Understanding Technology

Dillon Hinshaw

EDCO390-51

January 31, 2016

Understanding Technology

      When looking at Technology Literacy standards of the 21st Century Skills, particularly the 21.3-5.TL.1 standard, the need of focused technology use in the classroom comes into question. There is always something new that can be implemented into the classroom to engage the students, and allow them to find new ways to be creative while doing work (Technology Literacy, 2016). This could range from using PowerPoint for a presentation, or making quizzes via Kahoot! to study for an upcoming test. These are just a few examples of simple technology use. Still, it is imperative that students understand the basics of technology today, so that they will get the most out of their time in school. More advanced technologies are usually more successfully integrated in the later elementary years, namely 5th and 6th grade.

      Often, schools and educators have the difficult balancing act of keeping technology in use without making a classroom dependent on it. Going back to simple paper and pencil assignments and old-school projector use will not fly with students of today. Certainly, activities will work with these quite a bit, but students require the stimulation that technology gives them. Using technology during lessons excites and keeps the attention of students longer than a lesson without technology use (Huneycutt, 2013). Again, this needs to be done in moderation, and the same thing should not be used over and over again. It should be noted that all technology will create waves in a classroom, whether it be boring or interesting. Personal cellphones and computers are a wave that is hard to control. If such devices are allowed in the classroom at all times, it is likely learning may go out the window for some, as such devices can be quite distracting. These devices should be used with caution (Johnson, 2015).

      Giving students the opportunity to explore and be creative is the first step to understanding technology. This can be done individually or in with others, but should be shared and expressed in different ways (Technology Literacy, 2016). For big projects in particular, giving students the opportunity to make videos and giving slideshows can be a huge idea maker for students, as often the sky is the limit. Many creative ideas can become reality by just allowing students to experiment and explore with new technologies (Nilsson, 2013). It should also be extremely obvious that utilizing technology is simply great for teaching basic life skills. Technology is part of daily life, and is quickly becoming a huge requirement for many jobs (Saxena, 2013).

      The basic understandings of technology is a given in any classroom. Students along with educators need to be able to use technology in a number of ways. Once students have become used to the programs, devices, and/or websites they are using, a form of synthesis will be complete. After the technology has been discussed and dissected, students will be able to make use of such things in and out of the classroom (Huneycutt, 2013). Now, it could be said that the technologies of today will be outdid in the near future by even more advanced technologies, but understanding older technology will often give one an intuitive sense when encountering something new. 

      Hopefully, all classrooms can find the perfect balance in utilizing technology. Educators have the huge responsibility of integrating said technology in creative and meaningful ways. The students will then reap the rewards, as using technology properly in the classroom can be both rewarding and fun, leading to deeper understanding. The perfect classroom will find the balance of technology use, and will garner the best results. If controlled, technology can only be a good thing.

    

     

References:

 Huneycutt, T. (2013, October 8). TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM: THE BENEFITS OF BLENDED LEARNING. Retrieved January 30, 2016, from http://www.nms.org/Blog/TabId/58/PostId/188/technology-in-the-classroom-the-benefits-of-b 

 Johnson, B. (2015, June 17). How to Manage Cell Phones in the Classroom. Retrieved January 31, 2016, from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/how-manage-cell-phones-classroom-ben-johnson 

 Nilsson, B. (2013, October 31). 5th and 6th Graders Show Their Innovative Use of Technology in the Classroom | Extreme Networks. Retrieved January 30, 2016, from http://www.extremenetworks.com/4th-and-5th-graders-show-their-innovative-use-of-technology-in-the-classroom 

 Saxena, S. (2013, November 14). How Can Technology Enhance Student Creativity? Retrieved January 30, 2016, from http://edtechreview.in/trends-insights/insights/750-how-can-technology-enhance-student-creativity

Technology Literacy. (2016). Retrieved January 30, 2016, from https://iowacore.gov/iowa-core/grade/5/21st-century-skills/technology-literacy