“We need technology in every classroom and in every student and teacher’s hand, because it is the pen and paper of our time, and it is the lens through which we experience much of our world.” – David Warlick Â
Photo by Carl Heyerdahl on Unsplash Â
Introduction
Upon reading and reflecting, on the many technological devices and teaching methods that can be incorporated to enhance learners’ experiences. I am in support of including technology into my own practices. I recognize that my knowledge of using technology is limited and restricted by budget. However, I believe the integration of technology is important to maintain student engagement and to meet the needs of the diverse learners in my class. Holland and Holland’s article stated that “Providing meaningful integration of new technologies through the careful selection of quality tools aligning to best instructional practices can alter how learners and instructors engage with concepts and each other to achieve powerful learning” (P. 18). Indeed, the integration of technology can, and does, provide a multitude of options to assist, strengthen, and facilitate the learning concepts being taught in class. Integrating technology in the classroom, opens up accessibility and mobility, creativity, and the development of transferable skills needed throughout life.Â
Technology In the ClassroomÂ
Technology provides accessibility and mobility options that enhance learning and communication. As indicated in the Lamba Solutions article, students can use technology, including computers and tablets at school, then access the internet, via their phones, while travelling home on the bus. This ease of accessibility and mobility enables students to read information or work on an assignment from basically anywhere, and at any time. Steven Lahullier’s article further supports the positive aspects of that technological devices, as they enable students to “view textbooks, research participate in Internet based class assignments.” (P. 1). Having access and mobility options facilitates students ownership of their learning and provides a more personal style of learning. The integration of technology also provides communication access to students with non-verbal communication skills. For exampIe, tablets can be set with specific communication programs allowing the student to press an icon and converse with their peers or educators. Technology enables educators to provide instant feedback or send important messages to classes by using social media platforms, including Twitter, or a course specific web page or program. For example, I often use My Blueprint to communicate with Careers Students, as they build their digital portfolios. New technology has further expanded accessibility and mobility options for students as they no longer have to take courses in the traditional, brick and mortar setting. Learners, for instance can take courses in areas that interest them that may not be offered in their regular school setting. Technology has expanded avenues for students to access information, how they learn, where they learn and in the manner with which they communicate with peers and instructors. Â
I support the view that technology, used in the classroom, has enabled endless creativity opportunities for both the educator and the learner. Ipads, cell phones and laptops can explain, or showcase, specific material in written, audio and visual formats, thus taking into account the many learning styles. Students can produce learning portfolios, videos, web-pages, blogs, games and presentations that suit their learning needs and styles, that help to reinforce what is being taught or focused on in class. No longer are students limited to paper based projects. Although textbooks are still used in schools, and are still important learning tools (I too still rely on them), many teachers are enhancing their courses by including the use of technological devices in their classrooms. The smart board or digital touch screens, cameras, simulators or digital learning platforms, all enable students to engage in creative, hands-on activities to learn specific criteria. Using technological devices in creative ways provides a variety of learning environments, which in turn assists educators in meeting the needs of their diverse learners, and students being engaged.Â
Using technology in the classroom, assists in the development of learners’ transferable skills. Transferable skills are those skills that can be applied in any situation (classroom or workplace), and include, but are not limited to, communication skills and problem solving skills. By incorporating technology devices, or components, into a classroom to use as a learning tool, or for completion of specific assignments, students can work together to solve problems, discuss/communicate their choice of steps in the problem solving process or creating a specific piece of work, and outline what they learned. Both the teacher and the technology tool can foster discussion between students as they collect information, solve problems, work on their project and assess their outcomes.  Â
Conclusion
By incorporating technology into instructional practice, it enables educators to meet the diverse learning needs in their classrooms, keeps students engaged, enhances learners’ experiences, and facilitates their learning. By adding, or introducing technology into the classroom, educators provide more accessibility and mobility options for students; technology enables creativity in both teaching methods and student learning and production; and using technology in the classroom further develops learners transferable skills that can be used throughout school and as they enter the workforce.Â
I recognize that reading books, writing with pen to paper, and other forms of learning that do not incorporate technology are important and have their place, and that teaching budgets are set and we do not have unlimited funds to purchase the newest and best gadgets for an entire class. However, in our changing society, I feel that by not incorporating some form(s) of technology into teaching practices would be a disservice to students. Although my knowledge of technology is limited, I am willing to learn new ways to incorporate technology into my teaching practice with the hopes of enhancing my learners’ experience. As technology continues to change, I think one of the biggest areas that will assist in student learning, would be to continue to develop accessibility and mobility. Being able to access information is a human right, and being able to learn from anywhere is just as essential!
Deirdre Houghton