By: Crystal Klonek

Technology in the classroom

Technology in the 21st Century•T

echnology has grown at a rapid pace in a short amount of time

•Technology is making a incredible impact on learning

•Students and teachers have become more connected using technology

Students and Technology•C

hildren of the 21st century look at technology in a much different way than that of their parents.

•Students, regardless of their age, are now completely immersed in technology.

•With access to so many resources, it is not surprising that the world of education has embraced tech and started providing it to students.

Gaming •B

eyond Nintendo and Playstation, children find joy in competing, achieving goals, and meeting objectives in games.

•Games can improve skills in

communication

and collaboration, problem-solving, and

various number-related skills

•Natural Hook

Tools •C

lassroom Computers•W

hen using a large monitor to project something that the whole class can see, it allows students to collaborate as a class as they explore topics or enjoy virtual field trips.

•. Large projectors can be a way to present information that students created on computers.

Tools Interactive electronic tables can be used for teachers or students to input data which can create a student response system.

•Digital cameras are also another engaging way to get students immersed in their learning. Instead of having students write down their observations or thinking, they could use the cameras to take pictures and create power point presentations.

Visual Stimulation•C

an be engaging to any student and when using it in a lesson, it allows students to retain and connect with the information.

•Visual stimulation can help aide teaching in complex concepts such as science. Visual stimulation can create authentic learning experiences that can allow a strong transfer of understanding to the real world

Social Networking •I

t can provide a collaborative change in the classroom and school community.

•Teachers can design a social network that can connect students and parents.

•Educators can create blogs about upcoming events in school, and daily activities that parents and their students can do at home.

Accessible •T

echnology is now much cheaper.

•Third world nations now provide

students with access to computer

and the internet, opening up a

new world of learning and stimulation.

Conclusion•S

chool districts and administrators need to empower teachers to take advantage of the new technologies available. While budgets are being cut and educators being laid off, it is still important to adopt new ways of reaching students. Administrators and teachers should embrace and learn about technology, as it will continue to open doors to new possibilities in learning.

References Klopfer, E., Osterweil, S., Groff, J., & Hass, J. (2009). The instructional power of digital games social networking simulations and how teachers can leverage them. The Education Arcade, 1-23. Retrieved from http://education.mit.edu/papers/GamesSimsSocNets_EdArcade.pdf

McKenzie, J. (1998). The weird classroom: Creating technology enhanced student-centered learningenvironments. The Educational Technology Journal, 7. Retrieved from http://www.fno.org/mar98/flotilla.html McCrea, B. (2010). Embracing classroom technology. The Journal. Retrieved fromhttp://thejournal.com/articles/2010/06/17/embracing-classroom-technology.aspx