Invention Notes: Use of Technology in Classrooms

Definition

Use of technology in classrooms is...

• a way of using more resources.
• a tool to teach the students how to use resources.
• good motivation for students to pursue a deeper understanding of their lessons.
• an excuse to slack off.
• a way to closely communicate with students and follow their progress.

Examplification

• By using the internet and the multimedia, the students are actively learning how to compile and sort through information efficiently and thoroughly.
• Not all internet resources are valid; by teaching the students how to use online resources, they will be able to filter incorrect or irrelevant information, as well as critically asses them, thus improving their knowledge of the matter.
• The use of internet and multimedia tools helps students find more interesting, tailor-suited information related to their courses. A literature student may watch a film adaptation of a work, or a comparison of different cover art, thus raising his or her interest in the topic.
• Students may use this wide array of resources in order to avoid getting the necessary studying done. A literature student may only watch a film version of the book, thus limiting his or her knowledge, or resort to plagiarism.
• Technology offers a way for students to ask their teachers questions in real time, get answers more quickly and share their work with the world. Teachers are able to post the necessary information online, more efficiently correct their students' homework, or file it more neatly.

Comparison

Classrooms with technology: 

• Students are able to use a variety of sources to get information.
• Information compiled using technology may not be valid/relevant.
• Technology allows individual interest in a certain subject by using a variety of mediums.
• Possible instances of counterproductive uses of technology, students using the technology to cheat.
• Faster communication among peers and with teachers, closer examination of a student's work, better picture of a particular student.

Classrooms without technology:

• Students are restricted to the resources already in the classroom.
• Information compiled using classroom resources should usually be valid/relevant.
• No technology in classroom implies that a student's exploration of a certain topic is less individual.
• Less space for students to cheat, less ways to go around doing one's workload.
• Slower communication among peers and with teachers, a student's work and efforts may not be as clear.

Casualty

Using technology (mainly, but not restricted to computers) is a new trend in teaching that is evolving rapidly. Most schools and teachers are trying out this new way of conveying information, but it is too soon to judge whether the results are satisfactory or not.

The use of technology in classrooms is a way to closely communicate with students and follow their progress because it allows the teacher to assess the student's qualities, talents and effort on a more frequent, deeper level.

Effects

Use of technology in schools leads to a better understanding of both core and extracurricular subjects, thus allowing the students to further develop their skills with more solid base knowledge.