes it

even easier— from copying-and-pasting someone else’s work to hiring an essay-writer from an

online essay mill” (Himmelsbach 2018). Just like being off task, a teacher cannot constantly

monitor students to ensure no cheating occurs. Another problem that occurs is accidental

plagiarism. Certain programs (like Turnitin) will count a text as plagiarism if a certain number of

words are in the same order as someone else’s paper or an article. For example, “In the book The

Cat in the Hat, Dr. Seuss,” could be a phrase to start the essay but Turnitin counts it as

plagiarism. Without proper instructions and boundaries students will cheat.

A Balanced Approach

To effectively teach the future generation, a teacher must have a balanced approach with

a mixture of technology and non-technology lessons. According to Tracy (2011), in an interview

conducted by Lytle (2011), “‘Students inhibit a 21st century world for 18 hours a day . . . And, all

too often, educators put them in a 19th century classroom for six hours of that day, and the

students feel a tremendous disconnect. We have a responsibility to teach them the skills to

optimize these tools.” Instead of technology being taboo and ending up being a sneaky

distraction, teachers should incorporate it to ensure student engagement. A teacher’s job is to

prepare the students for success in the world outside of the classroom, which means that relevant

teaching is essential in today’s culture and environment. Technology should have a place in a

classroom, but “don’t make technology the focus of your class, and don’t make it a barrier”

(Himmelsbach 2018). In other words, technology should not consume the entire learning

experience, nor block successful learning. It is important to be respectful and understanding of

students who do not have access to technology at home. Technology can become a barrier for

these students. Likewise, if technology is the focus, students will not have the opportunity to

interact and collaborate effectively with other students. Technology can impact students in a

positive or a negative way depending on how the teacher implements it.

Effectively Using Technology

To use technology effectively in the classroom, there are specific factors that need to be

considered. Factors include availability of the correct amount of technology, the ability and

knowledge level of the students, and the lesson. In my class, I will have technology days and

non-technology days. The technology days will be entirely online when students can work at

their own pace and on their own work. The other days will be non-technology days, when

students will interact and use manipulatives to learn. This structure gives students the balance

they need to succeed in any environment. For math, students will use whatever required program

the school system uses (SuccessMaker, iReady, etc.) and have apps that help enhance student

learning. Depending on the grade, technology with reading can be virtual books, audio books, or

create-your-own-book. Science can include virtual labs. Social studies can include movies,

interactive programs, and more experiential type learning. Students are able to pick and choose

technology centers where they can work at the level they need to. For example, if a student is

still an emergent reader, he/she can choose the virtual book that highlights the words as it reads
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them aloud. A different student who is focusing on fluency could record himself/ herself reading

a book and see what he/ she needs to do to improve.

By my having technology days and non-technology days consistently students will know

what to expect. It is vital to incorporate technology not only when a teacher is going to be

observed, but to have it consistently used in the classroom. The technology used should also be

up to date. Students do not need to know how to use outdated technology since it will not help

them in the long run. This is not to say that teachers are required to go out and buy the latest

version of everything every time it comes out. However, students do not need to be using Word

from 1997 or 2003. It would also be a wise idea to have fun Fridays where students are able to

safely explore any technology they want or figure out a new technology-related toy the teacher

brings into class. To do this effectively, the teacher must establish nonnegotiable boundaries and

instructions that are. Teachers need to stress the importance of the procedure before they let the

students go. Otherwise, trouble will arise because the Internet can be a very dangerous place.

Conclusion

Technology is a part of society and will continue to grow and gain influence in our world.

Teachers must effectively use technology to enhance the student’s learning. While there are

problems that arise with technology use, ultimately the benefits outweigh the side effects. The

classroom needs to integrate the basic needs of students to thrive and succeed in the outside

world. No longer can we expect students to sit in a factory style classroom where everyone and

everything is the same. Implementation of the balance between physical and virtual reality is a

necessity as society develops and grows to include new and additional technology every day.
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References

Davis, M. R. (2018, June 20). The Future of Classroom Technology: 5 Experts Weigh In.

Retrieved October 8, 2018, from https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2017/06/14/the-

future-of-classroom-technology-5-experts.html

Education.com. (2014, September 15). Technology in the Classroom: Helpful or Harmful?

Retrieved October 8, 2018, from https://www.education.com/magazine/article/effective-

technology-teaching-child/?expiredSessionRefresh=true

Himmelsbach, V. (2018, July 16). 6 Pros & Cons of Technology in the Classroom in 2018.

Retrieved October 8, 2018, from https://tophat.com/blog/6-pros-cons-technology-

classroom/

International, S. (n.d.). Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students. Retrieved October 8,

2018, from https://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html

Lytle, R. (2011, July 14). Study: Emerging Technology Has Positive Impact in Classroom.

Retrieved October 8, 2018, from https://www.usnews.com/education/high-

schools/articles/2011/07/14/study-emerging-technology-has-positive-impact-in-classroom