Human and Abilities

Technology has a large impact on teaching and learning. In the technology in the classroom video titled “Wilmington Dixon”, the teacher Ms. Dixon integrated laptops into her classroom for students to use for research. This had a positive impact because students were able to learn about subjects in a more interesting way and it got them more involved. Ms. Dixon said that she had one student that had not completed an assignment all year. When they used the laptops, this particular student did the project early and even e-mailed her to let her know that they had completed it. This is a great example of how technology can make kids want to learn and have a positive impact.

While technology had a positive impact in Ms. Dixon’s classroom, it does not always work this way. Technology in pre-k through high school may be helpful. However, in college there are some noticeable drawbacks to technology in classroom. If students are able to use technology, such as laptops and cell phones, they can be easily distracted in class. Students may be taking notes on their laptops as well as online shopping or doing other homework. Other students may be taking notes and checking their phones. In our last class, we talked about the myth of multitasking. People do not multitask well and it actually takes them twice as long to complete a task when they are multitasking as opposed to doing the tasks separately. So, if a student in class has technology that they can use to “multitask”, they are likely not paying attention to class and are distracted because of this technology. This is a big drawback of technology usage in classrooms.

Overall, I believe that technology can be a really effective to get students involved, interested and educated. In research done by Pew it is seen that more educated people use Internet than those who are less educated. The more educated may use the Internet to learn more, which is why they are more educated. They may also use it because it is more accessible to them. Either way, this statistic shows that higher education is related to more Internet usage. This is a good example of how technology may be helpful in advancing children and their education. However, I do think there should be limits to technology usage. Cell phones usually aren’t necessary in the classroom and even though students like to check them during class it can be very distracting. Laptops also are not necessary unless students take notes that way or need them for research or in class activities. I would definitely ban cell phone usage in classrooms, unless they are necessary. Also, I would limit laptop usage. I had one professor who only let us use our laptops if we needed to for notes, however if she saw us using them for other things we were not allowed to have them anymore. I think that is a good strategy that will keep students on task.